Cost of Incorporating in Canada (2026): Federal & Provincial Fees Explained
- Natalie Paquette
- 9 hours ago
- 11 min read
Starting a corporation is one of the biggest milestones for any entrepreneur. Whether you're launching a consulting firm, opening an online store, starting a construction company, or growing an existing side hustle, understanding the cost of incorporating in Canada helps you budget properly and avoid surprises.
The truth is that there isn't one single incorporation cost across Canada. The total depends on several factors, including:
Where you're incorporating
Whether you incorporate federally or provincially
Government filing fees
NUANS or name search requirements
Professional or incorporation service fees
Corporate minute book requirements
Registered office services
Annual filing obligations
Some businesses can incorporate for just a few hundred dollars, while others may spend well over $1,500 depending on the province and the services they need.
This guide breaks down every major incorporation cost in Canada for 2026, compares provincial fees, explains hidden costs, and helps you determine which option makes the most sense for your business.
Quick Answer: How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate in Canada?
The cost of incorporating in Canada typically ranges from $200 to $2,000+ depending on the province, government filing fees, legal assistance, and whether you incorporate federally or provincially.
Typical costs include:
Expense | Typical Cost |
Government filing fee | $200–$450 |
Name search (if required) | $20–$100 |
Incorporation service | $0–$500+ |
Lawyer | $1,000–$3,000+ |
Minute book | $100–$400 |
Annual filings | Varies by jurisdiction |
What Determines the Cost of Incorporation?
Many first-time business owners assume the government filing fee is the total cost of incorporation. In reality, that's only one piece of the puzzle.
Several factors influence the total amount you'll pay.
Federal incorporation allows your corporation to operate across Canada under federal legislation.
Provincial incorporation registers your corporation under one province's legislation.
Federal corporations often require additional provincial registrations if carrying on business in a province, increasing total costs.
2. Numbered Corporation vs Named Corporation
Choosing a numbered corporation is usually the least expensive option because it avoids many name search requirements.
For example:
12345678 Canada Inc.
9876543 Ontario Inc.
A custom business name generally requires a NUANS or similar name search.
3. DIY vs Professional Incorporation
There are three common ways to incorporate.
Option 1 — Do It Yourself
Best for experienced entrepreneurs who understand corporate law.
Lowest upfront cost.
Higher risk of filing errors.
Option 2 — Launch A Business (or Another Online Incorporation Service)
Ideal for most small businesses.
Benefits include:
Documents prepared correctly
Faster processing
Customer support
Compliance reminders
Affordable pricing
Option 3 — Lawyer
Best for:
Multiple shareholders
Complex ownership structures
Investor-funded startups
This is usually the most expensive option.
Federal vs Provincial Incorporation Costs
Feature | Federal | Provincial |
Operates across Canada | Yes | Primarily one province |
Government fee | Moderate | Varies |
Corporate legislation | Canada | Province |
Extra provincial registrations | Often required | Usually not |
Name protection | Nationwide | Provincial |
Many small businesses only need provincial incorporation, especially if they operate within one province.
Average Cost to Incorporate in Canada
Below is a general estimate for most Canadian businesses using an online incorporation service.
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government filing | $200 |
Name search | $20–100 |
Service fee | $100–400 |
Minute book | $100–300 |
GST/HST registration | Usually free |
Business number | Included |
Typical Total
DIY: $200–600
Using an incorporation service: $500–900
Using a lawyer: $1,500–3,000+
Cost to Incorporate in Ontario (2026)
One of the most searched questions is:
What is the cost to incorporate in Ontario?
Ontario remains one of Canada's most popular provinces for incorporation due to its large economy, business-friendly environment, and streamlined online filing process.
Ontario Government Filing Fee
The Ontario government charges a filing fee to incorporate under the Ontario Business Corporations Act.
If filing online, entrepreneurs pay the prescribed government incorporation fee.
Additional costs may include:
Business name search
Professional incorporation service
Corporate records
Annual compliance support
Typical Ontario Incorporation Costs
Item | Estimated Cost |
Government filing | $300 |
NUANS search | $20–60 |
Incorporation service | $100–400 |
Minute book | $100–300 |
Estimated total: $450–900
Example
Sarah wants to open a marketing agency in Toronto.
She chooses:
Ontario incorporation
Named corporation
Online incorporation service
Digital minute book
Her total startup incorporation costs fall around the mid-range for Ontario and include government fees, name search, document preparation, and corporate records.
Hidden Ontario Costs Many Businesses Forget
Many comparison websites only mention the filing fee.
They often forget to mention:
Annual returns
Registered office changes
Director updates
Corporate profile reports
Shareholder agreements
Legal consultations
Planning for these costs helps avoid surprises later.
