How to Become Incorporated in Ontario

Get your business started.

Incorporating a business in Canada can be done at the national or provincial level. In Ontario, you may file in person, by mail or online.

Things You'll Need

• Printer
• Credit card, check or money order

Instructions

Registration In Person or By Mail

1. Download and complete the Articles of Incorporation form (see Resoures). You will need the names and addresses of the company and the directors, description on the types of company stocks offered and any restrictions on the stocks.

2. Complete an Ontario-based NUANS search (see Resources). This examines the name for conflicts with existing companies. You can do the search yourself or hire an NUANS member to conduct the search. The price is approximately $50, as of April 2010. The alternative is to use a "numbered corporation." New corporations are all assigned a numeric identifier--and if you wish, you can simply accept the number without a corporate name.

3. Deliver the completed articles of incorporation, the NUANS and a check for $360 (Canadian) to:
   Companies and Personal Property Security Branch
   393 University Ave., Suite 200
   Toronto ON M5G 2M2

   The incorporation should be completed in one to three weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• The online alternative is conducted by several companies licensed by the province (see Resources). The online fee charged by the province is lower but the companies charge a fee for their service. The fees range from $50 to $100, as of April 2010. The online incorporation is completed usually the same day.

Resources

• Articles of Incorporation Form
• NUANS Search
• Online Incoporation Services