How to start a company in Canada

Last checked: November 2026 · Currency: CAD

In Canada you incorporate either federally (Canada Business Corporations Act, via Corporations Canada) or in one province (e.g. Ontario, British Columbia). Federal incorporation protects your name across Canada but you still have to register in each province where you operate; provincial incorporation is simpler if you only operate in one province. Most founder teams use a private corporation with a shareholders' agreement and founder share vesting.