Cost to Incorporate in British Columbia (2026)
British Columbia continues to attract entrepreneurs thanks to its strong technology sector, international trade opportunities, tourism, and growing startup ecosystem.
The cost to incorporate in BC varies depending on whether you choose a numbered company or a named corporation.
Typical BC Costs
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Name approval | $30–50 |
Government incorporation filing | Approximately $350–400 |
Incorporation service | $100–400 |
Corporate records | $100–300 |
Estimated total: $550–1,000
Why BC Incorporation Costs Can Be Higher
British Columbia requires name approval before incorporating with a custom corporate name.
The name approval is done directly through the Province, and processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications. Your BC corporation can’t be registered until you have your name approved, so many business owners plan ahead to avoid delays.
Example
A Vancouver software startup chooses:
Named corporation
BC incorporation
Online incorporation platform
Digital corporate records
Their startup incorporation expenses include the provincial name approval fee, incorporation filing fee, and professional preparation services.
Cost to Incorporate in Alberta (2026)
Entrepreneurs looking to incorporate in Alberta often benefit from one of Canada's strongest economies, particularly in construction, energy, engineering, transportation, agriculture, and professional services.
The overall cost of setting up a corporation in Alberta depends on whether you use a registry agent, lawyer, or incorporation service.
Typical Alberta Costs
Expense | Estimated Cost |
NUANS report | $30–60 |
Government filing | Approximately $275–300 |
Registry service fees | Vary |
Incorporation preparation | $100–400 |
Corporate minute book | $100–300 |
Estimated total: $450–900
Additional Alberta Considerations
Unlike some provinces, Alberta incorporations are typically processed through authorized registry agents.
As a result, registry service fees may differ slightly depending on the provider you choose.
Business owners should compare:
Government fees
Registry charges
Service inclusions
Ongoing compliance support
rather than focusing only on the advertised price.
Federal Incorporation Costs (2026)
Some entrepreneurs assume federal incorporation is automatically the best option.
In reality, it's best suited for businesses that:
Operate across multiple provinces
Plan national expansion
Want broader corporate name protection
Intend to attract investors
May eventually expand internationally
Typical Federal Incorporation Costs
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Federal filing fee | Approximately $200–250 (online) |
NUANS search | $20–50 |
Incorporation service | $100–400 |
Extra provincial registration | Varies |
Estimated total: $350–800+
However, businesses operating in a province generally need to register there as an extra-provincial corporation, which adds to the total cost.
Provincial vs Federal Incorporation: Which Is More Cost-Effective?
For many small businesses operating in a single province, provincial incorporation is often the more economical choice because it avoids additional registration requirements, but it all depends on where you’re operating and what’s best for your business specifically.
Federal incorporation can provide advantages for businesses planning to expand across Canada, but those benefits come with added administrative responsibilities and, in many cases, higher overall costs due to extra-provincial registrations.
The best option depends on your business goals, where you'll operate, and your plans for future growth—not just the initial filing fee.
Cost to Incorporate in Saskatchewan (2026)
Saskatchewan has become an increasingly attractive province for entrepreneurs in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, transportation, professional services, and technology. Compared to many larger provinces, incorporation costs are generally competitive, making it an appealing option for small business owners.
Typical Saskatchewan Incorporation Costs
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government incorporation fee | Approximately $265–300 |
Name search (if required) | $40–60 |
Incorporation service | $100–400 |
Minute book | $100–300 |
Estimated Total: $450–900
Good to Know
If you choose a numbered corporation, you may be able to avoid some name approval costs, making incorporation slightly less expensive.
Cost to Incorporate in Manitoba (2026)
Manitoba offers a straightforward incorporation process and is a popular choice for businesses in transportation, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.
Typical Manitoba Costs
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government filing fee | Approximately $300–350 |
Name reservation/search | $45–60 |
Incorporation service | $100–400 |
Corporate records | $100–300 |
Estimated Total: $500–950
Manitoba Tip
Many entrepreneurs focus only on incorporation costs but forget to budget for annual filings and maintaining an up-to-date corporate record book.
Cost to Incorporate in Quebec (2026)
Quebec has its own corporate legislation and filing requirements. Businesses operating primarily in Quebec should understand that documentation and government requirements may differ from other provinces.
Typical Quebec Costs
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government incorporation fee | Approximately $380–400 |
Name reservation (if applicable) | Varies |
Incorporation service | $100–400 |
Corporate records | $100–300 |
Estimated Total: $550–1,000
Additional Considerations
Businesses operating in Quebec should also consider:
French language requirements
Provincial tax registrations
Different corporate legislation
Annual declaration requirements
Planning ahead can save both time and administrative costs later.
