With its favourable legal system and advantageous taxation model, Quebec, Canada, is an ideal jurisdiction for foreigners looking to set up a business. With our help, your Quebec corporation registration is a simple process that can be handled in as little as two working days. Find out all there is to know about company registration in Quebec with GCM!
Register a Company or Corporation in Quebec, Canada
Register your Company in Canada in 2 days (upon validation of your identification documents).*
Client confidentiality protection via secured systems.
Your company and its application for a bank account, including eBanking and credit card. Opening by correspondence.
A dedicated manager is available throughout the year to administer your company.
5 simple steps are needed to incorporate your company in the BVI
Complete our application form - Canada (Quebec)
Complete our order form and make the payment for your chosen services. You will then be assigned a client manager to assist you through the incorporation process.
Upload your documents
Your account manager will ask you for official documents which are required for your company formation.
Incorporate your company successfully
Once your documents have been processed your company will be successfully incorporated subject to local authority approval.
Process any additional services
Your account manager will guide you through the steps of completing your request of additional services such as bank accounts.
Manage Your company via our client portal
Our client portal will give you immediate access to all your documents as well as display your company structure.
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Canada (Quebec) Company Formation
Good to Know
A Quebec Corporation is a prestigious entity for starting your business and setting up regional headquarters in Canada. It will benefit from a substantial tax regime for new investments, tax holidays for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, and from an access to the North American market.
Characteristics Of Canadian Company
| Company type | International Business Company (IBC) |
| Governing corporate legislation | Canadian companies are regulated under the federal business law in Canada which is the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) or under any Provincial Corporations Act. |
| Information published relating to company officers | Upon registration of the company, the name of the Directors and Shareholders will appear on public record (available on the internet) |
| Accounting requirement | No accounting filing requirements as long as the company is considered a non resident company. |
| Taxation | Companies that are not resident will not be subject to the taxation of their revenue by Canada. While the company may not be liable to pay taxes, please consult with a tax/legal advisor in your country of residence, to determine your own tax liability |
| Legislation | Modern Corporate law. |
| Standard currency | Canadian dollar |
| Time to form | 2 working days (upon validation of your identification documents)* |
| Stability | Stable jurisdiction with very good reputation. |
| Communication | Efficient communication means. |
| Time zone | Convenient world time zone: GMT-4 |
| Secretary required | Not applicable |
| Paid up capital requirement | Minimum share capital: 1 Canadian dollar. |
| Renewal Date | Anniversary date of the company / Each Year |
| Basis of legal System | Under Common Law. |
| Minimum directors/shareholders | Minimum of 1 director/shareholder |
| Bearer shares | Bearer shares are not permitted |
Documents Required
for the Creation of the Company
A certified copy 
of your passport, a certified copy of proof of domicile dated less than three months, a curriculum vitae, as well as last 3 months’ bank statement. All in original.**
Frequently Asked Questions
Offshore Company Formation in BVI
Where in Canada do you setup companies?
We register companies in Quebec City which has an efficient and fast registry.
Is a Canadian company tax liable?
Not if the company is considered non-resident. Each Canadian company must periodically declare whether it has been resident in Canada or not for the relevant period.
A Canada company is not to be regarded as resident solely by virtue of being registered in Canada – it must be effectively managed or controlled from the Canada or perform activities locally.
In the case any activity is performed in relation to Canada, it is recommended to assess the company’s situation with a Canadian Tax Accountant.
Do I need to appoint an auditor on the company?
Not if the company doesn’t reach a treshold of 50 million CAD turnover.
Will my name be disclosed once I setup a company in Canada?
Yes, the officers of the company will appear in Quebec’s registry of companies.
Is it easy to open a bank account for a Canadian company?
Yes, it is easier than pure offshore companies, Canada being white listed by the OCDE.
What are the rules for choosing a company name in Canada?
The rules for the granting of names under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) and the Canada Corporations Act (CCA) are almost the same.
