Incorporating in Canada involves filing Articles of Incorporation with either the federal government or a provincial government, then setting up corporate records. This guide compares your options — DIY portals, online incorporation services, and when a lawyer is worth the cost.
Federal vs Provincial Incorporation: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Federal (CBCA) | Provincial (e.g., Ontario OBCA) |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | $200 online | $300 (ON), $350 (BC), $275 (AB) |
| Name protection | Canada-wide | Province only |
| Extra-provincial registration | Required in each province you operate ($330 in ON) | Not required in home province |
| Director residency requirement | 25% Canadian residents | None in ON, BC, AB, QC |
| Best for | National operations, brand protection, scale | Single-province businesses, lower total cost |
For most Canadian freelancers and small businesses operating in one province: provincial incorporation is simpler and cheaper overall. If you incorporate federally but operate only in Ontario, you still need to register extra-provincially in Ontario for $330 — making the total cost $530 vs $300 for provincial-only.
Federal makes sense when you plan to operate in multiple provinces, want Canada-wide name protection without registering in each province separately, or are building a brand that requires national name security.
Incorporation Costs by Province (2026)
| Route | Government Fee | Name Search | Total DIY Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal (Corporations Canada) | $200 | $13.80 (NUANS, if named) | ~$214 |
| Ontario (OBCA) | $300 | Included in OBR | $300 |
| British Columbia (BCBCA) | $350 | $30 | $380 |
| Alberta (ABCA) | $275 + agent fees | ~$50 (NUANS) | ~$375–$425 |
| Quebec (QBCA) | ~$379 (priority) | Included | ~$379 |
DIY Incorporation: What You Need to File
To incorporate yourself, you need to file Articles of Incorporation specifying:
- Corporation name (or request a numbered name — no NUANS required)
- Registered office address in the province
- Classes of shares (minimum: one class of unlimited common shares)
- Number of directors (minimum one for most provinces)
- Restrictions on business (usually none for small businesses)
After filing, you also need to:
- Set up a corporate minute book (bylaws, first directors’ resolution, share issuance)
- Register with the CRA for a Business Number and corporate income tax account (free, through BRO)
- Register extra-provincially if incorporating federally and operating in a province
The minute book is where most people hire help — the legal documents (bylaws, share certificates, unanimous shareholder agreements) are technical and errors create problems later.
Incorporation Services Compared
Corporations Canada (federal DIY)
The federal government’s own portal (corporationscanada.ic.gc.ca) is clean and processes online same-day for numbered companies, 1–2 days for named companies. Cost: $200 + $13.80 NUANS if you want a name. No professional guidance included. Best for confident DIY filers with simple share structures.
Ownr
Available in Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Quebec. Charges $499+ service fee (government fee additional). Includes a digital minute book, legal document templates, and ongoing corporate record keeping. Best for founders who want a guided process and are willing to pay for the minute book infrastructure.
Goodlawyer
Connects you with Canadian lawyers for incorporation. Service fee varies by province and complexity. The key differentiator from Ownr: an actual lawyer reviews your structure and prepares your shareholders’ agreement if needed. Worth the premium for multi-founder companies or anyone with a complex share structure.
Traditional corporate lawyers
Full incorporation with a lawyer costs $1,000–$3,000+ depending on complexity. This includes Articles, minute book, shareholders’ agreement, and legal advice on share classes and structure. Recommended for: multiple founders with different ownership percentages, preferred share structures for fundraising, companies receiving investment.
What to Do After Incorporating
- Get your Business Number: Register with the CRA through Business Registration Online (BRO). Free. Also sets up your corporate income tax account (RC) and any other program accounts needed (GST/HST, payroll).
- Open a corporate bank account: Bring your Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Incorporation, and a corporate resolution authorizing account opening.
- Issue shares: Formally issue shares to founders through a directors’ resolution. Document this in your minute book.
- Register extra-provincially if federal: If you incorporated federally and are operating in a province, register in that province.
- Annual filings: Federal corporations file an Annual Return ($12 online). Provincial requirements vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to incorporate in Canada?
No. You can incorporate yourself through government portals. However, the post-incorporation steps — bylaws, share structure, shareholders’ agreements — benefit significantly from legal review, especially for multi-founder companies. A $300 government filing is the beginning, not the end, of proper incorporation.
Can a non-Canadian incorporate a company in Canada?
Yes for provincial incorporation in Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Quebec — these provinces have no director residency requirement. For federal incorporation, at least 25% of directors must be Canadian residents. If all founders are non-Canadian, provincial incorporation in a no-residency province is the path.
Should I incorporate before I start freelancing?
Usually not. Most freelancers and consultants start as sole proprietors and incorporate only when net income exceeds approximately $80,000–$100,000 per year, when clients require it, or when liability protection becomes a priority. Incorporation adds cost and administrative complexity that is rarely justified at lower income levels.