5. Corporate organization
The final step covers organizational clauses that will appear in your articles of incorporation. It is divided into 7 sub-steps covering your corporation’s internal legal structure.
1. Share capital
Share capital describes the classes of shares your corporation may issue (common, preferred, voting/non-voting, etc.) and related rights (dividends, voting, liquidation).
“No description” option (common)
Share capital will be defined later in by-laws or a shareholders’ agreement rather than in the articles.
This is the most flexible choice: you can adjust share structure later without re-filing articles with the REQ.
“Custom description” option
You may define share categories and rights now — useful for external investors, preferred shares with fixed dividends, etc.
2. Business limits
This section can restrict the commercial activities the corporation may carry on.
“No limit” (common)
The corporation may conduct any lawful business in Quebec — the default unless you need a very specific object (e.g. non-profit context).
“Specific limits”
You may restrict activities (e.g. IT consulting only, or no retail).
3. Other provisions
Add special clauses on meetings, director powers, additional internal rules, etc.
“No other provisions” (common)
No special clauses in the articles — details go in by-laws.
4. Share transfer restrictions
Limit or structure the sale or transfer of shares (e.g. board or shareholder approval before sale).
“No restriction” (common)
Shares may be freely transferred, subject to any unanimous shareholder agreement.
Many SMEs start here and add private restrictions later in a shareholders’ agreement.
“Specific restrictions”
Examples: right of first refusal, board approval for transfers.
5. Number of employees
Estimate how many employees the corporation expects in its first year.
This is statistical and does not affect legal validity of the incorporation.
If you are solo with no employees, enter 0 or 1 (yourself if paid salary through the corporation).
6. Main activities
Briefly describe your line(s) of business.
Examples: software development, restaurant, retail, management consulting, graphic design.
This description is filed with the REQ and can be updated later.
7. Date of incorporation
You may choose a future date (up to 90 days) for the official incorporation date. If none is specified, incorporation is immediate — the date the REQ processes your application.
When to pick a future date?
- Align a fiscal year (e.g. January 1)
- Contractual start dates
- Pending financing or partnership
Most founders choose immediate incorporation unless there is a specific reason to defer the official creation date.
Popular choices summary
| Sub-step | Common choice | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Share capital | No description | Defined later in by-laws |
| Activity limits | No limit | Any lawful business |
| Other provisions | None | Rules in by-laws |
| Transfer restrictions | None | Free transfer; USA may add rules |
| Employees | 0–1 | Solo founder |
| Main activities | As applicable | Your sector |
| Incorporation date | Immediate | No future date |
Ready to finalize?
Complete our online form to submit your incorporation application to the Quebec enterprise registrar.