Ontario Company Incorporation: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
- Natalie Paquette
- Jan 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Ontario company incorporation is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting or growing a business in Canada. Done correctly, Ontario company registration gives you legal protection, credibility, and a foundation for long-term growth.
This complete guide explains how to register a company in Ontario, step by step, what’s required in 2026, common mistakes to avoid, and what happens after incorporation — all in clear, practical language based on real filing experience.
How to Register a Company in Ontario: Step-by-Step (2026)
Step 1: Choose a Business Name or Numbered Corporation
Before starting your Ontario company registration, you must decide whether to incorporate using:
A custom business name, or
A numbered corporation (for example, 1234567 Ontario Inc.)
Ontario Company Name Registration
If you choose a custom name, Ontario company name registration requires a NUANS name search to confirm the name is available and distinguishable.
Ontario Numbered Company Registration
A numbered corporation does not require a name search and can be a faster option if branding is not a priority.
Step 2: Appoint Directors and Set Up Share Structure
To incorporate in Ontario, you must:
Appoint at least one director
Decide how company shares are issued
This includes determining:
Who owns the corporation
How many shares exist
How ownership is divided
These decisions affect control, taxes, and future investment, so accuracy matters.
Step 3: File Your Ontario Company Incorporation Online
Ontario company incorporation is completed online through the Ontario Business Registry (OBR). You have two main options to file:
Directly through ServiceOntario – You can submit your Articles of Incorporation, director information, share structure, and registered office address yourself through the official government portal.
Through a professional incorporation service – Companies like Launch a Business can handle the filing for you, ensuring everything is done correctly, saving time, and avoiding common mistakes.
When you file, you’ll submit:
Articles of Incorporation
Registered office address
Director details
Share structure information (the government provides one class share structure example OR you can provide your own wording)
Once approved, you’ll receive official incorporation documents confirming your corporation is legally registered in Ontario.
Step 4: What Happens After Ontario Business Incorporation?
Incorporation is not the final step. After Ontario business incorporation, you must:
Create and maintain corporate records
Set up business tax accounts (HST, payroll, corporate tax if applicable)
Open a business bank account
Stay compliant with ongoing filing requirements
Skipping these steps can create legal and tax issues later.
Ontario Company Incorporation Costs Explained (2026)
A common question is how much it costs to register a company in Ontario?
Government Filing Costs
Ontario company registration requires a mandatory government filing fee when submitting your Articles of Incorporation, which is $300. If you choose a custom business name, there is also a cost for the NUANS name search which is $13.80.
Professional Service Costs
Some entrepreneurs choose to incorporate on their own, while others use professional services to ensure filings are done correctly.
Our Professional services include:
Name search and validation
Preparation of documents
Draft for your review and approval
Filing the documents and sending completed Articles of Incorporation
Post-incorporation guidance
While professional services add upfront cost, many business owners find the peace of mind and the benefits, like helping to avoid delays, rejected filings, and compliance issues, well worth the additional fees.
Ontario Company Incorporation vs Federal Incorporation
Choosing between Ontario business incorporation and federal incorporation depends on where and how you operate.
Ontario Company Incorporation
Best if you:
Operate primarily in Ontario
Want simpler ongoing requirements
Do not need nationwide name protection
Ontario incorporation is often faster and easier to maintain for local businesses.
Federal Incorporation
Best if you:
Plan to operate across multiple provinces
Want broader name protection
Expect national growth
Federal corporations must still register provincially in Ontario if they operate there.
👉 Learn more in our full comparison video:
Common Ontario Company Incorporation Mistakes to Avoid
Some of the most common issues we see include:
Incorrect registered office addresses
Improper share structure setup
Confusion between federal and Ontario incorporation
Missing post-incorporation obligations
Assuming incorporation automatically sets up tax accounts
Avoiding these mistakes early can save time, money, and stress.
DIY vs Professional Ontario Company Registration Services
You can complete Ontario company incorporation yourself, but many entrepreneurs choose professional help.
DIY Incorporation
Lower upfront cost
Higher risk of errors
No guidance on next steps
Professional Incorporation Services
Accurate filings from the start
Clear explanation of requirements
Ongoing compliance support
The right choice depends on your experience and how confident you feel handling legal filings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario Company Incorporation
How long does Ontario company incorporation take?
Most Ontario company registrations are completed within one business day when filed correctly.
Do I need a lawyer to incorporate in Ontario?
No. A lawyer is not required, though professional assistance can help ensure accuracy.
Can one person register a company in Ontario?
Yes. One individual can be the sole director and shareholder.
Can I change my Ontario corporation name later?
Yes. You can change the legal name by filing Articles of Amendment, subject to name availability.
Do I need a business license after incorporation?
Incorporation does not automatically grant licenses. Additional permits may be required depending on your business.
What happens if I don’t maintain my Ontario corporation?
Failure to meet filing requirements can result in penalties or administrative dissolution.
How Launch a Business Helps with Ontario Company Incorporation
Launch a Business helps entrepreneurs complete Ontario company incorporation clearly, correctly, and fully online.
We specialize in:
Ontario and federal incorporations
Ontario company name registration and NUANS searches
Corporate amendments and compliance filings
Ongoing business support
Our team handles the paperwork so you can focus on growing your business.
Final Thoughts: Incorporating Your Business in Ontario
Ontario company incorporation doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right information and support, Ontario company registration can be a confident step toward building a stronger business in 2026 and beyond.
Ready to incorporate your business in Ontario? We make it simple—reach out, and we’ll guide you through every step of the process.