Federal Incorporation

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We pride ourselves on our thorough and compliant review process, ensuring your business formation is precise and error-free.

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By opting for our company, you’re not just choosing a service—you’re embracing a hybrid approach that combines the best of both worlds. Enjoy the flexibility and control of a ‘do it yourself’ strategy, while also benefiting from the expertise and peace of mind that comes with professional assistance. It’s the perfect balance for the modern entrepreneur—affordable, comprehensive, and human-centered.

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Every client at Ontario Incorporation receives personalized attention. Our specialists treat your business with utmost care and professionalism, available to provide support via phone, live chat, or email. At the end of the day, your success is our business.

⚡ Super Express Service
Experience our super express incorporation services designed for fast processing. Our specialists work diligently to complete your filing within 2 business hours of order placement, delivering your incorporation documents in record time.

💲 Affordable Pricing
Understanding the financial challenges of new entrepreneurs, Ontario Incorporation offers an affordable pricing structure. We believe that cost should not be a barrier to your business aspirations, providing a cost-effective solution for your incorporation needs.

• Name Protection: Your chosen corporate name is protected under federal law, preventing other businesses from using it across Canada. This provides robust brand protection and helps avoid legal disputes.
• Limited Personal Liability: A federally incorporated entity is a separate legal entity from its owners. This means directors and shareholders are shielded from personal liability for the corporation’s debts and obligations.
• Perpetual Life: A federal corporation can continue to operate indefinitely, regardless of changes in ownership or leadership. This allows for long-term planning and stability.
• Attracting Investors: Federal corporations are often more attractive to investors due to limited liability and the ease of transferring shares.
• Tax Advantages: Federal corporations can benefit from a variety of tax advantages, including lower tax rates and specific deductions, particularly beneficial for holding companies and professional corporations.
• Access to Capital: Federal corporations can access capital through various means, including selling securities to investors.
• Enhanced Credibility: Federal incorporation can enhance credibility with partners, customers, and lenders, signifying a professional and established business.
• Separate Credit Rating: Federal corporations establish their own credit rating, distinct from the personal credit scores of its owners. This can make it easier to obtain corporate credit and secure loans.
• Employee Benefits: Federal corporations can offer employee benefits like stock options and retirement plans, which can be attractive to potential employees.
• National Recognition: Federal incorporation provides recognition and legitimacy across Canada, allowing for expansion and growth in different provinces and territories.

• Heightened Name Protection: Corporations Canada applies very tough tests before granting a company the right to use a particular name. When a company’s name is approved, it’s protected across the country – a status second only to trade-mark protection.
• Right to Carry on Business Anywhere in Canada: Federally incorporated companies can carry on business anywhere in Canada, and there are no restrictions regarding the province or territory where the head office is located, corporate records are maintained and annual general meetings are held.
• Recognition: Federal incorporation is often considered a sign of distinction, companies incorporated federally receive global recognition as Canadian companies.

Your business can be incorporated as a numbered standard federal corporation in a mere 2 BUSINESS HOURS! For named corporations, the process can be completed within 6 business hours. Other types of incorporations may take up to 7 business days.

1. Choose a Business Name: Your business name must be unique and distinguishable from other registered business names across Canada. You have the option to choose your own name or have the government assign you a numbered name. If you are registering a named corporation, you will need a NUANS report (Purchasable through our incorporation packages). Be aware that depending on your incorporation type, you might need to use certain names that follow rules set by the relevant authorities. If we find any issues with the proposed name we will guide you and suggest possible names that would be viable for the incorporation.
2. Incorporators, Directors, Officers, and Shareholders: In the process of incorporation, you must determine the directors, officers and their respective roles, and the shareholders of the corporation. At least one person is required to serve as an incorporator, director, and shareholder, and it’s possible for a single individual to occupy all three positions. Officers are viewed as employees within the corporation. Keep in mind Not-For-Profits and Co-Ops require a minimum of 3 directors to operate.
3. Registered Office Address: Every business is required to have a registered office address, which could be either a commercial or a residential location anywhere in Canada. If you do not have an accessible address in Canada, our Address & Mail Forwarding Service is available for purchase (Only available for registration purposes).

Yes, at least 25% of the corporation’s directors are required to hold either Citizenship or Permanent Resident (PR) Status.

Please see our packages for Business Registry By Non-Residents

The main difference lies in how they handle the profits and their primary objectives.

