Complete Guide to the Quebec Enterprise Register (REQ)
The Quebec Enterprise Register (REQ) is the official public database that contains legal information about businesses carrying on activities in Quebec. It includes, among others, sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, non-profit legal persons, cooperatives, certain trusts and businesses incorporated elsewhere that do business in Quebec.
The register allows the public, clients, suppliers, financial institutions and government bodies to verify the existence of a business, its status, address, names used, directors and certain information related to its structure.
1. What is the Quebec Enterprise Register?
The Quebec Enterprise Register, often called the REQ, is a public register administered by the Registrar of Enterprises. Its main purpose is to ensure transparency regarding businesses that carry on activities in Quebec.
When a business is registered, the Registrar assigns it a NEQ, which stands for Quebec Enterprise Number. This unique 10-digit number identifies the business with the Registrar, Revenu Québec and several other public organizations.
Example of a NEQ: 1234567890
The REQ allows users to consult, among other things:
- The legal name of the business;
- Its other names used in Quebec;
- Its NEQ;
- Its legal form;
- Its registration date;
- Its status in the register;
- Its main address or elected domicile;
- The names of certain directors, officers or partners;
- The economic activities declared;
- Certain information about ultimate beneficiaries;
- The dates when the file was updated;
- Documents filed with the register, when available.
2. What is the difference between the REQ and the Registrar of Enterprises?
These two terms are often confused.
The Quebec Enterprise Register (REQ) is the public database itself. It is where information about businesses is entered, viewed and updated.
The Registrar of Enterprises is the government authority responsible for administering the register. It receives declarations, assigns NEQs, publishes information, processes applications for incorporation, registration, amendments, cancellation and updates.
In short:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| REQ | The public register containing information about businesses |
| Registrar of Enterprises | The government body that administers the register |
| NEQ | The unique number assigned to a business registered in Quebec |
3. What is the Enterprise Register used for?
The Enterprise Register is used to make important information available to the public about businesses doing business in Quebec. It plays an important role in commercial transparency, trust between business partners and public protection.
For entrepreneurs
The REQ allows entrepreneurs to:
- Officially create a business in Quebec;
- Obtain a NEQ;
- Declare a business name;
- Update business information;
- Add or modify directors;
- Declare ultimate beneficiaries;
- Keep the business in good standing;
- Close or cancel a business when it ceases operations.
For clients and suppliers
The register allows people to verify:
- Whether a business truly exists;
- Whether it is active or cancelled;
- Its exact legal name;
- Its NEQ;
- Its declared address;
- The people associated with the business;
- The commercial names it uses;
- Since when it has been registered.
For financial institutions and public bodies
The NEQ and REQ information are often used to:
- Open a commercial bank account;
- Register for GST/QST;
- Communicate with Revenu Québec;
- Register with the CNESST;
- Bid on public tenders;
- Obtain certain permits;
- Officially identify the business in a contract.
4. What is a NEQ?
The NEQ, or Quebec Enterprise Number, is a 10-digit number assigned by the Registrar of Enterprises when a business is registered in the register.
The NEQ is the official identifier of the business in Quebec. It is used in several administrative, tax and government procedures.
What is the NEQ used for?
The NEQ may be required to:
- Open a business bank account;
- File returns with Revenu Québec;
- Register for GST/HST and QST;
- Register with the CNESST;
- Do business with public bodies;
- Respond to calls for tenders;
- Officially identify the business in a contract;
- Search for the business in the public register.
Do all businesses have a NEQ?
Every business registered in the Enterprise Register receives a NEQ. However, a person who simply operates under their personal name, without a commercial name, may not be required to register in certain situations.
For example, a person offering services under the name John Smith only may not have the same obligation as someone using a name such as John Smith Consulting, Smith Marketing or Smith Studio.
5. How to search the Enterprise Register
Searching the register is public and free. It allows users to view available information about a business registered in Quebec.
You can generally search for a business using:
- The NEQ;
- The legal name;
- A commercial name;
- A related keyword;
- Certain advanced criteria.
Why perform a business search?
A REQ search can be useful for several reasons.
