How Do You File for a Business Registration in Ontario, Canada

Many aspiring entrepreneurs choose to do business in Ontario, Canada because it is one of the most developed Provinces in Canada from a business infrastructure perspective. With nearly 15 million residents and growing, Ontario is one of the densely populated land masses in Canada.  In addition to that, its residents are some of the wealthiest in Canada with the highest per capita income ranges.

From a business perspective, Ontario is desirable because the business infrastructure is well established, therefore businesses of all sorts have open and easy access to companies of all sorts. For example, banks are abundant if your business needs funding resources. If you are in a labor intensive industry, there is no shortage of companies to provide workman’s compensation insurance.

So if you are contemplating doing business in Ontario, Canada you will have to register your business.  The process of registering a business in Ontario is not too complicated, but it does require its fair share of paperwork. But then again, what jurisdiction doesn’t?  The fees are not too steep either as you will learn more about below. Suffice it to say that registering a business in Ontario is a much easier process relative to similar countries.

For you to incorporate in Ontario you will need to file Form 1 of the Business Corporations Act (BCA).  This is the act that governs all legal entity formation in Ontario.  You can obtain these forms from any law office, or online if you wish to incorporate in Canada manually through the old pen and paper method.  There are online services available through endorsed third party providers that can make the job easier if you are comfortable doing business online.

These forms are rather extensive, and require you to provide all personal and business enterprise related information. You will have to provide the basics such as names and addresses but also the nature of your business and what you intend to do in and with it.  In addition you cannot provide a PO Box address. A business address must be a physical address.

Once you have your forms filled out you will have to submit them the public office of the Companies Branch, the entity responsible for facilitating business formation and incorporation.  This can also be done via mail or in person.  Online is typically cheaper at $60 per application as opposed to $80 in person.  However, as you will read below there is one very slight disadvantage to filing out the application online, one that personally does not bother me.

The Ontario business registration process also involves obtaining a Master Business License, the proof document demonstrating that you can legally conduct business in Canada.  You can get this right away when you file in person, or wait a few days if you file via mail.  This is the sole disadvantage of filing online which I referred to above.

Like I said, the Ontario business registration process is not too complicated, but make sure you fill out all the forms adequately to ensure a smooth experience establishing a business in Ontario, Canada. Click here for more info on this subject.