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Create a business in Quebec

online from $497

Plans and pricing

How it works

  1. Fill out the form

    Complete our incorporation form (15 minutes on average) to create your business.

  2. Receive your official documents

    You will receive your official incorporation documents and NEQ by email.

Frequently Asked Questions — Start a Business in Quebec Online

Answers to the questions we get asked most often.
Numbered company or official name: do I have to choose a name right away?
No. A numbered company is not only created faster, but is fully operational from the moment it's created, and you can add a business name later at no cost (e.g. 1234-5678 Québec inc. doing business as “Coiffure Sylvain”).
Should I wait until I land a first contract before incorporating?
The decision is up to you, but it's important to note that some contracts are only offered to companies that are already incorporated — and sometimes even ones with a few years of existence.
Do clients really require an incorporated company?
Often, yes: many staffing agencies and large companies prefer to contract with an incorporated company rather than an individual, to reduce their administrative risk. For many consultants and self-employed workers, it's even the trigger for incorporating.
What are the advantages of incorporating?
Incorporating strengthens your credibility, opens up contracts reserved for companies, and limits your personal liability. It also offers greater tax flexibility as your revenue grows.
I'm still an employee: can I incorporate anyway?
Yes, nothing prevents an employee from incorporating a company for work on the side. However, check your employment contract (exclusivity or non-compete clauses).
Can I be the sole shareholder and director?
Yes. A single person can hold every role — shareholder, director, president. It's the most common setup among consultants and freelancers.
Beyond the start-up fees, how much does a corporation cost each year?
Plan for at least the fees of the annual updating declaration with the REQ, and in practice accounting fees for the corporation's tax returns (federal and provincial). A corporation is a recurring cost — that's why the question of the "right time" matters.
What obligations come with being incorporated?
Keep the corporate minute book up to date, file the annual updating declaration with the REQ, file the corporation's taxes every year, and keep its accounting separate from your personal finances (separate bank account).
Do I have to register for GST/QST from the start?
Registration becomes mandatory once your revenues exceed $30,000 over four quarters. Below that, it is optional — some register from the start to recover the taxes on their expenses. You can add it to your order or do it later.
What if my project doesn't take off — can I close the corporation?
Yes. A corporation that ceases operating can be dissolved with the REQ through certain formalities. Nothing is irreversible, but as long as it exists, its annual obligations keep running.