Verify the existence of a business
Before signing a contract, paying an invoice or doing business with a company, it may be wise to verify whether it truly exists and whether it is active.
Find the exact legal name
A business may use a commercial name that is different from its legal name. For example, a corporation may be incorporated under the name 1234-5678 Québec inc., while operating publicly under a different name.
Verify the business status
The register allows you to see whether a business is:
- Registered;
- Voluntarily cancelled;
- Cancelled ex officio;
- Dissolved;
- In liquidation;
- In default of certain obligations.
Find the NEQ
The NEQ is often required in administrative, tax or contractual forms. A search by name allows you to find it quickly.
Verify directors or officers
For a corporation, the register may display the declared directors. This information can be useful to confirm who is involved in the management of the business.
Verify names used
A business may declare several names used in Quebec. These may be commercial names, operating names or names used publicly.
6. How to read a business file in the REQ
A business file in the REQ contains several sections. It is important to understand what each element means.
Business name
This is the official legal name of the business. For a corporation, it may be a numbered name, such as 1234-5678 Québec inc., or a chosen name, such as Smith Management inc.
Other names used in Quebec
This section indicates the commercial names or trade names the business declares using. A business may have a legal name and operate under another name.
NEQ
The NEQ is the unique number assigned by the Registrar of Enterprises.
Legal form
The legal form indicates the type of business. For example:
- Individual operating a sole proprietorship;
- Corporation;
- General partnership;
- Limited partnership;
- Non-profit legal person;
- Cooperative;
- Syndicate of co-ownership;
- Trust operating a commercial enterprise.
Status
The status indicates the state of the registration. An active business will generally have a registered status. A business that is no longer active may be cancelled or dissolved.
Registration date
The registration date is the date on which the NEQ was assigned to the business. This date should not be confused with the date of incorporation of a corporation.
Date of incorporation
For a corporation, the date of incorporation is the date on which the corporation was legally created. From that date, the corporation exists as a separate legal person.
Address
The register may display a main address, an elected domicile, a professional address or an address related to a business establishment, depending on the case.
Economic activities
The business must declare its main economic activities. This information helps identify the sector in which it operates.
Directors, officers, partners or ultimate beneficiaries
Depending on the legal form, the register may display certain individuals connected to the business, such as directors, partners or ultimate beneficiaries.
7. How to register with the REQ
Registration is the act by which a business is entered in the Enterprise Register. Once registered, it receives a NEQ and its information becomes available to the public.
The process varies depending on the legal form chosen.
8. Sole proprietorship: is registration required?
A sole proprietorship is operated by a single individual. It is often referred to as a self-employed worker, independent consultant, freelancer or sole owner.
When is registration mandatory?
Registration is generally required when a person operates their business under a name that does not consist solely of their first and last name.
Examples:
| Situation | Registration generally required? |
|---|---|
| John Smith | Not necessarily |
| John Smith Graphic Designer | Yes |
| Smith Design | Yes |
| JT Studio | Yes |
| Smith Marketing Services | Yes |
Why register even when it is not always mandatory?
Even when registration is not strictly mandatory, it can be useful to:
- Obtain a NEQ;
- Open a commercial bank account;
- Present a more professional image;
- Facilitate registration with certain organizations;
- Declare a commercial name;
- Be more easily identifiable by clients and partners.
Important limitation
A sole proprietorship is not a separate legal person. This means that the entrepreneur and the business are generally not legally separate. The income, obligations and liabilities may therefore be directly tied to the individual.
9. Corporation: Quebec inc.
A Quebec corporation, often called a Quebec inc., is a legal person incorporated under Quebec law. It has a legal personality that is separate from its shareholders.
This means that the corporation can, among other things:
- Sign contracts;
- Own its own assets;
- Have its own debts;
- Open a bank account in its own name;
- Hire employees;
- Sue or be sued;
- Continue to exist even if its shareholders change.
Why choose a corporation?
Incorporation can be useful to:
- Limit personal liability in certain situations;
- Separate personal and business finances;
- Facilitate business growth;
- Bring in shareholders;
- Improve commercial credibility;
- Plan certain tax aspects;
- Sell or transfer shares;
- Meet certain client or partner requirements.
