How to Get a Certificate of Status in Canada
- Natalie Paquette
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
If you’re running a corporation in Canada, there may come a time when someone asks you for a Certificate of Status — sometimes called a Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Compliance.
Don’t worry — this isn’t anything scary. It’s actually a simple, official document that proves your corporation is active, up-to-date, and recognized by the government.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a Certificate of Status is, when you might need one, and how to get it quickly (without navigating confusing government websites).
What Is a Certificate of Status?
A Certificate of Status is an official document issued by a provincial, territorial or federal government that confirms a corporation’s current standing.
It usually includes three simple points:
✅ The corporation legally exists and is registered
✅ It has not been dissolved or canceled
✅ It’s in good standing with filing obligations (like annual returns)
Each province (and the federal government through Corporations Canada) has its own version, but the purpose is the same: to prove your corporation is valid and active.
When You Might Need One
There are a few common situations where a Certificate of Status is requested:
Applying for a business loan or opening a corporate bank account
Selling or transferring your corporation
Bidding on contracts or government projects
Registering your corporation in another province or territory
Providing proof of good standing to investors or partners
You have a Professional Corporation, and your governing body has requested this as part of your annual certification process
Think of it like a “clean bill of health” for your business. It shows that you’re in compliance and operating legitimately.
Who Issues the Certificate of Status?
That depends on where your business is registered.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Federal corporations → Corporations Canada
Ontario corporations → Ontario Business Registry
Alberta, BC, Manitoba, etc. → Each has its own provincial registry office
You can only get a Certificate of Status from the ‘home jurisdiction’ of your corporation, even if you’re registered and operating in different parts of Canada. So, if you have a federal corporation but also operate in a province (called an extra-provincial registration), you will only be able to get a Federal Certificate of Status from Corporations Canada.
How to Request a Certificate of Status
Here’s the general process — it’s straightforward once you know where to go:
Confirm your corporation’s details Have your corporate name or number handy. This ensures the right record is pulled.
Choose your registry You’ll need to order the certificate from the same jurisdiction where your corporation was formed — federal or provincial/territorial. Not sure? No worries - we can help you figure that out!
Submit your request In 1-2 minutes you can have your request submitted to Launch a Business, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Receive your certificate Most certificates are delivered electronically as a PDF on the same day they’re requested.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing time depends on the jurisdiction:
Federal (Corporations Canada): usually same day
Ontario and most provinces and territories: often within 1–2 business days
Rush services may be available if you need it urgently
At Launch a Business, we help clients get Certificates of Status across Canada — often delivered the same day, straight to your inbox (although it’s also a good idea to check your junk and spam!)
What’s Included on the Certificate
A typical Certificate of Status includes:
Corporation name and number
Date of incorporation or registration
Current status (active, dissolved, etc.)
Signature or seal from the corporate registry
It’s a one-page, official confirmation — simple, but powerful proof your business is in good standing.
Need Help Getting Yours?
If you’d rather not deal with registry forms or government portals, Launch a Business can handle the entire process for you.
We’ll confirm your corporation’s details, submit the request, and send the official certificate right to your email — usually within a few hours.
Contact us here to get started or learn more about ordering Certificates of Status anywhere in Canada.
Final Thoughts
A Certificate of Status is one of those documents you might not think about until you need it — but when you do, it’s worth getting right.
Whether you’re finalizing a deal, expanding into a new province, or applying for funding, having your corporation’s status confirmed can save time and smooth out the process.
And if you ever want someone to take care of the red tape for you, that’s what Launch a Business is here for — helping Canadian entrepreneurs handle the formalities so you can focus on running your business.