• For-Profit Organizations: These are businesses established with the primary intent of generating profits for the business owner or their shareholders. The main focus isn’t necessarily societal or community benefits, but rather earning a profit from goods sold or services provided.
• Not-For-Profit Organizations: These organizations exist to fulfill an owner’s organizational objectives and are not primarily focused on generating profits. They can operate for social welfare, civic improvement, sport, recreation, or any other purpose except profit. They do not have shareholders or owners who receive dividends or financial distributions.

A registered charity is a specific type of non-profit organization that operates on a non-profit basis and has been registered under the Income Tax Act. They must use their resources for charitable activities and have charitable purposes that fall into one or more of the following categories:

• The relief of poverty
• The advancement of education
• The advancement of religion
• Other purposes that benefit the community

Examples of registered charities include food banks, colleges, places of worship, and animal shelters. All registered charities, regardless of their designation, can issue official donation receipts for income tax purposes.

It’s important to note that while all registered charities are non-profit organizations, not all non-profit organizations are registered charities.

In simple terms: an operating company does things, while a holding company owns things.

• Operating Company: This is a company that is actively engaged in business operations. It conducts day-to-day activities, generates revenue, and holds assets and liabilities associated with its core operations. It may manufacture products, offer services, and employ staff.
• Holding Company: This is a company whose primary purpose is to own and control investments in other companies. It does not engage in active business operations but instead holds and manages assets in the form of shares, real estate, intellectual property, or other investments. — Example: The holding company, which owns a subsidiary company, will act as the shareholder of that particular operating company.

• Asset Protection and Risk Management: Holding companies can provide a layer of protection between the operating companies and their assets, safeguarding them from creditors and potential legal claims.
• Tax Planning and Optimization: Holding companies can take advantage of various tax strategies and incentives, such as income splitting, capital gains exemptions, and tax-deferred inter-corporate dividends.
• Enhanced Business Flexibility and Control: A holding company structure allows for greater control and flexibility in managing multiple subsidiaries.
• Succession Planning and Wealth Preservation: For families and business owners looking to ensure a smooth transition of assets and wealth to future generations, a holding company can serve as a valuable tool for succession planning.
• Deferred Taxes and Reduced Taxes: Holding companies can help in deferring and reducing taxes.
• Low-Interest Loan Opportunities: Holding companies can provide opportunities for low-interest loans.
• Discrete and Cost-Effective Purchasing: Holding companies can facilitate discrete and cost-effective purchasing.

Federal cooperatives are a type of business model where the organization is owned and run by its members. They operate based on democratic principles, where each member has an equal say in decision-making. They can serve various functions such as consumer services, producer services, community development, education, sustainability, and technology innovation. The specific use case for a cooperative depends on the needs and goals of its members. An example of a cooperative is MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op). They are a retail cooperative that sells outdoor recreation gear and clothing exclusively to its members.

Extra-provincial registration is the procedure where a corporation, whether incorporated federally, provincially, or territorially, requests authorization to undertake business operations in a different jurisdiction (province or territory). This registration enables the corporation to operate legally and fulfill its obligations in the additional jurisdiction.

Extra-provincial registration is necessary for several reasons:

• Legal Compliance: Each province or territory has its own laws and regulations governing business activities. By undergoing extra-provincial registration, corporations ensure compliance with the specific requirements of the jurisdiction where they plan to operate.
• Protection of Rights: Extra-provincial registration allows corporations to protect their legal rights and access the benefits and protections offered by the laws of the additional jurisdiction. It provides a legal framework for the corporation to conduct business activities, enter into contracts, and enforce its rights.
• Transparency and Accountability: Extra-provincial registration promotes transparency and accountability by making information about the corporation’s operations and activities available to the regulatory authorities and the public in the additional jurisdiction.

If you are planning to operate in other provinces or territories, you will also need to register as an extra-provincial or extra-territorial corporation in those jurisdictions. This process carries legal implications and requires compliance with the laws and regulations of both the original jurisdiction of incorporation and the additional jurisdiction. These implications may include filing requirements, maintaining a registered office address, and appointing a registered agent within the additional jurisdiction. Our Address Service and Agent Service, enables our clients to register their corporations in provinces and territories where they currently have no presence. These services are included in our incorporation packages.

Yes, we offer 3 types of post-incorporation and maintenance services. Click Here to read more.