Documents generally related to incorporation
To create a Quebec inc., you generally need to prepare:
- Articles of incorporation;
- Initial declaration;
- Company name or numbered name;
- Head office address;
- Directors;
- Shareholders;
- Ultimate beneficiaries;
- Share capital structure;
- Internal by-laws or organizational documents, depending on the case.
Incorporate simply, without administrative hassle
The official government portal can be complex for an entrepreneur who is not used to administrative procedures. Incorp-Québec can assist you with incorporating your company, preparing the required information and obtaining your NEQ.
10. Quebec inc. or Canada inc.: what is the difference?
A business can be incorporated in Quebec or federally.
A Quebec inc. is incorporated under the Quebec regime. A Canada inc. is incorporated under the federal regime, generally with Corporations Canada.
Quebec inc.
A corporation incorporated in Quebec is created directly with the Quebec Registrar of Enterprises. It receives a NEQ as part of the Quebec process.
Canada inc.
A federal corporation is incorporated with Corporations Canada. However, if it carries on activities in Quebec, it must generally be registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register.
This means that a Canada inc. doing business in Quebec may have:
- A federal corporation number;
- A NEQ in Quebec;
- Obligations with Corporations Canada;
- Obligations with the Quebec Registrar of Enterprises.
Quick comparison
| Element | Quebec inc. | Canada inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation authority | Quebec | Federal |
| Main register | Quebec Enterprise Register | Corporations Canada |
| NEQ | Yes | Yes, if registered in Quebec |
| Activities in Quebec | Directly adapted to Quebec | Quebec registration generally required if doing business in Quebec |
| Annual obligations | REQ | Corporations Canada + REQ if active in Quebec |
11. Choosing a business name in Quebec
Choosing the name is an important step. The business name must generally be distinctive, compliant and not likely to be confused with an existing name.
Numbered name or custom name?
When creating a corporation, it is possible to have:
- A numbered name, such as
1234-5678 Québec inc.; - A custom name, such as
Smith Management inc.
A numbered name is often simpler and faster. A custom name may be more useful for branding.
Name search
Before using a name, it is prudent to search the register to verify whether a business already exists with an identical or similar name.
A name search helps reduce the risk of confusion with another business, but it does not replace a full trademark or intellectual property analysis.
Commercial names
A business may have a legal name and one or more commercial names.
Example:
- Legal name:
1234-5678 Québec inc. - Commercial name:
Smith Studio
The commercial name may be used with the public, but it must be properly declared in the register when used in Quebec.
12. Information to prepare before registration or incorporation
Before completing an application with the Registrar, it is useful to prepare the following information.
For a sole proprietorship
- First and last name of the owner;
- Home address;
- Professional address, if applicable;
- Commercial name used;
- Economic activities;
- Date business activities began;
- Contact information;
- Ultimate beneficiaries, if applicable;
- Mailing address.
For a corporation
- Company name or choice of a numbered name;
- Head office address;
- Directors;
- Shareholders;
- Ultimate beneficiaries;
- Professional address of individuals, if desired;
- Date of birth of declared individuals;
- Economic activities;
- Share structure;
- Company contact information;
- Desired fiscal year-end;
- Information required for tax registrations, if applicable.
For a partnership
- Name of the partnership;
- Type of partnership;
- Partners;
- Address;
- Economic activities;
- General sharing of responsibilities;
- Date activities began;
- Ultimate beneficiaries, if applicable.
13. What are the Registrar of Enterprises fees in 2026?
The Registrar charges fees for certain procedures, including registration, incorporation, annual rights, certain amendments and priority services.
