Incorporate · Americas

Company Formation in Canada

Credible North American base with a broad treaty network. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: About 26.5% combined federal and provincial
VAT / GST: GST/HST of 5% to 15% depending on province
Formation: 1-5 days
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted (some provinces require resident directors)
Tax treaties: 95+
Setup cost: USD 800 - 3,000

At a glance

Common entity: Corporation (federal or provincial)
Formation time: 1-5 days
Setup cost: USD 800 - 3,000
Annual cost: USD 1,500 - 4,000
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted (some provinces require resident directors)
Tax treaties: 95+

Holding companyTradingSaaS and technologyConsulting and servicesE-commerce

Best for

Credible North American trading entity
Access to the US and Canadian markets
Structures using a broad treaty network

Less ideal for

Founders wanting low corporate tax
Non-residents in provinces requiring resident directors

Legal and formation

Legal system	Common law (civil law in Quebec)
Common entity types	Corporation (federal or provincial), Limited Partnership
Formation timeline	1-5 days
Minimum capital	None
Foreign ownership	100% permitted (some provinces require resident directors)
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1 (residency requirements vary by province; some allow non-resident boards)
Local presence	Registered office in the province of incorporation required
Public registry	Directors on the corporate registry; beneficial owners increasingly on transparency registers
Audit	Private companies may waive audit by shareholder resolution

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	About 26.5% combined federal and provincial (federal 15% plus provincial rates; small-business rates are lower)
VAT / GST	GST/HST of 5% to 15% depending on province
Withholding, dividends	25% (treaty reduced)
Withholding, interest	25% (treaty reduced; some exemptions)
Withholding, royalties	25% (treaty reduced)
Capital gains	Portion of gains taxed within corporate income tax
Territorial system	No
CFC rules	Yes
Participation exemption	Intercorporate dividends between Canadian companies are generally deductible

Every figure above is indicative. Rates, thresholds, minimum capital, ownership rules and timelines change and vary by activity, licence and structure. They are confirmed with the relevant authority and in a tailored quote before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

How to set up in Canada

1
Choose federal or provincial incorporation and reserve the name (NUANS search)
2
Prepare the articles of incorporation and appoint directors
3
File incorporation with the federal or provincial registry
4
Register for a business number, tax accounts and GST/HST
5
Register beneficial owners and open a corporate bank account

Banking reality

Canadian banks are robust but apply strict KYC and usually expect an in-person meeting and, in practice, a resident director or local presence, which can make onboarding slow for wholly non-resident owners.