Starting freelancing in Canada as a newcomer is operationally straightforward — most of the setup takes one to two weeks once you have your SIN. The steps below are in the order they should happen, with the tools that make each one fast and low-cost.
Before You Begin: Confirm Immigration Authorization
Read your immigration document carefully. Self-employment is permitted on most open work permits and is fully available to permanent residents. It is generally not permitted on closed (employer-specific) work permits. If you have any doubt, consult a Canadian immigration lawyer before invoicing any client — violations of permit conditions can affect future applications.
Step 1: Get Your SIN (Day 1)
Go to your nearest Service Canada Centre with your immigration documents. A SIN is issued same-day in most cases. Without a SIN, you cannot open a bank account, register with the CRA, or file taxes. This is your first priority.
Step 2: Decide on Your Business Name (Week 1)
Two options:
- Use your legal name: No registration required. Start immediately. Your invoices say “Maria Santos” and clients pay to “Maria Santos.”
- Use a trade name: Register provincially before invoicing. Ontario Business Registry (ontario.ca/businessregistry): $60, same-day. BC, Alberta, other provinces: similar process, similar cost.
Most newcomers starting out choose their legal name to avoid the registration step. You can always register a trade name later.
Step 3: Open Banking (Week 1)
Canadian business account: EQ Bank Business or Wealthsimple Business — both free, no credit history needed, fully online.
International payments: If you serve US or European clients, open a Wise Business account ($55 one-time). This gives you a US bank account number for ACH receiving, saving significant FX costs over time.
Set up Interac Autodeposit: Register your email address for Autodeposit in your bank’s settings — Canadian clients can then send payments directly without a security question.
Step 4: Set Up Invoicing and Accounting (Week 1–2)
Wave (free) is the right tool for most newcomer freelancers starting out. Create your account at waveapps.com, configure your province’s GST/HST rate, and build your invoice template with:
- Your name or business name
- Your Canadian address
- Payment instructions: “Interac e-Transfer to [your email] — Autodeposit enabled” for Canadian clients
- USD receiving details (Wise routing/account) for US clients
Step 5: CRA Registration (When Needed)
You need a CRA Business Number when you cross the $30,000 GST/HST threshold, or when you want to register voluntarily. Register free at canada.ca’s Business Registration Online (BRO) portal — online only since November 2025.
Step 6: Find Your First Clients
Platform approaches that work well for newcomers:
- LinkedIn: Build your profile around Canadian companies in your field. Connect with hiring managers and decision makers. Canada’s professional network is active on LinkedIn.
- International platforms: Upwork, Toptal, Contra — allow you to leverage existing international reputation while building Canadian connections
- Newcomer networks: Many Canadian cities have newcomer professional networks, startup communities, and immigrant entrepreneur programs with client referral opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I start freelancing after arriving in Canada?
Operationally: within 1–2 weeks of arrival. SIN application is same-day. Bank accounts take 1–3 business days to open online. Wise Business verification takes 1–3 days. Invoice software setup takes 30 minutes. The actual constraint is usually finding clients, not the administrative setup.
Can I use a foreign bank account to receive Canadian client payments while I set up banking?
Technically yes — invoicing requires no specific bank account. However, Interac e-Transfer (the dominant Canadian payment method) only works between Canadian bank accounts. Canadian clients will need an alternative payment method (PayPal, wire transfer) until you open a Canadian account. Open your Canadian bank account as soon as possible.
Do I need a business address in Canada to start freelancing?
Your home address is your business address. There is no requirement for a separate business address for a sole proprietor in Canada. If you prefer not to use your home address on invoices, a PO box or registered mail address service (available from UPS Store, Regus, and similar providers) can serve this purpose for $10–$30/month.