The fees below are provided for informational purposes according to the government fee schedule in effect in 2026.
| Legal form or procedure | Regular government fees 2026 | Annual rights 2026 | Priority processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | $41 | $41 | $61.50 for certain applications |
| Partnership | $63 | $63 | $94.50 for certain applications |
| Quebec corporation / Quebec inc. | $397 for the certificate of incorporation | $106 | $595.50 for priority certificate of incorporation |
| Corporation not incorporated in Quebec | $397 for registration | Varies depending on the category | $595.50 for certain applications |
| Name reservation | $27 | N/A | $40.50 |
| Initial declaration filed within the prescribed deadline | No fee | N/A | $53 for priority processing |
| Current update | No fee | N/A | Fees if priority processing |
| Correction update | No fee | N/A | Fees if priority processing |
| Declaration of cancellation | Generally no fee | Annual rights due remain payable | Fees if priority processing |
Government fees may be indexed or modified. It is always recommended to verify the official fee schedule of the Registrar of Enterprises before filing an application.
14. Fees for a Quebec inc.
For a corporation incorporated in Quebec, regular government fees generally include the certificate of incorporation. In 2026, the regular fee displayed for a certificate of incorporation is $397.
The corporation must then maintain its registration in good standing each year and pay the applicable annual rights, which are $106 in 2026 for a Quebec corporation.
Simplified example
| Step | Indicative government fees |
|---|---|
| Incorporation of a Quebec inc. | $397 |
| Initial declaration within the prescribed deadline | No fee |
| Annual registration rights | $106 |
| Name reservation, if requested | $27 |
15. Fees for a Canada inc. active in Quebec
A federal corporation may have to pay fees at two levels:
- Federal incorporation fees with Corporations Canada;
- Quebec registration fees if it carries on activities in Quebec.
Online, federal incorporation is generally $200 with Corporations Canada. A federal corporation doing business in Quebec must then register with the Quebec Enterprise Register, unless an applicable exception exists.
| Procedure | Indicative fees |
|---|---|
| Federal online incorporation | $200 |
| Registration in Quebec of a corporation not incorporated in Quebec | $397 |
| Federal annual return | $12 |
| Annual rights with the REQ | Depending on the applicable form and status |
A Canada inc. does not necessarily avoid Quebec obligations. If it carries on activities in Quebec, it may have to be registered with the REQ and keep its information up to date in Quebec.
16. Payment of Registrar fees
When an application is submitted to the Registrar, payment must generally be made within the prescribed deadline. If payment is not made on time, the application may be cancelled or not processed.
Available payment methods may vary depending on the type of application and the service used.
17. Obligations after registration
Once the business is registered, the administrative work is not over. The business must keep its information up to date.
The main obligations are:
- File the annual updating declaration;
- Declare important changes;
- Keep addresses up to date;
- Declare directors, partners or officers, depending on the case;
- Declare ultimate beneficiaries when required;
- Pay annual rights;
- Correct any inaccurate information;
- File required documents in case of amendment, amalgamation, dissolution or cancellation.
18. The annual updating declaration
Every business registered in the register must generally file an annual updating declaration.
This declaration is used to confirm that the business information is accurate or to modify it if necessary.
What should be verified every year?
During the annual update, you should verify, among other things:
- The business name;
- Other names used;
- The address;
- Directors;
- Officers or partners;
- Ultimate beneficiaries;
- Economic activities;
- Contact information;
- Important dates;
- Establishments, if applicable.
Even if there are no changes?
Yes. Even if no information has changed, the business must generally confirm annually that the information entered in the register is accurate.
19. Filing period for the annual update
The filing period depends on the legal form and type of business.
For several non-joint filers, the periods may be as follows:
| Type of business | General filing period |
|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | January 1 to June 15 |
| Partnership | January 1 to June 15 |
| Legal person | May 15 to November 15 |
| Association or group | May 15 to November 15 |
| Certain commercial trusts | May 15 to March 31 |
For so-called joint filers, the annual updating declaration may be linked to the income tax return.
20. Joint filing with the income tax return
Some businesses may file their annual updating declaration without changes at the same time as their income tax return.
Corporation
For a corporation that files a Quebec corporate income tax return, joint filing may be done on the line provided for this purpose in the corporate income tax return, including line 39 of form CO-17, when the information in the register is accurate and no amendment is required.
Sole proprietorship
For an individual operating a sole proprietorship, joint filing may be possible with the personal income tax return, using the line provided for this purpose in the applicable form.