Cost to Incorporate in New Brunswick (2026)
New Brunswick provides one of Canada's simpler incorporation processes, making it an excellent option for many small businesses.
Typical Costs in New Brunswick
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government filing | Approximately $250–300 |
Name search | $20–50 |
Incorporation service | $100–400 |
Minute book | $100–300 |
Estimated Total: $450–850
Cost to Incorporate in Nova Scotia (2026)
Nova Scotia continues to see growth in technology, tourism, professional services, and ocean industries.
Typical Costs in Nova Scotia
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government incorporation | Approximately $300–350 |
Name reservation | $50–70 |
Service provider | $100–400 |
Corporate records | $100–300 |
Estimated Total: $550–1,000
Cost to Incorporate in Prince Edward Island (2026)
Although PEI has a smaller economy, incorporation remains relatively affordable.
Typical PEI Costs
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government filing | Approximately $250–300 |
Name search | $20–50 |
Incorporation service | $100–400 |
Minute book | $100–300 |
Estimated Total: $450–850
Cost to Incorporate in Newfoundland and Labrador (2026)
Entrepreneurs in Newfoundland and Labrador commonly operate businesses in fisheries, natural resources, tourism, transportation, and professional services.
Typical Costs in Newfoundland & Labrador
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government filing | Approximately $300–350 |
Name search | $20–50 |
Service provider | $100–400 |
Corporate records | $100–300 |
Estimated Total: $500–950
Cost to Incorporate in Yukon (2026)
The Yukon has a smaller business community, but incorporation remains an option for businesses operating within the territory.
Typical Yukon Costs to Incorporate
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government filing | Approximately $300–350 |
Name reservation | $20–50 |
Service fees | $100–400 |
Estimated Total: $450–850
Cost to Incorporate in Northwest Territories (2026)
Businesses operating in the Northwest Territories may have additional considerations due to geography and regulatory requirements.
Typical Costs in Northwest Territories
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government filing | Approximately $300–350 |
Name reservation | $20–50 |
Service fees | $100–400 |
Estimated Total: $450–900
Cost to Incorporate in Nunavut (2026)
Nunavut has the smallest business population in Canada, but corporations can still be incorporated under territorial legislation.
Typical Costs in Nunavut
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Government filing | Approximately $300–350 |
Name search | $20–50 |
Service provider | $100–400 |
Estimated Total: $450–900
Province-by-Province Incorporation Cost Comparison
Province | Estimated Total Cost |
Federal | $350–800+ |
Ontario | $450–900 |
British Columbia | $550–1,000 |
Alberta | $450–900 |
Saskatchewan | $450–900 |
Manitoba | $500–950 |
Quebec | $550–1,000 |
New Brunswick | $450–850 |
Nova Scotia | $550–1,000 |
Prince Edward Island | $450–850 |
Newfoundland & Labrador | $500–950 |
Yukon | $450–850 |
Northwest Territories | $450–900 |
Nunavut | $450–900 |
Important: Government fees and registry charges can change. Always confirm current filing fees with the applicable government registry before submitting your incorporation.
Hidden Costs of Incorporating a Business in Canada
One of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make is budgeting only for the incorporation filing fee.
In reality, the filing fee is often just the beginning.
Here are some additional costs to consider:
1. Corporate Minute Book
A corporate minute book stores your corporation's key legal documents, including:
Articles of Incorporation
Share certificates
Director resolutions
Shareholder resolutions
Corporate registers
While some businesses use digital minute books, maintaining accurate corporate records remains an important part of ongoing compliance.
If you want a custom business name instead of a numbered corporation, you'll likely need a NUANS report or a provincial name search.
Typical cost: $20–$75
3. Annual Returns
Most corporations must file annual returns or annual reports to remain in good standing.
Government filing fees vary by jurisdiction.
If you move your business or change your registered office address, additional filings may be required.
Adding or removing directors or updating officer information often requires filing updates with the appropriate registry.
Banks, lenders, investors, lawyers, and accountants frequently request corporate profile reports.
These reports may involve additional government or service fees depending on the province.
7. Extra-Provincial Registration
If your corporation begins operating in another province, you may need to register there as an extra-provincial corporation.
This can involve:
Additional filing fees
Annual reporting obligations
Registered office requirements
Local agent requirements (in some jurisdictions)
Ongoing Costs After Incorporation
Incorporation isn't a one-time expense. Every corporation has ongoing responsibilities that may involve annual costs.
