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Start a business in Quebec online — $497 all-inclusive incorporation cost, the best price to start a business: Quebec Inc., federal Canada Inc. or offshore company

Create your business online

If you don't build your dream, someone will hire you to build theirs.Good to knowGeneral rule: to create your company, you will — without exception — have to submit your information through an online form, or through an authorized person (a lawyer, for example) for the filing of your incorporation application with the relevant authorities. Note that you can also create your company yourself directly with the Registraire des entreprises for $397.Last updated: August 12, 2026

100% refundable before your application is filed with the relevant authorities.

Comparison · 2026 rates

Incorporating in Quebec: all your options compared

Registrar government fees included in the totals.

Registraire des entreprises (you do the filings)Incorp-Québec (Essential package)Other online services, lawyer or notary
Total cost$397 (government fees)+ your time$497 all-in$397 government fees includedStart$750 to $3,500depending on provider and file complexity
Your effort and support
  • File the articles of incorporation with the Registrar yourself
  • Then produce the initial declaration within 48 hours
  • No support
  • A simplified, streamlined form — 15 minutes on average
  • We prepare, verify and file everything for you
  • Certificate and NEQ by email
  • Usually within 2 to 48 hours
  • Online: comparable process, but more complex — support varies, options often billed extra
  • Firm: meetings and back-and-forth — full personal support, by appointment, on its timeline
What’s included
  • The services you choose
  • Minimum required to create a company yourself: filing the articles of incorporation (1st form) and the initial declaration within 48 hours (2nd form)
  • Government fees
  • Initial declaration with the REQ
  • Articles of incorporation prepared and filed
  • Numbered company
  • 3 directors and/or shareholders
  • Online: similar packages, contents vary
  • Firm: personalized legal advice, relevant for complex structures (shareholder agreements, trusts, estate freezes)
MethodTotal costYour effort and supportWhat’s included
Registraire des entreprises (you do the filings)$397 (government fees)+ your time
  • File the articles of incorporation with the Registrar yourself
  • Then produce the initial declaration within 48 hours
  • No support
  • The services you choose
  • Minimum required to create a company yourself: filing the articles of incorporation (1st form) and the initial declaration within 48 hours (2nd form)
Incorp-Québec (Essential package)$497 all-in$397 government fees includedStart
  • A simplified, streamlined form — 15 minutes on average
  • We prepare, verify and file everything for you
  • Certificate and NEQ by email
  • Usually within 2 to 48 hours
  • Government fees
  • Initial declaration with the REQ
  • Articles of incorporation prepared and filed
  • Numbered company
  • 3 directors and/or shareholders
Other online services, lawyer or notary$750 to $3,500depending on provider and file complexity
  • Online: comparable process, but more complex — support varies, options often billed extra
  • Firm: meetings and back-and-forth — full personal support, by appointment, on its timeline
  • Online: similar packages, contents vary
  • Firm: personalized legal advice, relevant for complex structures (shareholder agreements, trusts, estate freezes)

Minimum requirements to start a business in Quebec

Age

Be a natural person aged 18 or older with legal capacity: not under tutorship or curatorship, and not bankrupt (s. 108 BCA, art. 327 C.C.Q.).

Identity

A valid, unexpired government-issued ID showing name and date of birth is required for each director. No citizenship or Canadian residency requirement for a Québec inc. (e.g. a Tunisian passport is accepted).

Address

A real street address in Quebec where official documents can be served in person, on you or your representative. Residential address, mail-forwarding service or virtual office accepted; PO boxes are refused.

Frequently asked questions about incorporating in Quebec

Answers to the questions we hear most often.

Numbered company or official name: do I have to choose a name right away?

No. A numbered company is not only created faster, but is fully operational from the moment it's created, and you can add a business name later at no cost (e.g. 1234-5678 Québec inc. doing business as “Coiffure Sylvain”).

Should I wait until I land a first contract before incorporating?

The decision is up to you, but it's important to note that some contracts are only offered to companies that are already incorporated — and sometimes even ones with a few years of existence.

Do clients really require an incorporated company?

Often, yes: many staffing agencies and large companies prefer to contract with an incorporated company rather than an individual, to reduce their administrative risk. For many consultants and self-employed workers, it's even the trigger for incorporating.

What are the advantages of incorporating?

Incorporating strengthens your credibility, opens up contracts reserved for companies, and limits your personal liability. It also offers greater tax flexibility as your revenue grows.

I'm still an employee: can I incorporate anyway?

Yes, nothing prevents an employee from incorporating a company for work on the side. However, check your employment contract (exclusivity or non-compete clauses).