Warning
If changes must be made to the register, simply checking a box in the income tax return may not be enough. The business must file an update with the Registrar containing the corrected information.
21. Current update: when should it be used?
A current update is used to modify business information outside the annual update period.
It may be required when there is a change such as:
- New address;
- Change of director;
- Addition or removal of a commercial name;
- Change in economic activity;
- Modification of an establishment;
- Change related to ultimate beneficiaries;
- Addition of a professional address;
- Correction of information that has become inaccurate.
A current update is generally free when filed through regular processing, but fees may apply for priority processing.
22. Correction update: what is it for?
A correction update is used to correct information that was inaccurate at the time it was filed.
Example:
- Incorrect date;
- Error in a name;
- Incorrect address;
- Incorrect information about a director;
- Information incorrectly declared in a previous declaration.
A correction should not be confused with a current update. A correction generally concerns a past error, while a current update concerns an actual change that occurred after the filing.
23. Ultimate beneficiaries
Since Quebec’s new transparency rules, several businesses must declare their ultimate beneficiaries.
An ultimate beneficiary is generally an individual who directly or indirectly owns or controls a significant portion of the business, or exercises significant influence over it.
Who can be an ultimate beneficiary?
A person may be an ultimate beneficiary, among other things, if they:
- Directly or indirectly hold 25% or more of the voting rights;
- Directly or indirectly hold 25% or more of the fair market value of the shares or units;
- Have influence that may result in de facto control;
- Are a general partner or exercise certain powers depending on the structure;
- Control the business through another company, trust or agreement.
Simple example
If a corporation is 100% owned by an individual, that individual is generally the ultimate beneficiary.
Example with a corporate shareholder
If Company A owns 100% of Company B, you must look at who ultimately controls Company A. If an individual owns 100% of Company A, that person could be the ultimate beneficiary of Company B.
24. Information to declare for ultimate beneficiaries
For each ultimate beneficiary, the business must generally provide:
- Last name;
- First name;
- Date of birth;
- Home address;
- Professional address, if applicable;
- Type of control exercised;
- Date on which the person became an ultimate beneficiary;
- Date on which they ceased to be one, if applicable.
Non-public information
Some information is declared to the Registrar but is not accessible to the public, including:
- Date of birth;
- Residential address if a valid professional address is declared;
- Certain information concerning a minor.
25. Professional address and protection of personal address
Since the new transparency rules, an individual can generally declare a professional address so that their residential address is not displayed publicly in the register.
Why declare a professional address?
This can be useful to:
- Avoid displaying your personal address publicly;
- Use a business address;
- Protect your privacy;
- Present a more professional address;
- Centralize business correspondence.
Warning
The residential address must still be provided to the Registrar when required. However, if a valid professional address is declared, the home address may not be published in the register.
A post office box generally cannot replace a valid professional address when a physical address is required.
26. Identification documents for directors
In certain procedures, businesses must provide a copy of an identification document for declared directors.
This requirement aims to strengthen the reliability of the information entered in the register and improve business transparency.
Identification documents are not published in the public register. They are used for verification by the Registrar.
27. What happens if a business does not meet its obligations?
Failure to comply with REQ obligations can have significant consequences.
Late declaration
An annual declaration filed late may result in penalties and additional fees.
Failure to pay
If annual rights are not paid, penalties may be added to the unpaid balance.
Cancellation ex officio
If a business fails to file two consecutive annual updating declarations or does not provide certain mandatory information, the Registrar may cancel its registration ex officio.
For a Quebec corporation, cancellation ex officio may have serious consequences, including dissolution of the legal person.
Penal sanctions
A business that does not provide mandatory information within the prescribed deadlines may also be exposed to penal sanctions.
28. What is cancellation ex officio?
Cancellation ex officio is a cancellation imposed by the Registrar when the business is in default of certain obligations.
It may occur, among other reasons, if the business does not file its annual updating declarations or does not provide certain required information.
A business cancelled ex officio may lose its active status in the register. In the case of a Quebec legal person, this may result in its dissolution.
