TLDR:

How to register business Canada non resident and Canada business registration foreigner is made straightforward with Open Corporation for $35, providing a full overview of obtaining a Canadian business number and meeting filing obligations. This resource offers clear instructions for foreigners to start and maintain their business registration in Canada smoothly.

Quick Summary

A non-resident can register and own a Canadian business without living here. What decides the shape of the setup is the jurisdiction you file in, whether anyone on the board lives in Canada, and which CRA program accounts your activity actually triggers. Please note the Business Number does not arrive automatically with the certificate.

Aspect	Details
The registration	Name approval, articles of incorporation, then a Business Number.
The board	25% resident Canadian directors federally, no residency rule in Ontario.
The CRA accounts	RC for corporate tax, RT for GST/HST, RP for payroll, RM for import and export.
The ongoing work	Annual return with the registry and the T2 with the CRA, every year.

Reading time: 24 minutes.

The Numbers That Matter

When a Business Number (BN) is Required for Non-Residents

If you’re a non-resident planning to register a business in Canada, you’ll need a Business Number (BN). This number is a unique ID that helps you deal with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and other government offices. You must get a BN if you want to do business in Canada. It lets you open accounts for taxes and other programs.

When do non-residents need a BN?

• If your business collects GST/HST or pays payroll taxes.
• When you import goods into Canada or export them out.
• If your corporation files corporate tax returns like T2.

Getting your BN makes sure you follow Canadian rules and run your business more smoothly.

Overview of CRA Program Accounts Relevant to Non-Resident Businesses

When a non-resident registers a business, the CRA often creates several program accounts under their Business Number. Here are the main ones:

Account Type	Purpose	When Needed
RC	Corporate income tax	Needed for every corporation
RT	GST/HST	If revenue goes over $30,000/year
RP	Payroll deductions	If you hire employees in Canada
RM	Import/export	For businesses trading across borders

GST/HST Small Supplier Threshold

The GST/HST small supplier rule says if your taxable sales pass $30,000 over four quarters, you have to register for GST/HST. Then, you must charge these taxes on sales where it applies.

How Does a Non-Resident Get a CRA Business Number and Program Accounts?

1. Fill out Form RC1 – Request for a Business Number.
2. Send some ID documents.
3. Submit online or mail it to the CRA.

The process is usually fast but may need extra papers if you’re foreign-owned.

Differences Between Resident and Non-Resident Business Registration in Canada

There are some clear differences when residents and non-residents register businesses here:

• Director Residency Rules: Residents have more leeway with director residency. But federal corporations need 25% of directors to live in Canada. Some provinces, such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan, also require Canadian directors, so where you register matters.
• Address Needs: Every business must have an official address inside its province or territory. Foreign addresses don’t count as registered offices.
• Tax Rules: Both resident and non-resident companies pay corporate taxes, but non-residents might face extra withholding tax on dividends from Canadian earnings because of Regulation 105.

Knowing these differences can save time and headaches later on.

Understanding the Definition of Non-Residents for Business Purposes

In Canadian business law, “non-residents” are people or companies who don’t live in Canada but want to do business here without setting up a physical office beyond what’s needed by law.

Can a Non-Resident Register a Business in Canada Without Living Here?

Yes! Foreigners can own shares in Canadian companies with no residency or citizenship limits. But they must follow rules about directors depending on the company type—like corporation or partnership.

What Should a Non-Resident Prepare Before Registering a Business in Canada?

Before signing up:

• Pick a name that fits Corporations Canada or ISED rules exactly.
• Decide your business type (corporation vs sole proprietorship) and know what that means for liability and taxes.
• Gather ID papers like passports plus proof of address when needed—even though it won’t replace having a registered office here!

Being ready helps you avoid delays and meet all legal requirements for joining Canada’s market space.

How to Register a Business as a Non-Resident Doing Business in Canada

Registering a business Canada non resident is doable, but you need to know the rules first. You don’t have to live in Canada to start. Just pick the right business type and where you want to register. The process usually includes getting your name approved, filing incorporation papers, naming directors, and opening tax accounts with the CRA.

