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Starting a business in Québec: the checklist.

Every official step from idea to open door, in order: NEQ, GST and QST, permits, French signage and, if you hire, payroll and the CNESST. Tick them off as you go.

Your checklist

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About your business

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Before you register

  1. A sole proprietorship is the simplest option; you and the business are the same person for tax and liability. A corporation is a separate legal entity: a Québec incorporation costs $397 (2026 fee), a federal one $200 online, and a federal corporation operating in Québec must also register with the Registraire des entreprises.

    Registraire des entreprises du Québec; Corporations Canada · Official page ↗

  2. Before signing a lease, confirm with your municipality that your activity is allowed at that address. Most municipalities require an occupancy permit or certificate (certificat d’occupation), even for a home office in some cities such as Montréal, plus separate permits for signs and renovations.

    Rules vary by municipality

    Your municipality (example: Ville de Montréal) · Official page ↗

Register

  1. A sole proprietor must register within 60 days of starting if the business name does not include their own first and last name; registration gives you a Québec enterprise number (NEQ). The fee is $41 in 2026. Tobacco retailers and tanning salons must register within 30 days whatever their name.

    Sole proprietors: only if you operate under a name other than your own first and last name (always for partnerships)

    Registraire des entreprises du Québec · Official page ↗

  2. A corporation formed under Québec law is registered automatically when its articles are filed and receives an NEQ. A federal or other out-of-province corporation that operates in Québec must file its own registration declaration.

    Only if you incorporate

    Registraire des entreprises du Québec · Official page ↗

  3. The Québec government’s online service lets you register with the Registraire des entreprises and open your Revenu Québec files in one process, and get a clicSÉQUR Entreprises login. It is for new sole proprietorships, partnerships of individuals and corporations not yet registered.

    Optional, recommended

    Gouvernement du Québec (Entreprises Québec) · Official page ↗

Tax

  1. The Canada Revenue Agency issues a 9-digit business number (BN) used for federal accounts such as corporate income tax (RC) and payroll (RP). You can get it through Business Registration Online when you open your first program account.

    Needed for corporations, employers and GST registrants

    Canada Revenue Agency · Official page ↗

  2. If your business is in Québec, Revenu Québec administers both the GST and the QST. You must register once your taxable sales exceed $30,000 in one calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters; below that you are a small supplier and may register voluntarily to claim input tax credits.

    Only if taxable sales exceed $30,000 (or by voluntary choice); taxis must always register

    Revenu Québec · Official page ↗

Before you open

  1. Anyone who carries out construction work for others, or bids on such work, must hold a Régie du bâtiment du Québec licence with the right subclasses. Getting one involves exams and financial guarantees, and working without one leads to heavy fines.

    Only for construction and renovation contractors

    Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) · Official page ↗

  2. Preparing meals or selling food to consumers, including from home, requires a MAPAQ permit before you start, and someone trained as a food establishment manager must oversee hygiene. Processing takes 2 to 6 weeks, the permit is renewed every year, and fees run from $283 (holding) to $367 (general preparation, which covers meals cooked at home) plus a $144 file-opening fee.

    Only if you prepare or sell food

    Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation (MAPAQ) · Official page ↗

  3. If you sell or sign contracts with consumers away from your place of business (for example at their home), you generally need an itinerant merchant permit from the Office de la protection du consommateur. You are exempt if all your sales are $100 or less, or if you sell only at a distance (mail, phone, Internet), at fairs, public markets or auctions.

    Only if you sell to consumers away from your place of business

    Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) · Official page ↗

  4. Since June 1, 2025, French must be markedly predominant (about twice the space, equally legible) on signs visible from outside. A trademark or business name with a non-French element must be accompanied by French: a generic term, a description of the products or services, or a slogan (for example 'Lave-auto').

    Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) · Official page ↗

Once you hire

  1. Register with Revenu Québec as soon as you pay or plan to pay wages, so you can withhold Québec income tax and pay employer contributions. You can do this online or with form LM-1-V.

    Only if you have employees

    Revenu Québec · Official page ↗

  2. In addition to Revenu Québec, you must open a federal payroll deductions (RP) account with the Canada Revenue Agency for federal income tax and Employment Insurance.

    Only if you have employees

    Canada Revenue Agency · Official page ↗

  3. Register with the CNESST within 60 days of your first worker’s first day to get workplace injury insurance. Late registration brings late fees, and as an owner you can ask for optional personal coverage.

    Only if you hire at least one worker in Québec

    Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) · Official page (in French) ↗

Every year

  1. Registered businesses must file an annual updating declaration with the Registraire des entreprises and pay the annual registration fee ($41 for a sole proprietor in 2026). For a sole proprietor the fee is normally collected with the Québec income tax return. Filing late adds a penalty of 50% of the annual fee.

    Only if your business is registered

    Registraire des entreprises du Québec · Official page ↗

Your progress
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steps done

Steps left
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Checked October 2026. Fees and rules change: confirm each step on the official page.

How the numbers are worked out

This checklist covers the usual official steps to open a small service business in Québec, such as a car wash, cleaning company, contractor or shop. Some steps apply only in certain cases, for example to corporations, construction, food, door-to-door sales, or employers. Fees and thresholds change, so confirm each step with the agency listed.

Sources

Questions

Do I need to register my business in Québec?

A sole proprietor must register with the Registraire des entreprises within 60 days if the business name doesn’t include their own first and last name. Corporations are registered when incorporated.

When do I have to charge GST and QST?

Once your taxable sales pass $30,000 in a calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters. Below that you are a small supplier and can register voluntarily.

Is this legal advice?

No. It is a plain-language summary of public information, checked October 2026. Confirm each step with the agency linked, or with a lawyer or accountant.

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