29. How to reactivate a cancelled business
When a business has been cancelled ex officio, it may sometimes file an application to revoke the cancellation.
The process may require:
- An application for revocation of cancellation;
- Payment of applicable fees;
- Filing of missing annual declarations;
- Correction of information in the register;
- Payment of annual rights and penalties due.
It is preferable to avoid cancellation by keeping the file up to date each year.
30. How to close a business in the REQ
When a business ceases operations, it must generally file the appropriate documents with the Registrar.
Depending on the legal form, this may involve:
- A declaration of cancellation;
- Dissolution;
- Liquidation;
- Notice of closure of liquidation;
- Declaration of dissolution for a partnership;
- Voluntary cancellation.
Warning about annual rights
Even when a business closes, it may have to pay annual rights for the years in which it was registered on January 1.
31. Common errors with the REQ
Several errors are common during registration or updates.
Using the wrong name
A name that is too similar to an existing business may create confusion or be refused.
Forgetting to declare a commercial name
If the business publicly uses a name other than its legal name, that name should generally be declared.
Confusing shareholder and director
A shareholder owns shares. A director participates in the decisions of the board of directors. The same person can be both, but the roles are distinct.
Forgetting the initial declaration
After the incorporation of a Quebec corporation, an initial declaration must generally be filed within the prescribed deadline.
Forgetting ultimate beneficiaries
Since the transparency rules, the individuals who ultimately control the business must be properly identified.
Leaving a personal address visible
When possible, it may be preferable to declare a valid professional address in order to limit public display of the residential address.
Failing to file annual updates
Even without changes, the annual declaration must generally be filed. Repeated failure to do so may lead to cancellation.
32. Difference between director, shareholder, officer and ultimate beneficiary
These concepts are often confused.
| Term | Role |
|---|---|
| Shareholder | Holds shares of the corporation |
| Director | Participates in board of directors decisions |
| Officer | Holds a management position, such as president or secretary |
| Ultimate beneficiary | Individual who ultimately owns or controls the business |
| Attorney or authorized representative | Person authorized to act for the business in certain situations |
The same person can be a shareholder, director, officer and ultimate beneficiary. However, these roles must be understood separately.
33. Enterprise Register and GST/QST
Registration with the REQ does not automatically mean that the business is registered for GST/QST.
The REQ assigns the NEQ and publishes the legal information of the business. Registration for tax accounts generally falls under Revenu Québec.
A business may need to register for GST/QST depending on:
- Its sales revenue;
- The nature of its activities;
- The type of goods or services sold;
- Its tax situation;
- The rules applicable to small suppliers.
34. Enterprise Register and commercial bank account
Financial institutions often ask for the NEQ and incorporation or registration documents to open a commercial bank account.
For a corporation, the bank may request:
- Articles of incorporation;
- NEQ;
- Names of directors;
- Information about shareholders;
- Identification document;
- Banking resolution;
- Business contact information.
For a sole proprietorship, the bank may request:
- NEQ;
- Declaration of registration;
- Identification document;
- Commercial name;
- Business address.
35. Enterprise Register and calls for tenders
To participate in certain public or private calls for tenders, a business often has to provide its NEQ.
The NEQ may be used to verify:
- The existence of the business;
- Its active status;
- Its legal form;
- Its address;
- Its directors;
- Its general compliance;
- Its ability to contract with certain organizations.
In some contexts, additional requirements may apply, such as authorization to contract from the Autorité des marchés publics, registration in certain government files or the production of tax compliance certificates.
36. Is all REQ information public?
No. Several pieces of information are public, but some information declared to the Registrar is not accessible to the public.
Information generally public
- Legal name;
- NEQ;
- Status;
- Legal form;
- Declared address;
- Names used;
- Directors;
- Economic activities;
- Certain information about ultimate beneficiaries.
Information generally not public
- Date of birth;
- Identification documents;
- Residential address when a valid professional address is declared;
- Certain information concerning minors.
37. Does the REQ guarantee that a business is reliable?
No. The register confirms certain legal and administrative information, but it does not guarantee the quality, solvency, honesty or competence of a business.