Non-residents often pick federal or provincial incorporation. Services like Open Corporation For $35 make this easier. Some rules apply though:

• At least one director may need to be a Canadian resident (this depends on where you register).
• You must have a real address in Canada for your registered office.
• Register for CRA accounts like GST/HST if your business sells taxable goods or services.

Following these steps keeps your business legal and helps you tap into Canada’s stable economy.

Eligibility Criteria for Non-Resident Online Business Registration

Canada lets foreigners register businesses online, even if they’re not citizens or residents. You can handle Canada business registration foreigner tasks through federal or provincial sites as long as you meet local rules.

Here’s what you need:

• No need to live in Canada or be a citizen to own shares.
• Director residency rules differ: federally (under CBCA), 25% of directors must live in Canada; some provinces don’t require this.
• You need a valid Canadian registered office address.
• Certain professional businesses might need extra approvals from licensing bodies.

So yes, a non-resident can register a business in Canada without living here if these rules are followed and you use the right platforms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Online with Business Registration Online (BRO)

BRO is an online portal that makes it easier for non-residents to register their businesses federally or provincially from anywhere.

1. Name Search & Approval: Run a NUANS report on BRO or through other providers to check if your name is unique.
2. Pick Your Jurisdiction: Choose federal incorporation (CBCA) or provincial options like Ontario’s OBCA based on director residency needs and market scope.
3. Prepare Papers: Create articles of incorporation showing share structure, directors, and officers info.
4. Provide Registered Office Address: This must be a physical location in Canada; PO Boxes won’t work.
5. File Application: Submit electronically through BRO with government fees (federal is $200).
6. Keep Records: Set up internal share registers and maintain records as required by law.
7. Get CRA Numbers & Accounts: Apply at the same time for GST/HST and payroll accounts if needed.

Federal vs Provincial Incorporation for Non-Residents — Which Should You Choose?

Factor	Federal (CBCA)	Ontario (OBCA)
Director Residency	At least 25% Canadian residents	No residency rule
Name Protection	Across all of Canada	Only within Ontario
Extra-provincial Filing	Needed outside your province	Not needed inside Ontario
Cost	$200 filing fee	$360 filing fee

Summary: Federal works well if you want national reach but needs resident directors. Ontario suits fully foreign-owned companies without residency requirements.

Sign-In Requirements and Accessing BRO for Non-Residents

Non-residents must create secure sign-in credentials for BRO, often using ID issued outside Canada if possible.

• Use internationally accepted ID numbers where possible.
• Verify your identity with documents matching shareholder or director info during setup.

Once logged in:

You can apply for your CRA business number online. This includes program accounts like corporate income tax (RC) and GST/HST (RT).

If you register for GST/HST as a non-resident in Canada, you might have to pay security deposits depending on how much you sell here per Regulation 105.1

Alternative Methods for Business Registration If Unable to Use BRO

Options Comparison Table

Method	Who It Fits	Pros	Cons
DIY	Simple sole proprietorships	Cheapest	Risky mistakes
Lawyer	Complex cross-border setups	Legal advice + custom help	Expensive
CPA / Filing Service	Foreign small businesses	Flat fees + expert help	Costs more than DIY

Using CPA services like Open Corporation For $35 offers a good balance: expert help without big fees. This reduces common mistakes by first-timers registering from abroad.

What Does Registering a Business in Canada Cost for a Non-Resident?

Our flat service fee including HST is $35 plus government fees that change by province:

Costs may include:

• Federal vs Provincial filing fees
• Named vs numbered corporation charges
• NUANS name search (~$20)
• Registered office rental (~$100/year)
• Extra-provincial registrations ($50-$150 each)
• Public transparency registry setup
• Corporate tax filing extras

Contact us for clear pricing based on your needs.

^1: See CRA Guidance on Regulation 105.

Program Accounts That Require Separate Registration Outside BRO

If you’re a non-resident registering a business in Canada, you get a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). But hold on, some program accounts linked to that BN don’t register automatically through the Business Registry Online (BRO). You have to sign up for them separately.

These program accounts include payroll deductions, import/export accounts, GST/HST accounts, and other special tax programs. Just registering your business federally or provincially doesn’t cover these. Each has its own rules and signup steps. For example:

• Payroll Deductions Account (RP): You need this if you hire employees in Canada.
• GST/HST Account (RT): Required if your taxable sales go over certain limits or if you want to register voluntarily.
• Import/Export Account (RM): Needed for businesses dealing with cross-border goods.

