Ontario incorporations are governed by the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA) and processed through the Ontario Business Registry (OBR), which launched in October 2021. The OBR replaced a paper-heavy process with a fully online system, and most incorporations are now completed in minutes rather than weeks.
What is required to incorporate in Ontario
- A corporate name (either a named corporation with a NUANS report, or a numbered corporation).
- Articles of Incorporation describing share structure and any restrictions on share transfers or business activities.
- One or more incorporators — can be individuals or corporations.
- At least one director. Ontario removed its 25% Canadian-resident director requirement in July 2021.
- An Ontario registered office address. A P.O. box alone is not acceptable; a civic address is required.
- Names and addresses of directors and officers for the first notice.
Costs
| Item | Cost (Ontario) |
|---|---|
| Government filing fee (online) | $300 |
| NUANS report (if using a named corporation) | Approximately $8–$40 depending on the search house |
| Name pre-search (optional, reduces NUANS rejection risk) | Varies |
| Minute book setup (optional but recommended) | Varies by provider |
Numbered corporations skip the NUANS step entirely, which is both faster and cheaper. The trade-off is that the corporation will need to register a separate operating name if it wants to do business under a branded name rather than "1234567 Ontario Inc."
Timeline
For a straightforward Ontario incorporation, the typical timeline is:
- Name selection and NUANS report: same day (a report is generated in minutes).
- Articles of Incorporation drafting: same day.
- Filing with the Ontario Business Registry: usually processed immediately or within 24 hours.
- Initial Return (Form 1) confirming directors and registered office: due within 60 days of incorporation.
What you receive after filing
- Certificate of Incorporation with your incorporation date and Ontario Corporation Number (OCN).
- Stamped Articles of Incorporation.
- Corporation profile showing current directors, officers, and registered office.
- Access credentials for the Ontario Business Registry.
After incorporation
A new Ontario corporation typically has a few immediate follow-up tasks:
- Pass an organizational resolution issuing the initial shares and appointing officers.
- Adopt by-laws — the general rules governing the corporation's internal affairs.
- Register for a CRA Business Number and any relevant tax accounts (HST, payroll, corporate income tax).
- Open a corporate bank account — banks will require the Articles, the Certificate, and a recent corporate profile.
- Set up the minute book and record the organizational resolutions in it.
- Calendar the annual return deadline (due within six months after fiscal year-end).
Korporex is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is general information about Canadian incorporation and compliance; it is not a substitute for professional legal or tax advice for your specific situation.