How do I incorporate a business in Ontario?
To incorporate under the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA), you file Articles of Incorporation with the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (ServiceOntario). You can do this online through the Ontario Business Registry. The articles must include your proposed corporate name (or you can use your corporate number as a name), your share structure, and information about restrictions on share transfers or business activity if any apply.
Before choosing a name, you should obtain a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report to confirm your proposed name is not already taken or confusingly similar to an existing name. A numbered corporation skips the name search entirely.
Once your articles are accepted, you receive a Certificate of Incorporation. After that, you will organize your corporation internally: elect directors, issue shares, adopt by-laws, and open a corporate bank account. You should also set up a minute book — a binder or digital record of your corporate resolutions, share register, and key documents. A business lawyer can handle the filing and organization for you, which helps ensure nothing is missed.
Key takeaways
- File Articles of Incorporation through the Ontario Business Registry.
- A NUANS name search is required unless you use a numbered corporation.
- Post-incorporation steps include organizing minute books, electing directors, and issuing shares.
- A lawyer can file and organize your corporation so the paperwork is done correctly.