Knowing which accounts apply to your business helps you stay legal after finishing your business registration Canada non resident steps[1].

Registering for Specific Accounts Such As Luxury Tax, GST/HST in Quebec, and Digital Services Tax

Some taxes call for separate registration beyond basic CRA accounts. Non-residents should pay close attention to these during setup.

GST/HST Small Supplier Threshold

A non-resident must register for GST/HST if taxable revenues from Canadian sources pass $30,000 in four straight calendar quarters[2]. If below that, registration is optional.

When Does a Non-Resident Business Have to Register for GST/HST in Canada?

You must register once you start doing business or selling taxable goods or services in Canada. The CRA expects quick registration after hitting those thresholds[3].

Other taxes needing separate registration include:

• Luxury Tax: On some expensive goods; needs its own CRA account.
• Quebec Sales Tax (QST): If you work specifically in Quebec, register with Revenu Québec.
• Digital Services Tax: Foreign digital service providers may face new federal rules requiring separate registrations.

Foreign owners setting up must keep these in mind for smooth compliance[4].

Program Account	Purpose	When Required
RT – GST/HST	Collecting goods & services tax	Pass small supplier threshold / voluntary
RP – Payroll Deductions	Employee source deductions	Hiring employees
RM – Import/Export	Customs duties & trade handling	Doing imports or exports
Luxury Tax	Tax on luxury goods	Selling high-value products

Overview of Import/Export Program Accounts and Their Registration Process for Non-Resident Businesses

Non-resident companies involved in importing or exporting need an RM account with the CRA along with their BN. This lets them clear customs and pay duties legally at Canadian borders.

Here’s how it works:

• Apply separately online or by phone after getting your BN.
• Give details about your import/export activities.
• Provide extra documents like importer numbers or permits depending on what you trade.

You can’t get this just by filing corporate registrations. It’s not automatic at incorporation either[5]. Missing the RM account can cause shipment delays and fines under customs law.

Many foreign-owned small businesses registered through Open Corporation For $35 get help securing these program accounts quickly after registration. This keeps things running smoothly across places like Ontario and Toronto[6].

Important Information on Session Timeouts and Service Availability for Online Registrations

When registering a business Canada non resident online using sites like Open Corporation For $35, watch out for session timeouts and service hours.

Government portals like Corporations Canada’s system time out after about 20 minutes of no activity to keep data safe[7]. If your session expires:

• You lose all info entered so far.
• You must start again with tasks like NUANS name searches.
• Delays happen that might push back same-day processing.

To avoid this: have all documents ready before starting; save your work often; use steady internet; reach out quickly if problems pop up[8].

Open Corporation For $35 offers help during weekends and evenings plus quick replies so non-residents can finish their incorporation online without trouble[9].

[1]:
Canada.ca – Business Number
[2]:
CRA – Small Supplier Status
[3]:
CRA – When To Register
[4]:
Revenu Québec – QST Registration
[5]:
CRA – Importer Exporter Number
[6]:
Internal client onboarding data — Open Corporation For $35
[7]:
Corporations Canada Filing System User Guide 2026 Update
[8]:
Government of Canada IT Security Guidelines
[9]:
Open Corporation For $35 Support Policy

Guidelines for Non-Residents Setting Up Different Business Formats in Canada

If you’re a non-resident, you can still register business Canada non resident without being a citizen or living here. The kind of business you pick changes how you register, follow rules, and pay taxes. You can pick from sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, or branches of foreign companies. Each one has different rules about who runs it, where the main office is, and how to set up accounts with the CRA.

Most non-residents prefer to register a corporation because it limits personal risk and looks better to banks and clients in Canada. But if you want something smaller and simpler, a sole proprietorship or partnership might work better.

Knowing how to register business Canada non resident means picking a structure that fits your plans. You also have to follow federal or provincial rules for registering. Doing this right helps avoid problems later on.