A business may be registered and still have:
- Debts;
- Lawsuits;
- Poor commercial practices;
- Tax problems;
- Customer complaints;
- Poor management.
The REQ is a basic verification tool, but it does not replace a complete due diligence review.
38. Checklist before creating a business in Quebec
Before creating your business, you should ideally have determined:
- The desired legal form;
- The business name;
- Commercial names to use;
- Business address;
- People involved;
- Shareholders or partners;
- Directors;
- Ultimate beneficiaries;
- Economic activities;
- Fiscal year-end;
- Whether GST/QST registration is required;
- Whether a commercial bank account is required;
- Required permits;
- Obligations specific to your sector.
39. Checklist after creation
After creation or registration, remember to:
- Download and keep official documents;
- Verify the accuracy of the REQ file;
- File the initial declaration, if applicable;
- Open a commercial bank account;
- Register for GST/QST, if required;
- Register with the CNESST, if required;
- Prepare the internal corporate records;
- Set up accounting;
- Note the annual update date;
- Keep proof of payment;
- Plan for a professional address if you do not want to display your personal address.
40. Summary table of main REQ procedures
| Procedure | When to use it? | Common regular fees |
|---|---|---|
| Search the register | Verify a business or name | Free |
| Name reservation | Reserve a name before incorporation | $27 |
| Declaration of registration | Register a sole proprietorship or partnership | $41 to $63 depending on the form |
| Certificate of incorporation | Create a Quebec inc. | $397 |
| Initial declaration | Complete the file after incorporation | No fee if filed within the deadline |
| Annual update | Confirm or modify information each year | Annual rights depending on the legal form |
| Current update | Modify information during the year | Generally no fee |
| Correction update | Correct an error | Generally no fee |
| Voluntary cancellation | Close a business | Generally no fee |
| Revocation of cancellation | Reactivate a business cancelled ex officio | Applicable fees |
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About the Enterprise Register
How do I find my NEQ?
You can find your NEQ by searching for the legal name or commercial name of your business in the public search tool of the Quebec Enterprise Register.
Is a REQ search free?
Yes. Searching for a business in the register is generally free.
Do I need to register if I am self-employed?
It depends on the name used and your situation. If you operate only under your first and last name, registration is not always mandatory. If you use a commercial name, it is generally required.
What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and a corporation?
A sole proprietorship is directly tied to the person operating it. A corporation is a separate legal person, with its own rights and obligations.
Can I use a commercial name different from my legal name?
Yes, but that name must generally be declared in the register if it is used in Quebec.
Does the NEQ replace the tax number?
No. The NEQ identifies the business in Quebec. GST/QST numbers are linked to registration for tax accounts.
Does the REQ automatically create my tax account?
No. Registration with the REQ and registration for GST/QST are two separate procedures.
What happens if I do not file my annual update?
You may face penalties. If two consecutive annual declarations are missed, the Registrar may cancel the business ex officio.
Can I hide my personal address?
In many cases, it is possible to declare a valid professional address so that the residential address is not displayed publicly. The residential address may still have to be provided to the Registrar.
What is an ultimate beneficiary?
An ultimate beneficiary is generally an individual who directly or indirectly owns or controls a significant portion of the business, or who exercises influence that may result in control of the business.
Is the date of birth public?
No. The date of birth must be declared when required, but it is not displayed publicly in the register.
Does a Canada inc. have to be registered in Quebec?
If a federal corporation carries on activities in Quebec, it must generally be registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register, unless an applicable exception exists.
Can I close a business for free?
The declaration of cancellation is often free under regular processing, but annual rights due and certain penalties may remain payable.
Does the REQ prove that a business is reliable?
No. The REQ confirms certain administrative and legal information, but it does not guarantee the quality of services, solvency or integrity of the business.
Are you launching your business?
Creating a business in Quebec involves several steps: choosing the right legal form, verifying the name, preparing director information, declaring ultimate beneficiaries, obtaining the NEQ, filing the required documents and complying with annual obligations.
Incorp-Québec helps simplify the process and avoid common administrative errors.