■ FEDERAL INCORPORATION
We register your federal corporation with Corporations Canada under the Canada Business Corporations Act — Canada-wide name protection, usually filed within one to two business days.
Filed in 1–2 business days
Canada-wide name protection
NUANS name search included
CHOOSE YOUR STRUCTURE
Four federal structures registered with Corporations Canada — from a standard business corporation to non-profits, co-operatives, and holding companies.
REGISTER A FEDERAL ENTITY
Most requested
01
A for-profit corporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) — built for businesses that operate, or plan to operate, in more than one province.
Articles of incorporation (CBCA) filed
NUANS name search & approval
Canada-wide name protection
Bylaws, share structure & minute book
Filed in 1–2 business days
Incorporate now →02
A not-for-profit under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act — for associations, foundations, and charities operating nationwide.
NFP Act incorporation filed
Mission, purposes & bylaws drafted
Directors & members structure
Guidance on CRA charitable status
Filed in 3–5 business days
Incorporate now →03
A member-owned business under the Canada Cooperatives Act — democratically controlled, for co-ops operating in two or more provinces.
Canada Cooperatives Act filing
Membership & share structure
Co-op articles & bylaws
Registered office in Canada
Filed in 5–10 business days
Incorporate now →04
A federal corporation that holds shares, assets, or real estate — used for tax planning, asset protection, and structuring multiple businesses.
CBCA incorporation filed
Holding share structure set up
NUANS name search & approval
Minute book & registers
Filed in 1–2 business days
Incorporate now →WHY BUSINESS QUEBEC
Federal incorporation runs through Corporations Canada and every province where you register to operate. Our agents prepare CBCA filings, NUANS reports, and extra-provincial registrations every day — so your file is accepted, not returned.
Prepared to Corporations Canada standards, so your articles are accepted the first time.
Standard federal corporations filed within one to two business days.
One bilingual specialist who handles your incorporation end to end.
We register your federal corporation to operate in Quebec and other provinces.
Corporations incorporated and registered
Years handling federal & provincial filings
Business days for a standard federal filing
Bilingual service, English and French
HOW IT WORKS
Most federal incorporations are filed within one to two business days of receiving your information.
1
A short intake: what you do, who is involved, and where you plan to operate.
2
We recommend the entity type, run your NUANS name search, and quote a fixed price.
3
Articles, NUANS, and the Corporations Canada submission handled by your agent.
4
Certificate of incorporation, corporate number, minute book, and your next deadlines.
EXPERTISE & TRUST
Business Quebec has filed provincial and federal incorporations for more than two decades. We handle CBCA corporations, federal non-profits, and co-operatives every day — in English and French — for founders, accountants, and law firms across Canada.
CBCA, NFP Act, and Cooperatives Act filings handled since 1999.
We know exactly how federal articles, NUANS reports, and annual returns must be prepared.
Documents, correspondence, and filings in either official language, coast to coast.
Accountants and law firms across Canada refer their federal incorporation work to us.
FEDERAL INCORPORATION GUIDE
Federal incorporation is handled by Corporations Canada under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA). Once your articles are approved, your company can use one name across every province and territory and receives a federal corporation number used for every future filing, tax account, and permit.
Choose federal incorporation for Canada-wide name protection and the freedom to operate in any province — it signals a national presence. Choose provincial incorporation (for example, in Quebec) if you operate in a single province. A federal corporation must still register extra-provincially in each province where it does business, including Quebec.
Federal names are cleared with a NUANS report and must be distinctive to be approved by Corporations Canada. You can choose a word name or a numbered name; to operate in Quebec you will also need a French form of the name for the enterprise register. We run the NUANS search and handle name approval before filing.
Structure
Best suited to
Typical filing
Federal Corporation
Businesses operating in more than one province
1–2 days
Federal Non-Profit
Nationwide associations, charities, and foundations
3–5 days
Federal Co-operative
Member-owned organizations across provinces
5–10 days
Federal Holding Company
Holding shares, assets, or real estate
1–2 days
Provincial (Quebec) Corporation
Businesses operating only in Quebec
1–3 days
A federal corporation files an annual return with Corporations Canada each year, keeps its registered office and director information current, and maintains a minute book of resolutions, registers, and share records. It must also keep any extra-provincial registrations (such as a Quebec NEQ) up to date. Missing filings can lead to penalties or dissolution.
We handle the ongoing work too — annual returns, corporate changes, and extra-provincial registrations — so your federal corporation stays compliant from year one onward.
Tell us what you plan to do and we’ll tell you what to file federally — no obligation.
Get a RecommendationFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to incorporate federally in Canada?
A standard federal corporation is usually filed with Corporations Canada within one to two business days, once we have your information and a cleared NUANS name. Non-profits and co-operatives take a little longer.
What is the difference between federal and provincial incorporation?
Federal incorporation gives you Canada-wide name protection and lets you operate in any province, while provincial incorporation covers a single province. A federal corporation still registers extra-provincially in each province where it operates.
Do I need a NUANS report to incorporate federally?
Yes. Corporations Canada requires a NUANS name search to approve a word (named) corporation. We run the NUANS report and handle name approval for you — or you can incorporate as a numbered company.
Can a federal corporation operate in Quebec?
Yes, but it must register extra-provincially with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec and obtain a Quebec enterprise number (NEQ), including a French form of its name. We handle this registration as part of your filing.
How much does federal incorporation cost?
Cost depends on the structure and the government filing fees, plus any extra-provincial registrations. We quote one fixed price up front covering your NUANS search, articles, federal filing, and minute book — with no surprise charges.
Can a non-resident incorporate a federal corporation?
Yes. Non-residents can incorporate federally, though director-residency requirements vary by structure. We’ll confirm what applies to your situation and help you meet it.
What is a federal holding company?
A holding company is a federal corporation set up to own shares, assets, or real estate rather than trade directly. It is often used for tax planning, asset protection, and structuring several businesses under one owner.
Does my federal corporation need a French name in Quebec?
When a federal corporation registers to operate in Quebec, it needs a French version of its name for the Quebec enterprise register. Your English name stays protected federally; we prepare the French form for the NEQ registration.
What do I have to file after incorporating federally?
Every federal corporation files an annual return with Corporations Canada, keeps its directors and registered office current, and maintains a minute book. Extra-provincial registrations must also be renewed. We can handle all of this for you.
Can I incorporate a federal non-profit or co-operative?
Yes. We file federal non-profits under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and co-operatives under the Canada Cooperatives Act — including bylaws, purposes, and membership or share structure.
Can you convert a provincial corporation to federal?
In many cases, yes — through continuance or a new federal incorporation. We’ll review your current corporation and recommend the cleanest path to go federal while keeping your business running.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Send us your details and a filing agent will confirm the right structure, run your NUANS name search, and file with Corporations Canada — usually within one to two business days.
