Setup Business

Start your business in Canada

Canada — Complete Business Setup & Migration Guide

 

Overview

Canada offers a stable economy, skilled workforce, strong IP protection, and a high quality of life — making it a top destination for entrepreneurs and investors. Silicon Mappers provides end-to-end incorporation, banking, compliance, and work permit solutions, ensuring you can establish and scale in the Canadian market with confidence.

 

Business Structures

  • Federal Corporation – Nationwide branding, requires extra-provincial registration where you operate.
  • Provincial Corporation – Incorporation in a specific province (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta).
  • Extra-Provincial Registration – For companies incorporated in one province but operating in others.
  • Sole Proprietorship / Partnership – Simple, lower cost, but no liability protection.

 

Step-by-Step Setup Process

1. Market & Province Selection

  • Assess tax rates, residency rules, and local incentives.
  • Some provinces require resident directors; others don’t.

2. Name Search & Reservation

  • NUANS report for federal & most provinces.
  • Option for numbered company if you want fast setup.

3. Draft Articles of Incorporation

  • Determine share structure, classes, restrictions.
  • Appoint directors (check provincial residency rules).

4. File Incorporation

  • Submit Articles & required forms to Corporations Canada or provincial registry.

5. Obtain Business Number (BN)

  • Register with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for GST/HST, payroll, import/export if applicable.

6. Extra-Provincial Registration (if federal corp operating in provinces).

7. Open Corporate Bank Account

  • Major banks require in-person KYC; fintechs may allow partial remote onboarding.

8. Municipal Licensing

  • Check local permits based on activity (e.g., retail, food service).

9. Post-Incorporation Compliance

  • Annual returns, corporate minutes, tax filings.

 

Document Requirements

Individual Shareholders/Directors

  • Passport (color scan) or Canadian ID
  • Residential address proof
  • CV or business experience summary

Corporate Shareholders

  • Incorporation documents
  • Resolution to invest & appoint representative
  • Proof of good standing (if over 1 year old)

Company Information

  • Proposed name(s)
  • Business description & NAICS code
  • Share structure details

 

Migration / Visa Pathways

  • Start-Up Visa (SUV) – PR pathway for innovative businesses backed by designated organizations.
  • Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) – For foreign companies setting up a Canadian branch/subsidiary.
  • C11 Work Permit – For owners bringing significant benefit to Canada.
  • Owner-Operator LMIA – (now limited) still possible in some cases with strong business case.

 

Timeline

  • Incorporation: 1–5 business days.
  • CRA registration: Instant to 5 days.
  • Bank account: 1–4 weeks.
  • Work permits: 2–6 months (varies).

 

Extended FAQ

Do I need a Canadian resident director?
Federal: 25% residency rule removed in 2023 for many provinces, but check specific jurisdiction.
 

Can I incorporate without visiting Canada?
Yes, but for banking, a visit is strongly advised.
 

Can business setup lead to PR?
Yes, through programs like SUV, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and work permit-to-PR pathways.