■ BUSINESS REGISTRY
Register a sole proprietorship, partnership, or business name with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec — your NEQ and registration handled, usually within one to three business days.
Filed in 1–3 business days
NEQ registration included
Bilingual filing agents
CHOOSE YOUR STRUCTURE
Five ways to register an unincorporated business or name with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec — from a sole proprietorship to partnerships.
REGISTER WITH THE REGISTRAIRE
Most requested
01
The simplest way to run a business in Quebec — as a self-employed individual, under your own name or a registered business name.
Registration with the Registraire (REQ)
NEQ (Quebec enterprise number)
Business name registration
Guidance on tax accounts & permits
Filed in 1–3 business days
Register now →02
Register the operating name you trade under, so you can invoice, bank, and advertise under that name in Quebec.
Business name search (CIDREQ)
Declaration of registration filed
Added to your NEQ record
Compliant French name check
Filed in 1–3 business days
Register now →03
A société en nom collectif for two or more partners who run a business together and share profits, losses, and liability.
SENC registration with the REQ
Partnership agreement guidance
Partners & contributions declared
NEQ registration
Filed in 2–4 business days
Register now →04
A société en commandite with general and limited partners — often used for investment and real-estate ventures in Quebec.
SEC registration with the REQ
General & limited partners declared
Contribution structure set up
NEQ registration
Filed in 2–4 business days
Register now →05
A société en nom collectif à responsabilité limitée for members of a regulated profession who practise together with limited liability.
SENCRL registration with the REQ
Professional-order requirements met
Liability insurance confirmed
NEQ registration
Order-dependent
Register now →WHY BUSINESS QUEBEC
A missing declaration or the wrong business form can cost you time and penalties. Our agents file with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec every day, so your registration is accepted — not returned.
Prepared the way the Registraire expects, so your file is accepted the first time.
Most registrations filed within one to three business days.
One bilingual specialist who handles your registration end to end.
Your NEQ, updating declarations, and first-year deadlines set up from day one.
Businesses registered and incorporated
Years working in the Quebec registry
Business days for a standard registration
Bilingual service, French and English
HOW IT WORKS
Most business registrations are filed within one to three business days of receiving your information.
1
A short intake: what you do, who is involved, and the name you want to use.
2
We recommend the right business form, clear your name, and quote a fixed price.
3
Declaration of registration and REQ submission handled by your agent.
4
Your NEQ, registration confirmation, and a calendar of what is due next.
EXPERTISE & TRUST
Business Quebec has registered sole proprietorships, partnerships, and companies across the province for more than two decades — in French and English — for founders, accountants, and law firms alike.
Registrations and updating declarations handled daily since 1999.
Sole proprietorships, SENC, SEC, and SENCRL partnerships filed correctly.
Documents, correspondence, and registry filings in either official language.
Accountants and law firms across Quebec refer their registrations to us.
BUSINESS REGISTRY GUIDE
Most businesses in Quebec must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ). Registration — called immatriculation — gives your business a Quebec enterprise number (NEQ) used for taxes, permits, contracts, and every future filing.
A sole proprietorship is the simplest and least expensive to run, but you and the business are the same legal person, so you’re personally liable. A partnership (SENC, SEC, or SENCRL) suits two or more people in business together. If you want limited liability and a separate legal person, consider incorporating instead.
Quebec requires a French name, or a French version alongside another language. Names must be distinctive and must not mislead or duplicate an existing enterprise, so we run a name search before filing. If you operate under any name other than your own, you must register it.
Structure
Best suited to
Typical filing
Sole Proprietorship
One self-employed owner
1–3 days
Trade Name
Operating under a business name
1–3 days
General Partnership (SENC)
Two or more partners in business together
2–4 days
Limited Partnership (SEC)
Investment and real-estate ventures
2–4 days
LLP (SENCRL)
Members of a regulated profession
Order-dependent
Registering is the start of an annual cycle. Every Quebec enterprise must file an updating declaration each year and keep its registry information — address, owners, and activities — current within the prescribed delays. Missing declarations can lead to penalties and, eventually, striking off the register.
We handle the ongoing work too — updating declarations, business changes, and registry searches — so your business stays compliant from year one onward.
Tell us what you plan to do and we’ll tell you what to register — no obligation.
Get a RecommendationFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to register my business in Quebec?
Most businesses do. If you operate under any name other than your own full name, or you run a partnership or company, you must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec and obtain an NEQ. We’ll confirm what applies to you.
What is an NEQ?
The NEQ (numéro d’entreprise du Québec) is your 10-digit Quebec enterprise number. It identifies your business for the registry, Revenu Québec, permits, and contracts. You receive it once your registration is accepted.
How long does registration take?
A standard registration is usually filed within one to three business days once we have your information and a cleared name. Partnerships can take a little longer.
Sole proprietorship or incorporation — which should I choose?
A sole proprietorship is simpler and cheaper, but you’re personally liable for the business. Incorporating creates a separate legal person with limited liability. We’ll help you weigh cost, liability, and taxes for your situation.
What’s the difference between a general partnership, LP, and LLP?
A general partnership (SENC) shares liability among all partners. A limited partnership (SEC) has general and limited partners. An LLP (SENCRL) is for regulated professionals and limits each partner’s liability. We file all three.
Do I need a French business name in Quebec?
Yes. Quebec requires a French name or a French version of your name. It must be distinctive and not duplicate an existing enterprise. We run a name search and prepare a compliant name before filing.
What is a trade name (operating name)?
A trade name is the name you do business under when it differs from your legal name. You must register it so you can invoice, open a bank account, and advertise under that name in Quebec.
How much does it cost to register a business?
Cost depends on the business form and the government registry fees. We quote one fixed price up front covering your name search, declaration of registration, and NEQ — with no surprise charges.
Can a non-resident register a business in Quebec?
Yes. Non-residents can register a Quebec business, though some forms require a Quebec address or an attorney for service. We’ll confirm what applies and help you meet it.
What do I have to file after registering?
Every registered business files an annual updating declaration and must keep its registry details current within the prescribed delays. Missing declarations can lead to penalties. We can handle these filings for you.
Can you register a business name for an existing company?
Yes. We can add a trade name (operating name) to your existing NEQ so you can operate under an additional name, and keep your registry record up to date.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Send us your details and a filing agent will confirm the right form, clear your name, and register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec — usually within one to three business days.
