Company Formation Process in Canada
Establishing a new company in Canada is a structured process that typically takes 1-3 business days. ShelfCompanies24 handles the entire formation process on your behalf, from preparing the articles of association to registering with all relevant authorities.
Available Company Types in Canada
The following legal structures are available for company formation in Canada:
| Company Type |
Description |
| Corporation (Inc./Ltd./Corp.), Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Cooperative |
The minimum share capital requirement is No minimum.
Step-by-Step Formation Process
- Choose your company structure — Select the appropriate legal form based on your business needs, number of shareholders, and capital requirements.
- Prepare documentation — Our team prepares the articles of association, shareholder agreements, and all necessary corporate documents.
- Company name verification — We verify the availability of your chosen company name with the Canadian commercial registry.
- Capital deposit — Deposit the required share capital (No minimum) in a designated bank account.
- Notarization and registration — Documents are notarized (where required) and submitted to the commercial registry.
- Tax registration — Register the company for corporate tax (at a rate of 15% federal + 8-16% provincial (total 23-31%)) and VAT (5% GST + 0-10% provincial).
- Bank account opening — Open corporate bank accounts with Canadian banks for business operations.
Required Documents
- Valid passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months)
- Description of planned business activities
- Proof of source of funds (where applicable)
- References from existing banks or professional advisors
Tax Environment in Canada
Companies formed in Canada are subject to a corporate tax rate of 15% federal + 8-16% provincial (total 23-31%). The standard VAT rate is 5% GST + 0-10% provincial. The currency is CAD (Canadian Dollar).
Timeline and Costs
Standard company formation in Canada takes approximately 1-3 business days. For exact pricing tailored to your specific requirements, please contact our consultants.
Related Services in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a company in Canada?
Company registration in Canada typically takes 1-3 business days. ShelfCompanies24 handles the entire process on your behalf.
What documents do I need to form a company in Canada?
You will need valid passport copies, proof of address, description of business activities, and proof of source of funds. Our team guides you through all documentation requirements.
Can a foreigner set up a company in Canada?
Yes, foreign nationals can establish companies in Canada. There are generally no restrictions on foreign ownership of Canadian companies.
What is the minimum capital to start a company in Canada?
The minimum capital requirement in Canada is No minimum. Our consultants can advise on the optimal capital structure for your business.
Content prepared by Julia Thompson, Corporate Client Service Specialist at ShelfCompanies24. Graduate of Faculty of Law at Jagielonian University and College of Law at Florida State University. Approved by Tomasz Bielski, Managing Director.
