Incorporation cost estimator
Estimate the all-in cost of incorporating a Canadian business - federal or provincial, DIY or with a service. Numbers reflect June 2026 government fees and typical service prices.
Add-ons
Estimates reflect typical June 2026 pricing. Final cost varies by service and add-ons selected at checkout.
How the math works
Every incorporation has three cost layers:
- Government filing fee - non-negotiable. Set by the jurisdiction.
- Name search (NUANS or provincial Name Request) - only if you want a named company.
- Service fee - what you pay an online incorporator or lawyer for the work.
DIY incorporation is just government fee + name search. Services bundle the filing, minute book, and post-incorporation paperwork for $200–$800. Lawyers run $1,000–$3,000 and are worth it for complex share structures, co-founder splits, or holdco setups.
Government fees by jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | Filing fee | Name search |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | $200 (online) | NUANS, ~$30 |
| Ontario (OBCA) | $300 | NUANS Ontario, ~$30 |
| Quebec (REQ) | ~$378 | REQ name search, ~$0–$30 |
| BC | ~$352 | Name Request, $30 (or $100 priority) |
| Alberta | ~$275 (plus agent fee) | NUANS Alberta, ~$30 |
What “service” covers
An online incorporator typically includes: the NUANS / name search, Articles of Incorporation filing, organizational resolutions, share certificates, a digital minute book, and CRA business number registration. Some include a year of registered office service. The big three for Canadian small businesses:
- Ownr - the most polished UX. RBC-owned. Strong for ON, BC, AB, QC, federal.
- LawDepot - budget-friendly for federal, Ontario, Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan, with add-ons only if you need them.
- MyCorporation - Canada-specific filing support with bylaws and sample corporate documents in the package.
See the full comparison.
FAQ
Why is Alberta cheaper but has an extra fee?
Alberta uses private registry agents instead of a government portal. The filing fee is lower, but the agent adds $50–$200 to process it on your behalf.
What’s the cheapest legal way?
A numbered federal corporation: $200 filing fee, no NUANS needed. Add a CRA business number (free), open a Wealthsimple Business account (free), and you’re operating for $200.
Does this include ongoing costs?
No - this estimator covers one-time setup. Plan for $300–$2,000/year in accounting, annual return filings, and software.
Last updated: June 4, 2026. We review this page when rules or pricing change. Spot an error?