Business registration costs in Canada depend on your province and business structure. Here is a complete breakdown of current government fees for 2026, plus what you actually pay when you add optional services.
Sole Proprietorship Registration Costs by Province
| Province | Government Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $60 | Online at ontario.ca/businessregistry. Valid 5 years. |
| British Columbia | $40 + $30 name approval = $70 | Name approval required before registration. Valid indefinitely. |
| Alberta | ~$60 (via registry agent, includes agent fee) | No direct government portal; must use authorized agents. Valid indefinitely. |
| Quebec | ~$38 | Registration at Registraire des entreprises. Valid 5 years. |
| Manitoba | $60 (name reservation) | Valid 3 years. |
| Saskatchewan | $60 (name reservation) | Valid 10 years. |
| Nova Scotia | ~$26 + NUANS search ~$70 | NUANS required. Valid 5 years. |
| New Brunswick | ~$130 | Valid 5 years. |
| PEI | ~$100 | Valid 5 years. |
Operating under your own legal name: $0. No registration fee applies if you use your full legal name as your business name.
Incorporation Costs
| Route | Government Fee | Name Search | Annual Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal (Corporations Canada) | $200 (online) / $250 (paper) | $13.80 NUANS (if named) | $12/year (annual return) |
| Ontario (OBCA) | $300 (online) | Included in OBR search | No annual filing fee (but extra-provincial reg $330 if needed) |
| British Columbia (BCBCA) | $350 | $30 | $43.39/year (annual report) |
| Alberta (ABCA) | $275 + agent fees (~$50) | ~$50 NUANS | $50/year + agent fee |
| Quebec (QBCA) | ~$379 (priority) / lower for standard | Included | ~$89/year (annual declaration) |
What You Actually Pay: Total Cost Scenarios
Scenario 1: Freelancer, Ontario, Sole Proprietorship, DIY
- Business name registration: $60
- CRA Business Number: $0
- Business bank account: $0–$15/month (monthly fees vary)
- Total upfront: $60
Scenario 2: Freelancer, BC, Sole Proprietorship, DIY
- Name approval: $30
- Registration: $40
- Total upfront: $70
Scenario 3: Consultant, Ontario, Federal Corporation, DIY + Accountant
- Federal incorporation: $200
- Ontario extra-provincial registration: $330
- NUANS search: $13.80
- Lawyer/accountant for minute book setup: $500–$1,500
- Annual corporate accounting (T2 + compliance): $1,500–$3,000/year
- Total first year: $2,544–$5,044
Scenario 4: Consultant, Ontario, Provincial Corporation, via Ownr
- Ownr service fee: $499+
- Government fee: $300
- Annual corporate accounting: $1,500–$3,000
- Total first year: $2,299–$3,800
CRA Registration Costs
All CRA registrations are free:
- Business Number (BN): $0
- GST/HST account: $0
- Payroll account: $0
- Corporate income tax account: $0
Hidden Ongoing Costs to Budget For
- Business bank account fees: $0 (credit union or online bank) to $30/month (major bank business accounts)
- Accounting software: $0 (Wave) to $55/month (FreshBooks, QuickBooks)
- Annual accountant fees: $500–$1,500 for sole proprietor T1+T2125; $1,500–$3,000 for corporate T2
- Business name renewal: Same as initial registration fee, every 5 years (Ontario, Quebec)
- Business insurance: $500–$2,000/year depending on industry and coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GST/HST registration free?
Yes. Registering for a GST/HST account through the CRA’s BRO portal is free. There is no government fee for any CRA program account.
Can I deduct registration costs as a business expense?
Yes. Provincial registration fees, NUANS searches, and legal fees paid for business registration and incorporation are deductible as business expenses on your T2125 (sole proprietor) or T2 (corporation). Keep receipts for at least 6 years.
Does the registration fee change if I use a service instead of doing it myself?
The government fee is the same regardless of who files — you pay $60 to the Ontario government whether you file yourself or use Ownr. The service charges an additional fee on top for convenience. The certificate you receive is identical either way.