Register a business in Ontario · provincial and federal
Register or Incorporate a Business in Mississauga and Hamilton
We help you choose a business structure, then prepare and file the registrations so you can start trading: Ontario or federal incorporation, business name registration, a CRA Business Number and GST/HST. Then the same team can build your brand and website.
BrandZero prepares and files business registrations for founders in Mississauga, Hamilton and across Ontario, including sole proprietorship and partnership name registrations, Ontario and federal incorporations, CRA Business Numbers and GST/HST accounts. BrandZero is not a law or accounting firm; tax and accounting advice is provided with licensed accountants, and legal advice with lawyers.
Key takeaways
- You can register a sole proprietorship or partnership name, or incorporate provincially or federally.
- Ontario’s government fee to incorporate is $300 (as of 2026-11-14, source: ontario.ca).
- Federal corporations still need resident Canadian directors; Ontario’s rules differ, and we confirm them before filing.
- GST/HST registration becomes mandatory once you pass the small supplier threshold.
- Our fee is separate from government fees. Ask for a fixed quote.
Register a business in Ontario: sole proprietorship or corporation?
A sole proprietorship is the simplest way to start: you trade in your own name or a registered business name, and the business is legally you. A general partnership works the same way for two or more people. A corporation is a separate legal entity, which separates business and personal assets but adds annual filings, a minute book and a separate tax return.
| Sole proprietorship or partnership | Ontario corporation | Federal corporation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee | $60 to register a business name, valid 5 years (as of 2026-11-14, source: ontario.ca) | $300 (as of 2026-11-14, source: ontario.ca) | Set by Corporations Canada; we confirm the current fee when quoting |
| Separate legal entity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Name protection | Registration only, not exclusive | In Ontario | Across Canada |
| Director residency | Not applicable | Ontario’s current rules confirmed before filing | At least 25% resident Canadians, or one if fewer than four directors (as of 2026-11-14, source: Justice Laws, CBCA s.105, current to 2026-09-21) |
| Ongoing filings | Name renewal; personal tax return | Annual return, minute book, corporate tax return | Annual return, minute book, corporate tax return, plus provincial registration where you operate |
Which is right depends on risk, income, investors and plans to operate outside Ontario. We explain the practical differences; for the tax side, we bring in licensed accountants.
What registrations do we prepare and file?
Incorporation
Ontario or federal Articles of Incorporation, name search reports where required or a numbered company, standard share structure based on your instructions, initial resolutions and registers, and extra-provincial registration if you will operate in other provinces.
Business name registration
Registration of a sole proprietorship or partnership name in Ontario, or an operating name for a corporation that trades under a different name, with renewal dates tracked.
CRA Business Number and program accounts
Your Business Number and the accounts you actually need, such as GST/HST, payroll or import/export.
Trademark filing support
A pre-filing search and coordination of a Canadian trademark application, with examiner objections handled by licensed trademark professionals.
Banking and bookkeeping set-up
Document checklists for opening a business account and introductions to bookkeepers and licensed accountants for year-end work. See who we are for how we work with licensed partners.
When do you need to register for GST/HST?
You must register once your worldwide taxable supplies pass $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive calendar quarters, and then within 29 days of exceeding it (as of 2026-11-14, source: canada.ca). Below that, you are a small supplier and registration is optional. Some businesses register early so they can claim input tax credits. Whether that makes sense for you is a tax question for a licensed accountant, and we coordinate that conversation.
How does registration work with BrandZero?
- Plan: we talk through where you will trade, who the owners and directors are and what you sell, then recommend a route.
- Name: we check your preferred name or set up a numbered company.
- File: we prepare and file your registration or articles and set up your initial records.
- Operate: we register your Business Number and CRA accounts and help with banking.
- Launch: if you want, the same team moves on to your brand, website and Google Business Profile.
Do you help founders coming from the UAE, or setting up there?
Yes. Founders from the UAE and the wider Gulf can often incorporate in Ontario without moving here, and we check the current director rules for each option before you file. In the other direction, our Dubai studio at Bay View Tower coordinates UAE mainland and free zone company setup. UAE tax registrations and returns are prepared with FTA-registered tax agents. For anything beyond company setup, contact us to talk it through.
How much does it cost to register a business with BrandZero?
There are two parts: government fees, which are set by Ontario, Corporations Canada or the CRA, and our fee for preparing and filing. We list both in writing before we start. Ask for a fixed quote, and tell us whether you also want branding or a website so we can quote the launch as one project.
Areas we serve
We register businesses for founders in Mississauga, Hamilton, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington and the rest of Ontario, and for owners abroad, including in the UAE, who are setting up an Ontario business.
Frequently asked questions
Is BrandZero a law firm or an accounting firm?
No. We prepare and file registrations. We do not give legal or tax advice: tax and accounting advice is provided with licensed accountants, and questions such as shareholder agreements go to a lawyer.
Should I incorporate federally or in Ontario?
Federal incorporation gives name protection across Canada and suits businesses planning to operate in several provinces, but has resident-director rules. Ontario incorporation is often simpler if you will mainly trade in Ontario. We compare both for your plans.
Can I incorporate in Ontario if I live outside Canada?
In many cases, yes, and it can be done remotely. Director residency rules differ between Ontario and federal corporations and have been changing, so we confirm the current position before filing.
Do I need a Master Business Licence if I incorporate?
Not to incorporate. An Ontario corporation registers a business name only if it trades under a name different from its corporate name. Sole proprietors and partnerships using a business name do need to register it.
Do I need to register for GST/HST straight away?
Not always. Small suppliers under the threshold do not have to, though some register voluntarily. A licensed accountant can advise whether early registration suits you.
Will you file my corporate tax return?
Year-end tax returns are prepared with licensed accountants. We coordinate the handover of your records so they have what they need.
Can you brand and launch the business after registering it?
Yes. That is where most of our registration clients go next: name and identity, website and Google Business Profile, planned as one launch, with AI agents for small business added once enquiries start.
Starting a business in Ontario?
Tell us what you are planning. We will recommend a structure, list the registrations you need and send a fixed quote, with government fees shown separately.