How to Incorporate in Ontario Step by Step
Incorporation creates a separate legal entity that protects your personal assets and positions your business for growth. Here is the complete process from start to finish.
Step 1: Choose Federal or Provincial
Your first decision is whether to incorporate provincially under the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA) or federally under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA). Most Ontario-focused businesses incorporate provincially. Federal incorporation provides national name protection and is preferred if you plan to operate across multiple provinces. See the Ontario vs. Federal article for a full comparison.
Step 2: Choose Your Corporate Name or Number
You have two options: a named corporation (e.g., Smith Holdings Inc.) or a numbered corporation (e.g., 1234567 Ontario Inc.). Numbered corporations are faster and cheaper the government assigns the number automatically. For a named corporation, you must obtain a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report confirming the name is available and not confusingly similar to existing names or trademarks. The NUANS report is valid for 90 days.
Step 3: Prepare and File Articles of Incorporation
The Articles of Incorporation is the foundational constitutional document of your corporation. File Form 1 (OBCA) through the Ontario Business Registry. Key decisions to make in the Articles:
- Registered office address must be in Ontario
- Directors at least 25% must be Canadian residents
- Share structure what classes of shares are authorized and the rights attached to each
- Restrictions on share transfers standard for private corporations
- Restrictions on business usually left blank (unrestricted) for general business purposes
Step 4: File and Pay the Fee
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ontario incorporation filing fee | $300 |
| NUANS name search (if named corporation) | $30–75 through a search provider |
| Federal CBCA incorporation | $250 online |
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Incorporation
Once the government processes your filing, you receive a Certificate of Incorporation with your Corporation Number. This is the legal birth certificate of your corporation keep it permanently.
Step 6: Complete the Organizational Steps
Incorporation is only the beginning. You must still pass organizational resolutions, issue shares, set up your minute book, register for a CRA Business Number, and open a corporate bank account. See the Post-Incorporation Checklist for every step.