Common recurring expenses include:
Ongoing Requirement | Typical Cost |
Annual return filing | Varies |
Corporate records maintenance | Varies |
Accounting and bookkeeping | Varies |
Corporate tax preparation | Varies |
Registered office services | Optional |
Business licences and permits | Industry-specific |
Budgeting for these expenses from the start can help prevent compliance issues and unexpected costs as your business grows.
How to Save Money When Incorporating
You don't necessarily have to spend thousands of dollars to incorporate properly.
Here are a few practical ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality:
Choose a Numbered Corporation
If branding isn't a priority, a numbered corporation may eliminate the need for a name search.
Use Launch A Business
For many straightforward incorporations, an online service like Launch A Business can provide document preparation and filing support at a significantly lower cost than hiring a lawyer.
Understand What's Included
When comparing providers, look beyond the advertised price.
Ask whether the package includes:
Government filing fees
Name search
Minute book
Share certificates
Compliance reminders
Customer support
A slightly higher upfront price may offer better long-term value if it includes essential services.
Incorporate in the Right Jurisdiction
Choosing between federal and provincial incorporation should be based on your business plans—not simply on the lowest filing fee.
For businesses operating only within one province, provincial incorporation is often the simpler and more cost-effective option.
How to Incorporate a Business in Canada: Step-by-Step
If you've decided incorporation is the right choice, here's what the process typically looks like.
Step 1: Choose Where to Incorporate
Your first decision is whether to incorporate:
Federally
Provincially
In the territory where you'll operate
If your business will operate only in one province, provincial incorporation is often the simplest option. If you plan to expand across Canada, federal incorporation may provide additional flexibility.
Step 2: Choose a Corporate Name
You'll generally have two options:
Option 1: Numbered Corporation
Example:
1234567 Ontario Inc.
1234567 Canada Inc.
This is often the fastest and least expensive option.
Option 2: Named Corporation
Example:
Maple Leaf Construction Inc.
Summit Marketing Solutions Inc.
A named corporation usually requires a name search (such as a NUANS Report or provincial name approval) to ensure the name is available and distinguishable.
Step 3: Prepare Your Incorporation Documents
You'll need to provide information such as:
Corporate name
Registered office address
Directors
Share structure
Business activities
Incorporator details
Step 4: File with the Appropriate Government
Once your documents are complete, they're submitted to the federal or provincial registry.
Processing times vary depending on the jurisdiction and whether you file online or by paper.
Step 5: Receive Your Articles of Incorporation
After approval, you'll receive official documents confirming your corporation has been formed.
These typically include:
Articles of Incorporation
Certificate of Incorporation
Corporation Number
Step 6: Complete Your Corporate Records
After incorporation, you'll typically prepare:
Corporate minute book
Initial resolutions
Share certificates
Share register
Director register
Keeping these records organized helps your corporation remain compliant.
Common Mistakes That Can Cost You Money
Many first-time business owners spend more than necessary because they overlook important details.
Here are some of the most common mistakes.
Choosing the Wrong Jurisdiction
Federal incorporation isn't automatically better.
If you're only operating in one province, provincial incorporation may be simpler and less expensive.
Hiring a Lawyer for a Simple Incorporation
Lawyers provide valuable advice for complex corporate structures, but many straightforward incorporations can be completed using a reputable online incorporation service.
Forgetting Annual Compliance
Many entrepreneurs budget for incorporation but forget about:
Annual returns
Corporate records
Tax filings
Updating director information
Registered office changes
Missing filing deadlines can lead to penalties or administrative dissolution.
Paying Extra for Services You Don't Need
Some providers upsell unnecessary products.
Before purchasing, ask:
Is this legally required?
Can I purchase it later?
Is it something I even want?
Choosing a Business Name Too Quickly
A rejected business name can delay incorporation and require additional name searches.
Take the time to choose a distinctive, compliant name before filing.
Is Incorporation Worth the Cost?
For many entrepreneurs, the answer is yes.
Incorporating may provide benefits such as:
Limited liability protection
Increased business credibility
Easier access to financing
Tax planning opportunities
Ability to bring on shareholders
Improved succession planning
However, incorporation also comes with ongoing legal and administrative responsibilities. It's important to evaluate your long-term goals and consult professional advisors if you're unsure which structure is right for your business.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the cost of incorporating in Canada involves much more than comparing government filing fees. Every entrepreneur should consider the full picture—including name searches, incorporation services, corporate records, annual compliance, and future business plans.
The right incorporation option isn't always the cheapest one—it's the one that best supports your long-term goals while keeping your business compliant.
Whether you're incorporating in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, or anywhere else in Canada, taking the time to understand the total costs can help you avoid unexpected expenses and make informed decisions from day one.