Comparison of Business Formats Available to Non-Residents: Limited Partnerships, Extra-Provincial Registrations, Canadian Corporations, and LLCs

Canada doesn’t have LLCs like the U.S., so foreigners usually pick between federal or provincial incorporation or extra-provincial registration if they work in several provinces.

Here’s a quick look:

• Some partners have limited liability; one partner must have full liability.
• Foreigners can set these up provincially.
• Not very common for non-residents.
• Fees vary by province ($100–$300).

• For businesses from one province wanting to work in another.
• Required when crossing provincial lines.
• Fees range around $200–$400 per province.

• Separate legal entity; can be federal (CBCA) or provincial (like Ontario’s OBCA).
• Foreigners can incorporate.
• Director residency rules differ: federally at least 25% must be Canadian residents; some provinces require majority residents; others don’t require any.
• Federal fee is $200 plus extra service charges.

• No exact match in Canada.
• Foreign LLCs often register as branches or create local corporations.
• Branch registration involves different tax and treaty rules.
• Fees vary depending on registration type.

Choosing between federal and provincial incorporation often depends on director residency rules and where you want protection of your company name. Remember to register extra-provincially if your business works outside its original province. Fees change depending on the province.

Factors Affecting Choice of Business Format for Non-Resident Entrepreneurs

Deciding if a non-resident should use a sole proprietorship or incorporate depends on things like personal risk, taxes, banking needs, costs, and future plans.

Look at this table:

Factor	Sole Proprietorship	Corporation
Liability	You are fully responsible	Liability is limited
Taxes	Pay personal income tax	File separate corporate returns
Banking	Need personal credit history	Have corporate bank accounts
Owners	Usually one	Can have multiple shareholders
Costs	Low setup cost	Higher setup and yearly fees

In general, incorporating gives better protection if you plan bigger operations here. It does cost more upfront though.

Also note: GST/HST registration kicks in after certain sales levels if incorporated. Sole proprietors often qualify as small suppliers and skip registering unless sales grow enough.

Overview of Offshore Company Options and Business Activities Outside Canada

Sometimes non-residents use offshore companies alongside their Canadian operations through branches or subsidiaries.

A branch lets a foreign company do business here without forming a new company in Canada. But it still needs to file reports locally and often extra-provincial registrations if active. This may trigger permanent establishment risks—meaning taxes—unless tax treaties help reduce them.

Offshore companies that operate outside Canada face no special incorporation limits but can’t just hide behind those setups when working inside Canada. Canadian law requires disclosing who owns these companies for anti-money laundering reasons.

Even if an offshore firm stays abroad physically, authorities want transparency about its real owners under new regulations.

Summary of Double Tax Exemption Tax Treaties Applicable to Foreign Businesses

If you’re a foreign owner doing business in Canada, double tax treaties matter a lot. They stop you from paying taxes twice—once here and once back home. These deals affect things like withholding tax rates on interest or dividends sent out of Canada under Regulation 105.

Non-resident GST/HST registration depends on whether you sell goods or services above certain thresholds inside Canada. Registering helps recover some taxes paid (input tax credits), which lowers your overall costs here.

Once registered, you need to file corporate tax returns (T2), no matter if you make profits or not. Your tax depends on whether you have permanent establishment status here—basically a fixed place of business triggering local tax duties.

You’ll also need to handle withholding correctly according to treaties so you don’t overpay at source.

Getting advice early can help sort out these complex laws versus international agreements designed to prevent double taxation for foreign businesses working in Canada.

Obtaining a Canadian Business Number (BN) as a Non-Resident

If you want to register business Canada non resident style, the first step is to get a Canadian Business Number (BN). This BN is a nine-digit code that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) gives to each business. It helps you deal with federal, provincial, and municipal governments without hassle.

Non-residents can apply for a BN after they incorporate or register their business in Canada. The BN lets you open accounts for:

• corporate income tax (RC),
• GST/HST (RT),
• payroll deductions (RP),
• and import/export programs (RM).

You need to provide company details like the legal name, where it was incorporated, an address in Canada, details of directors, and the fiscal year-end. Without a BN, you cannot file taxes or open CRA program accounts.

For those who want Canada business registration foreigner options, getting the BN early helps avoid problems with CRA reporting later on. There are services that assist non-residents to get this done smoothly.

