Business Registration
If your business has employees, facilities, or offices in Ontario, you must register using the Ontario Business Registry.
You will need a working email address for online registration and a valid debit or credit card for payment. The registration fee depends on the type of business you are registering.
- Search the Ontario Business Registry for free to find out if your business name is already taken.
- Create a ONe-key account (it is a secure login and password)
- Log in to your ONe-key account and register for a ServiceOntario account (they maintain business registration records)
- Log in to your ServiceOntario Account to register your business as a:
- Sole Proprietorship – $60
- General Partnership – $60
- Ontario Limited Liability Partnership – $60 (this is a hybrid of a partnership and a corporate body. The partners can be individuals, companies or combinations of both)
- Extra-Provincial Limited Liability Partnership – $60 (this is a Limited Liability Partnership previously registered in another province)
- Limited Partnership – $210 (this is a business with at least one general partner and at least one limited partner.)
- Business Corporation – $300If you are registering as a Business Corporation, you will also need to order an Ontario-biased or weighted Nuans name search report to reserve your business name if you are not using a number name. A Canada (federal) biased Nuans name search will not be accepted. The Nuans report must be obtained from a private name search company and may be found online or you can find a local Nuans member to order your report.
You can visit the Ontario Business Registry for a full list of ownership structures and their filing requirements.
- You will be registered for a 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) from Service Ontario. You will need this number to:
- incorporate
- create an import/export account
- register for an account with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA)
Please note, your Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) from Service Ontario is different than a Business Number (BN) that is provided by the CRA.
Reference: Ontario.ca
Municipal Business Licenses
You may need licences and permits to run your business according to federal, provincial, or municipal regulations. Use BizPal, a free online tool to find the licences and permits you need for your business. BizPal filters permits based on your location, industry, and business activities.
Reference: Ontario.ca
Zoning
Please contact your local municipality to get more information on Zoning.
Building Permits
Please contact your local municipality to get more information on Building Permits.
