Step 1: Deciding how you want to name your corporation
Before you begin the process of incorporation, you need to name your corporation.
Every corporation must have a name; this is known as a corporate name. The name must be distinctive and it must not be misleading or likely to be confused with names used by other organizations and businesses. In general, a corporate name is distinctive if it does not make those who encounter it think of another organization or business. Corporations Canada applies very rigorous standards when granting names.
If you want a numbered name (this is still considered a corporate name) for your company, proceed to step 2. The process for obtaining a numbered name for your company is part of the process of completing the articles of incorporation.
If you want to choose a corporate name, you first need to conduct a Nuans name search. Note that a Nuans name search report for the proposed name must not be more than 90 days old.
You can obtain pre-approval of your corporate name before you file your articles of incorporation, or request approval at the time of filing.
Step 2: Completing articles of incorporation
This step establishes the structure of your corporation. However, you can apply to change the structure of your corporation once you are operating.
Your articles of incorporation will need to be signed by the incorporator(s). If an incorporator is a company or other incorporated body, the articles must be signed by an individual authorized by that body. Note that changes to the approved articles can only be made by amendment. The fee for amending articles is $200.00.
Step 3: Establishing the initial registered office address and the first board of directors
The registered office address is where you must keep your corporate records and where official documents will be served on the corporation. Choose an address where you will be sure to receive any documents that are sent there since, legally, they will be assumed to have been received by the corporation. Information about the registered office address is corporate information, and as such, is required to be made public.
Step 4: Filing the appropriate forms and paying the fee
Step 5: Processing your application
Corporations Canada will make sure your articles of incorporation have been properly completed and that the proposed name is acceptable. An application is complete if:
it includes all necessary documents
the forms are complete and signed, and
the fee is included.
If any of these things are missing, your application will be considered incomplete.
Your certificate of incorporation will show the corporate name, the corporation number and the date of incorporation, along with your articles of incorporation. You will also receive a corporation information sheet that includes your corporation key. When used with a corporation number, a corporate name or a business number, a corporation key allows you to carry out certain online transactions.
The date of incorporation is the date on which Corporations Canada receives the articles of incorporation and the fees. For administrative purposes, you can request a later incorporation date when you file your articles. Since it is mandatory for certain legal elements to be written with a period (Ltd., Inc., Corp. and S.A.R.F.), Corporations Canada will add one if it is not already included in a proposed corporate name.
Incorporate Today Online Your new Canada Federal Corporation
Canada Federal Incorporation Service. New low incorporation fee $129.99 plus Govt fees. Business Corporations are incorporated federally in Canada, according to the provisions of the Canada Business Corporation Act with the Canada Corporations Division. Company Formations Canada provides fast and easy Canada Federal Incorporation Service and provides all the documents your new Canada federal corporation will need to stay up-to-date and in compliance with the Canada Business Corporation Act.
Canada Federal Incorporation Fees:
Canada Gov Fees: $200
Name Search Report or NUANS Report: $30
CompanyFormations Fee: $129.99
GST: $6.49.99
Total Fees: $366.48
Processing Time
24 Hours
Delivery Method
Electronically in PDF by Email.
Our Canada Federal Incorporation service includes:
- Receipt and review of your incorporation information.
- If you choose to incorporate a named company, we conduct a Provincial or NUANS prescreen search of your proposed corporate name and advice you if there are any difficulties with your name.
- Preparation and filing of Article of Incorporation.
- Personalized ByLaws
- Personalized Company Minute Book
- Organizational Resolutions
- Register of Directors
- The resignation of Director Form
- Appointment of Corporate Officers
- The resignation of Officer Form
- Subscription of Shares
- Share Certificate
- Register of Shareholders
- Consent and waiver for allotment of shares
- Directors’ resolutions approving the allotment of shares
- Consent and waiver for transfer of shares.
- Shares Transfer Form
- Directors’ Resolutions Approving Transfer of Shares
- Bylaws
- Notice of Organizational Meeting of Incorporators and Directors
- Waiver of Notice of Meeting of Incorporators and Directors
- Minutes of Organizational Meeting of Board of Directors
- Waiver of Notice First Meeting of Shareholders
- Minutes First Meeting of Shareholders
- Notice to Directors of Regular Board Meeting
- Minutes Shareholders Annual Meeting
- Minutes Regular Board Meeting
- Provincial-specific startup checklist