Source: CRA – Business Number Program

Steps for Resident and Non-Resident Importers to Register with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

Both resident and non-resident importers must register with CBSA before bringing goods into Canada. This registration is needed to join customs programs like CARM — Canada’s new digital platform replacing old systems.

Here’s how you register:

1. Get your Canadian Business Number from CRA.
2. Apply online on the CBSA website or use the CARM Portal.
3. Provide importer details: legal entity type, contact info, authorized reps.
4. Send documents that prove your identity and business legitimacy.

Non-residents might face extra checks but follow similar steps once they have a BN under their Canadian corporation or branch.

Registering on time avoids customs delays that could mess up your supply chain or cause fines.

Source: CBSA – Importer Registration

Requirements for Non-Resident Importer (NRI) Registration Including Additional Documentation

If you’re doing business registration Canada non resident style and want to be a Non-Resident Importer (NRI), you must meet some special rules beyond normal importer registration:

• Have a valid Canadian Business Number tied to an active company or branch.
• Show incorporation papers proving foreign ownership.
• Name an agent living in Canada who handles customs if you don’t have a local office.
• Provide notarized power of attorney so someone in Canada can act for you.

Sometimes you’ll also need financial statements showing you can pay your bills or security deposits based on CBSA’s risk check.

These rules make sure importing without being physically in Canada stays legal and safe.

Source: CBSA – NRI Guidelines

CARM Portal Registration and Verification Procedures for Importers

The CARM Portal makes registering as an importer easier — even if you’re a non-resident with a business registered outside Canada but working here.

To register:

1. Make an account on the CARM Portal using your BN from CRA.
2. Verify your profile by confirming ID with government-issued documents plus proof you control imported goods.
3. Link all related accounts like GST/HST RT if your sales in Canada cross certain limits.
4. Keep info updated about directors, addresses, or ownership changes fast to stay compliant.

This online system cuts down mistakes common when foreign-owned businesses try to manage different agencies on their own after figuring out how to register business canada non resident operations properly.

Source: Government of Canada’s CARM Overview

Security Requirements Effective April 2025 for Importers Operating in Canada

Starting April 2025, new security rules will affect importers working in Canada — especially non-residents setting up via canada company registration foreigner processes:

• You must submit stronger security clearances before shipments release. This includes background checks on key people controlling your company if it’s registered outside Canada.
• You’ll need financial security deposits covering possible duties and taxes owed at entry.
• Automated risk assessments built into CARM will watch compliance live.
• If you don’t follow these rules, import privileges may be paused until problems get fixed.

These measures aim to protect Canada’s borders from illegal trade while letting legit foreign investors operate within the country’s rules.

Source: CBSA Notice – Security Measures Update April 2025

Situations Where an Existing Business Number May Already Exist for Your Business

If you’re a non-resident wanting to register business Canada non resident, first check if your business already has a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Sometimes, your foreign company might have a BN if it registered for GST/HST, payroll, import/export, or income tax in Canada before. This can happen when one company runs several branches or subsidiaries across different provinces.

Using the same BN stops you from registering twice and makes managing your CRA accounts easier. But you need to verify this with the CRA by giving your legal business name and other info. If you’re unsure, it’s smart to get help from a professional who can tell if your foreign-owned business needs a new BN or not.

Key source: Canada.ca – Registering for a Business Number

Access and Usage Guidelines for Business Registration Online (BRO) for Non-Residents

Canada’s Business Registration Online (BRO) lets non-residents register their business without being in the country. When figuring out how to register business Canada non resident, keep these tips in mind:

• Have your ID documents ready.
• BRO handles federal incorporation and program accounts like GST/HST.
• You must use a valid Canadian address—usually through registered office services—since foreign addresses won’t work.
• BRO gives instant confirmation but doesn’t replace provincial registration where needed.

Non-residents will find BRO easy to use but might need extra documents for identity checks due to cross-border rules.

Reference: Corporations Canada – Using BRO

Mailing or Faxing Form RC1 as an Alternative Registration Method

If online registration feels tricky or you can’t use it, mailing or faxing Form RC1 works well when registering business Canada non resident.

