Registering a business in Ontario starts with choosing your business structure, then filing through the Ontario Business Registry, the province’s official online portal. The process can be completed immediately online for most business types, with fees starting at $60 for a sole proprietorship or partnership and $300 for a corporation. Beyond the provincial registration, you’ll likely need a federal Business Number from the Canada Revenue Agency and possibly municipal permits depending on your industry.
Choose Your Business Structure First
Your structure determines which registration path you’ll follow, how much you’ll pay, and how your business is treated legally and for tax purposes. Ontario recognizes three main structures for small business owners.
A sole proprietorship is the simplest option. You and the business are legally the same entity, which means you’re personally responsible for all business debts and losses. Creditors can pursue your personal assets if the business can’t pay. Your business name is also not protected, so another business could register and operate under the same or a similar name in the province.
A partnership works similarly to a sole proprietorship but involves two or more people sharing ownership. General partnerships carry the same personal liability. Ontario also allows limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships, which offer some liability protection for certain partners.
A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners. You get limited liability, meaning your personal assets are generally shielded from business debts. If you incorporate federally through Corporations Canada rather than just provincially, your business name is also protected across Canada. Corporations cost more to set up and maintain, requiring annual filings and separate tax returns, but the liability protection and tax planning flexibility make them the right choice for many businesses.
Register Through the Ontario Business Registry
All provincial business registrations go through the Ontario Business Registry at ontario.ca. Before you start, you’ll need to create an Ontario.ca Login and an Ontario Business Account if you don’t already have them. The portal walks you through the process based on your business type.
For a sole proprietorship, you’ll select “Register a Business Name for a Sole Proprietorship.” For a general partnership, the option is “Register a Firm Name for a General Partnership.” If you’re incorporating, you’ll choose “Incorporate an Ontario Business Corporation.” The registry also handles not-for-profit corporations, co-operatives, and various partnership structures like limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships.
You’ll need to provide a valid email address, complete all mandatory fields in the application, and pay the filing fee electronically at the time of submission. Once approved, the Ministry will issue you a company key, a unique series of digits you’ll use for future filings and changes to your registration. Keep this key somewhere safe.
Fees and Processing Times
Registering a sole proprietorship or general partnership costs $60 online and processes immediately. Incorporating a business corporation under Ontario’s Business Corporations Act costs $300 online, also with immediate processing. If you file by mail instead, expect about 15 business days for either type.
Online filing is the clear advantage here. You walk away with your registration complete the same day, which means you can move on to opening a bank account, signing a lease, or taking on clients without waiting.
Register for a Business Number and Tax Accounts
Your provincial registration covers Ontario’s requirements, but the federal government has its own. Most businesses need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, which serves as your identifier for federal tax accounts including GST/HST, payroll deductions, and corporate income tax.
You can register for a BN through the CRA’s Business Registration Online (BRO) tool. If you don’t already have one, you’ll receive a BN automatically when you register for your first program account, such as a GST/HST account.
When You Need an HST Account
Ontario businesses must register for a GST/HST account once they stop being a “small supplier,” which generally means your revenue exceeds $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters. At that point, you’re required to charge, collect, and remit HST on your taxable sales. If you provide taxi or commercial ride-sharing services, registration is mandatory regardless of revenue.
You can also register voluntarily before hitting the threshold. This lets you claim input tax credits to recover HST you pay on business expenses, which can be worthwhile if you have significant startup costs. Your effective registration date is usually the day you submit the request, though it can start up to 30 days earlier.
To register online, you’ll need your Social Insurance Number, date of birth, postal code, a description of your major business activity, and the names and SINs of all owners. If you’ve already incorporated, have your Business Number ready.
Check for Municipal Licences and Permits
Provincial registration and federal tax accounts don’t cover everything. Many businesses need municipal licences, zoning approvals, or sector-specific permits depending on where they operate and what they do. A home-based catering business, a retail store, and a construction contractor all face different local requirements.
The Ontario government recommends BizPaL, a free online tool that filters the licences and permits you need based on your location, industry, and specific business activities. Enter your details and the tool generates a customized list covering all three levels of government: federal, provincial, and municipal. This is the fastest way to make sure you haven’t missed a requirement that could result in fines or a shutdown order.
What to Do After Registration
Once your provincial registration, federal accounts, and any local permits are in place, a few practical steps will set your business up properly.
- Open a business bank account. Keeping business and personal finances separate simplifies bookkeeping and is especially important for corporations, where commingling funds can undermine your limited liability protection. Bring your registration documents, company key, and BN to your bank.
- Set up bookkeeping. Track income and expenses from day one. If you’re registered for HST, you’ll need to file returns on a schedule set by the CRA, typically annually for smaller businesses or quarterly as revenue grows.
- Understand your renewal timeline. Sole proprietorship and partnership registrations in Ontario are valid for five years and must be renewed before they expire. Corporations have their own annual filing obligations.
- Get business insurance. Liability insurance, property insurance, or professional indemnity coverage may be required by your industry, your landlord, or your clients. Even when not required, insurance protects against risks that registration alone doesn’t cover.
The entire process, from choosing a structure to completing your provincial and federal registrations, can realistically be done in a single day if you file everything online and have your information ready.