Registering a business in Ontario takes about 30 minutes online and costs between $60 and $300 depending on the structure you pick. The hard part is knowing which structure makes sense and which portals to use. Here is exactly how to register a business in Ontario in 2026, step by step.
Step 1: Pick and Search Your Business Name
Do a NUANS name search through ServiceOntario or a NUANS provider (~$13-$26). This confirms nobody else in Ontario is already registered with a similar name. Sole proprietors can skip NUANS and just use a name search on the Ontario Business Registry.
Step 2: Pick the Right Registration Type
Ontario recognizes these structures and costs (2026 online fees):
- Sole proprietorship (Master Business Licence) — $60, valid 5 years
- General partnership — $60, valid 5 years
- Ontario corporation — $300, no expiry, requires annual filing
- Federal corporation (with Ontario extra-provincial) — $200 + extras
Step 3: Register Through the Ontario Business Registry
The Ontario Business Registry (OBR) is the official portal, run by ServiceOntario. You create a ONe-key account, fill out the form for your structure, pay the fee, and receive a Business Identification Number (BIN) and proof of registration by email — usually within minutes for sole proprietorships.
Step 4: Get a CRA Business Number
If your Ontario registration didn't automatically generate one, register for a BN through CRA My Business Account. This number is what you use to add HST, payroll, and other CRA program accounts later. It's free and takes minutes online.
Step 5: What to Do After Registering
Registration is the paperwork, not the business. The real setup comes next: bank account, accounting system, and the first customer conversations. See how to start a business in Ontario for the full sequence. A tool like Threecus handles the lead and client side from day one.
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