This hub covers every aspect of registering a business in Canada — from choosing a business name to deciding between sole proprietorship and incorporation, getting a CRA Business Number, and understanding what each registration actually gives you.
The Three Registrations Most Freelancers Need
1. Provincial Business Name Registration
Required when: You use any name other than your full legal name to conduct business.
Not required when: You operate under your exact legal name (e.g., “Sarah Chen” rather than “Chen Consulting”).
Costs: Ontario $60 / BC $70 / Alberta ~$65 / Quebec ~$38
Result: A Business Name Registration certificate that lets you open a business bank account and sign contracts under the registered name.
2. CRA Business Number (BN)
Required when: You need any CRA program account — GST/HST, payroll, corporate income tax, or import/export.
How: Free, through CRA’s Business Registration Online (BRO) portal. Online only since November 2025 — phone no longer accepted.
Result: A 9-digit BN used to identify your business in all CRA dealings. Program accounts (GST/HST, payroll) attach to this BN.
3. Incorporation (Optional)
Required when: You want a separate legal entity, limited liability, corporate tax rates, or clients specifically require it.
Costs: Federal $200 / Ontario $300 / BC $380 / Alberta $325+ / Quebec ~$379
Result: A separate legal entity (your corporation) with its own name, BN, and tax obligations.
Sole Proprietorship vs Corporation: Quick Reference
| Factor | Sole Prop | Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Setup cost | $0–$70 | $200–$380 + legal fees |
| Annual maintenance | Minimal | $1,500–$3,000+/year |
| Tax on income | Personal marginal rate | ~12.2% corporate (ON) on retained earnings |
| Personal liability | Unlimited | Limited to corporation’s assets |
| Recommended income threshold | Under $80–100K/year | Over $80–100K with ability to retain earnings |
Hub Navigation: Registration Topics
- Do I need to register? → Do You Need to Register a Sole Proprietorship in Canada?
- Business name selection → How to Choose a Business Name in Canada
- Business name vs legal name → Business Name vs Legal Name in Canada
- CRA Business Number → What Is a Business Number in Canada?
- CRA program accounts → What Is a CRA Program Account in Canada?
- Registration checklist → Canada Business Registration Checklist
- Costs → How Much Does It Cost to Register a Business in Canada?
- Timelines → How Long Does Business Registration Take in Canada?
- When to incorporate → When Should a Freelancer Incorporate in Canada?
- Services compared → Best Business Registration Service in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a business in Canada as a permanent resident?
Yes. Permanent residents have full rights to self-employment, business registration, and incorporation in Canada — the same as citizens. Provincial registries and the CRA do not distinguish between citizens and PRs. Open work permit holders can generally self-employ as well, though permit conditions should be reviewed carefully.
What happens if I register in one province and move to another?
Provincial business name registrations are province-specific. If you move, you may need to cancel your registration in the old province and register in the new one. Your CRA Business Number is national and follows you regardless of province. Update your address with the CRA through My Business Account when you move.
Do I need to register before I start invoicing?
If you use your legal name: no registration needed, you can start immediately. If you use a trade name: register before issuing invoices under that name. In practice, many freelancers invoice once or twice under a trade name before completing registration — technically incorrect but enforcement is rare for very new businesses. Complete the registration promptly.