You have two main paths to registering a business in Canada: do it yourself through the provincial or federal government portal, or use a third-party registration service. This guide compares both options so you can choose the approach that fits your situation, province, and budget.
Do You Actually Need a Registration Service?
For most sole proprietorships, the answer is no. Provincial government portals have improved significantly and most registrations can be completed online in 15–30 minutes. The government fee is the same whether you do it yourself or use a service — you are paying the service fee purely for convenience and guidance.
Registration services add value when: you are registering a corporation (more complex forms), you need the process completed same-day with certainty, English is not your first language and you want guided support, or you want additional services bundled (minute book, legal templates, bank account opening).
DIY: Government Portals by Province
| Province | Portal | Sole Prop Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ontario.ca/businessregistry | $60 | Same day (online) |
| British Columbia | bcregistry.gov.bc.ca | $40 + $30 name approval | 1–5 business days |
| Alberta | alberta.ca/register-business-name | ~$60 (via registry agent) | Same day to 2 days |
| Quebec | registre.quebec.ca | ~$38 | 1–5 business days |
| Manitoba | companiesoffice.gov.mb.ca | $60 (name reservation) | 5–10 business days |
| Saskatchewan | securities.gov.sk.ca | $60 (name reservation) | 5–10 business days |
Note on Alberta: Alberta requires you to file through an authorized registry agent (a private business authorized by the government). There is no direct government online portal for individuals. The government fee is approximately $10, but agents charge $50–$70 on top, making the total typically $60–$80.
Third-Party Registration Services
Ownr (ownr.ca)
Canada’s most polished registration service, backed by RBC. Available in Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Quebec. Charges $49 for sole proprietorship registration (plus government fee). Strong digital minute book for corporations. RBC bank account integration is a useful bonus for RBC customers. Not available in other provinces.
Goodlawyer
Combines registration with access to Canadian lawyers for document review. Better suited for incorporation than sole proprietorship — the legal review component adds value for complex corporate structures. Costs more than DIY but includes professional oversight that Ownr does not provide.
Provincial Registry Agents (Alberta)
Alberta does not have a direct government online portal, so all registrations go through authorized private agents. Most agents charge $60–$90 total for a sole proprietorship trade name registration. AMA, Registry Express, and similar providers are common options.
Federal Incorporation: DIY vs Service
Federal incorporation through Corporations Canada costs $200 online and typically processes within 1–2 business days. The online portal (corporationscanada.ic.gc.ca) is clean and well-documented. For a straightforward numbered company or simple named company, DIY is entirely viable.
Third-party services charge $499–$999+ for the same filing. The premium is worth it if you want a minute book setup, shareholder agreement templates, and legal document organization included in the package.
What You Get After Registration
After registering a sole proprietorship, you receive:
- A Business Name Registration certificate (Ontario formerly called this a Master Business Licence)
- Your provincial Business Identification Number (BIN) in Ontario, or equivalent in other provinces
- The ability to open a business bank account and sign contracts under your business name
You do not automatically receive a CRA Business Number (BN) from provincial registration. Get your BN separately through the CRA’s free Business Registration Online (BRO) portal when you are ready to register for GST/HST or set up other CRA program accounts.
Our Recommendation by Situation
- Sole proprietorship in Ontario: DIY through Ontario Business Registry. $60, done in 20 minutes.
- Sole proprietorship in BC: DIY through BC Registry. $70 total ($30 name + $40 registration).
- Sole proprietorship in Alberta: Use a local registry agent (~$60–$80 total). No DIY portal available.
- Sole proprietorship, newcomer, any province in Ownr’s coverage: Ownr is worth the convenience fee.
- Federal incorporation, simple structure: DIY through Corporations Canada ($200).
- Provincial incorporation, complex structure: Use a service or lawyer — the minute book and shareholder agreement setup is worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does business registration take in Canada?
Online sole proprietorship registration: same day in Ontario, 1–5 days in BC and Quebec. Federal incorporation: 1–2 business days online. Provincial incorporation: 2–5 business days in most provinces.
Can a non-resident or newcomer register a Canadian business?
Yes. Permanent residents and most work permit holders can register a sole proprietorship or incorporate. Federal incorporation requires at least 25% Canadian-resident directors. Sole proprietorships have no residency requirement beyond having a Canadian address.
Is a registration service’s certificate the same as a government-issued one?
Yes. A registration service submits the filing to the government on your behalf. The resulting certificate is issued by the provincial or federal government — it is identical to what you would receive by filing yourself.