Essentially, an applicant cannot have a name that
- lacks distinctiveness
- is likely to cause confusion with other businesses
- is likely to mislead the public
- is reserved for another business
- is obscene, or
- has an unacceptable French or English form
What is the paid up capital for a Canadian company?
It is 1 CAD.
Do I need to travel to Canada at any stage to form a company there?
No, everything can be processed remotely.
What are the types of business in Canada?
The primary forms of business in Canada are:
- Sole proprietyships
- Partnerships
- Corporation
- o Co-operative
What is the difference between incorporating federally and provincially?
You can do business in all provinces and territories if you form a federal corporation. If you incorporate provincially, you can only do business in that province.
Can a Quebec corporation do business in Ontario?
Because of a specific arrangement between Quebec and Ontario, if you start a firm in Quebec, you won’t require an extra-provincial license to do business in Ontario, and vice versa.
What is NEQ number?
The Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) is a ten-digit identification number given to companies upon registration. To comply with Quebec company registration regulations, corporations, partnerships, non-profit corporations, trusts, and other entities must get a NEQ.
How long does a Quebec corporation registration take?
Registering a corporation in Quebec, Canada, can take as little as two business days, provided your identification documents are validated immediately. The first step is to select a name for your business and reserve it with the Registraire “Registrar”. Then, we will submit the articles of incorporation, the initial declaration, and the supporting documents. GCM is here to simplify the process and make sure everything is handled as swiftly as possible.
Can you be the director or officer of a Quebec corporation as a non-resident?
Absolutely, provided you register your corporation under the QBCA. While both federal and Quebec corporations hold shareholder meetings, a Quebec-based one can have a single director who also acts as the sole officer, and this person does not have to be a Canadian resident.
How does taxation work for non-resident corporations in Quebec?
In Canada, both the federal and provincial governments collect personal and corporate income taxes. For non-residents, corporate Canadian tax only applies to their income from Canadian sources. Personal income tax is based on residency, and you should expect to pay income tax to the relevant authority in your country of residence. For Canadian residents, the rates vary based on income tax brackets, sectors of activity, and the type of corporation.
Can a Quebec corporation own property in other Canadian provinces?
Just like any Canadian corporation, a Quebec corporation can purchase and own property in other Canadian provinces. That being said, it’s important to note that each province is governed by its own set of rules and regulations on property ownership. The only way to make sure your company may purchase property in the province of your choice is to consult with a legal advisor. In some cases, you may need to apply for a permit or licence before the purchase can be completed.
Do I really need the help of an expert to incorporate a business in Quebec?
While you are under no obligation to delegate your Quebec incorporation registration, the precaution is highly recommended. From selecting the ideal entity and jurisdiction to handling the administrative side of the process and even running your Quebec business, having GCM Corporate Services as your dedicated expert at your side will help you save time, avoid mistakes, and make sure your company continues to run smoothly over time as well to comply with local regulations in total transparency.
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* Subject to the constraints of the due diligence procedure.
** Documents must be provided for every person related to the company.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this webpage shall be construed as a contractual commitment or as a warranty. Services conditions are governed by the applicable terms and conditions.
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09-Aug-2024
I was particularly well received by Christelle, the Managing Partner of the Dubai branch. GCM demonstrated great agility in their quotation process, which was crucial as I was leading a nascent structure in Dubai. The support provided during the administrative procedures for establishing my company in the UAE, along with the responsiveness of the service—especially from one of their team members, Oksana—truly reassured me and gave me confidence during a stressful period of establishing a professional presence abroad. I highly recommend GCM to any professional looking to set up in the UAE or even just to benefit from their advice.
02-Aug-2024
The service renderade was proactive, engaged and well excecuted.
25-Jul-2024
Service was excellent from start to finish. Anna Hochberg was always available to give advice and options and walk us through the process.
