Should I use a numbered company or a named company in Ontario?

When you incorporate in Ontario, the government can automatically assign a number to your corporation — for example, "1234567 Ontario Inc." — or you can request a specific name. Both are equally valid legal entities.

A numbered company is faster and slightly simpler to set up because there is no name search or NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report required. It is a good choice when you do not yet have a clear brand name, when you want a holding company or a shelf company, or when speed of incorporation is important. You can still carry on business under a registered trade name (e.g., "Apex Solutions") even if the legal entity is a numbered company — just register the trade name under the Business Names Act.

A named corporation embeds your brand or business name into the legal entity itself. This can signal permanence and professionalism to clients and partners who see the legal name on agreements. However, getting a name approved requires a NUANS search to confirm the name is sufficiently distinct from existing corporations and registered businesses.

Whether you choose a numbered or named corporation does not affect your tax treatment, liability protection, or any substantive legal attribute — it is primarily a branding and practical convenience question.