12-Jul-2024
Transparent, efficient with very good communication flow. The result was a smooth and quick registration of a new company, exactly as required.
20-Jun-2024
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Quebec Corporation Registration: The Benefits
From taxation to business conduction and continuity of existence, there are several benefits to incorporating a company in Quebec, Canada. Many entrepreneurs choose Quebec over USA company registration because of the jurisdiction’s more lenient requirements in terms of residency, financing, solvency, and general governance rules.
Advantageous Taxation System
In Canada, non-resident businesses are only subject to tax on their income from Canadian sources. Personal income tax is based on residency as well. Company owners who remain in Canada for less than 183 days per calendar year are considered non-residents and, therefore, not liable. If you conduct business within Canada, however, income from your activities will be taxed based on your income bracket and sector of activity. Note that your personal tax liability may vary depending on your country of residence, so be sure to consult with a legal advisor to understand how your situation affects taxation.
A Jurisdiction With an Exceptional Reputation
As a member of the G7, Canada enjoys an excellent reputation, a high level of economic growth, a very stable currency, a Common legal system (Modern Corporate law), as well as exemplary political stability. If you want to set up regional headquarters in Canada, a Quebec corporation registration will give you a strong, prestigious entity for conducting your activities.
A Straightforward Registration Process
Whether you run a small business or a larger company, incorporating your business in Quebec opens up opportunities and grants you optimal legitimacy to operate in Quebec, Canada, or anywhere in the world (particularly with French-speaking nations). From registering your corporation’s name to compiling the necessary documents and submission to the authority, GCM is here to simplify the Quebec corporation registration process.
Run Your Business From Anywhere in the World
All federally registered Canadian corporations are required to have a board of directors and hold regular meetings. While the QBCA (Quebec Business Corporations Act) and the CBCA (Canada Business Corporations Act) both allow these meetings to occur anywhere, CBCA regulations are less permissive when it comes to the directors’ residency status (at least one out of four must reside in Canada). In Quebec, this restriction does not apply, and an officially registered local agent can help you handle everything remotely.
Federal vs. Provincial Quebec Corporation Registration
Choosing the right jurisdiction is a crucial part of the Quebec corporation registration process. The distinction between incorporating your business federally or provincially lies in the regulations that apply to your administrative and practical rights and obligations.
Federal Incorporation (CBCA)
One of the distinctive aspects of incorporating your company federally in Quebec is name protection, particularly if you wish to operate in multiple provinces and territories across Canada. While this solution allows you to register your business in Quebec, it is not limited to this jurisdiction, which means your headquarters may be located anywhere in Canada. Note that you may find the registration fees to be lower, but expect to incur additional costs for a NUANS name search report and to create all the documents necessary to complete your incorporation.
Provincial Incorporation (QBCA)
Putting your Quebec corporate registration through at the provincial level is a more straightforward process, as you will be automatically registered with the Registraire des Entreprises “Registrar” without any additional steps. Provincial incorporation also does away with NUANS name reports and does not require business owners to assign a board of directors (whereas federally incorporated companies call for a board of directors, and at least one director in four must be a Canadian resident). Provincially incorporated companies also benefit from additional flexibility in the issuance of shares.
Should You Set Up Your Company in Quebec?
Is a Quebec corporation registration right for you and your business? Small and large businesses alike can benefit from a Canada incorporation. Business specialists, service providers (entrepreneurs, advisors, consultants, etc.), e-commerce professionals, international traders, holders of intellectual property rights, and many more find that running a Quebec-based enterprise offers sizeable benefits.
Quebec Corporation Registration Made Simple
Our experts are here to guide you through the Quebec corporation registration process and help you make the right decisions from the start so you can meet your short- and long-term goals. From selecting your business entity to opening a bank account, GCM dedicates a local specialist to your enterprise, providing a comprehensive range of services to free up your time and give you the confidence to do what you do best: run a successful business.
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