Form RC1 is the official form to get a new Business Number plus GST/HST or payroll accounts. When you send it by mail or fax:

• Fill out all parts clearly.
• Attach papers that prove your identity and right to act for the company.
• Use certified mail or courier so you can track it.

This method takes longer—usually 2–4 weeks—but works if you want paper records or no internet access.

Source: CRA Form RC1 Instructions

Next Steps After Business Registration: Compliance, Filing, and Reporting Obligations

Once you know how to register business Canada non resident, don’t stop there. You need to keep following rules after registration. Here’s what comes next:

• Annual Returns: File these with Corporations Canada or your province on time every year.
• Corporate Taxes: Send T2 income tax returns within six months after your fiscal year ends, even if you didn’t earn money (CRA T2 Guide).
• GST/HST: If your non-resident business sells over $30,000 CAD in any calendar quarter, register for GST/HST (Small Supplier Threshold).

Failing to comply can cause fines of up to $250 per day plus interest on owed taxes. Keep good records at your Canadian registered office so you get notices on time from agencies like ISC and CRA.

Important Alerts and Notices for Non-Residents Registering a Business in Canada

Non-residents should watch out for some big changes affecting their Canadian businesses:

Knowing these alerts helps prevent rejected filings because of director rules or unexpected withholding taxes that could hurt cash flow after registration.

Contact and Support Options for Business Registration Assistance

Open Corporation For $35 provides help especially for foreign entrepreneurs figuring out how to register business Canada non resident. Their flat fee covers:

• Same-day federal/provincial incorporation
• Instant NUANS name search reports
• Registered office/address solutions that meet registry rules
• CRA account setup including GST/HST registration

They are backed by a licensed Ontario CPA firm who offers free consultations before and after registration — all included in the $35 service fee incl HST.

Contact us today at 647‑212‑9559 | info@gondaliyacpa.ca | Visit: opencorporationfor35.ca/contact-us/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Non-residents must maintain a registered Canadian office address; PO Boxes are not accepted.
• Annual returns are mandatory; late filings incur penalties.
• Minute books must be kept up to date for corporate records.
• CRA program accounts like GST/HST (RT) require separate registrations post-incorporation when thresholds are met.
• Regulation 105 withholding tax rules apply to payments made to non-resident contractors from January 2026 onward.
• Extra-provincial registrations increase compliance costs if operating across provinces.
• Open Corporation For $35 provides professional filing services that minimize risks compared to DIY approaches.

• DIY registration suits simple businesses but risks errors that cause delays or fines.
• Lawyers provide legal advice tailored for complex cross-border setups but charge high fees.
• CPAs or specialized filing services like Open Corporation For $35 offer affordable expertise ensuring smooth compliance without excessive costs.

• Same-day incorporation federally or provincially with full compliance checks.
• Instant NUANS name search reports included at no extra cost.
• Registered office address solutions that meet provincial requirements.
• Setup of CRA Business Number and relevant program accounts like GST/HST if applicable.
• Ongoing support for annual filings, tax return deadlines, and regulatory updates affecting foreign-owned companies.

Corporations limit owners’ personal liability, protecting personal assets from business debts or lawsuits. Sole proprietors face unlimited liability risks but simpler banking needs. Corporations enhance credibility with Canadian banks enabling better access to credit and corporate accounts essential for growth.

Federal CBCA rules require 25% Canadian resident directors; Ontario has none, allowing full foreign ownership of directors there. This ratio impacts whether you choose federal or provincial incorporation based on your director availability in Canada.

Non-resident businesses must disclose beneficial owners as per Industry Supervision Commission (ISC) transparency laws to prevent money laundering and fraud risks in Canada’s corporate registry systems.

• BN: Business Number issued by CRA for tax identification.
• NUANS: Name search report verifying uniqueness nationwide or provincially.
• CBCA: Canada Business Corporations Act governing federal corporations.
• OBCA: Ontario Business Corporations Act governing Ontario incorporations.
• Regulation 105: Tax withholding rules applying to payments to non-residents.

Professional Guidance on Business Registration: How Open Corporation For $35 Supports Non-Residents

Registering from outside Canada is a sequencing problem rather than a form problem. The filing itself is quick. Choosing the jurisdiction against your board, arranging a registered office the registry will accept, and opening the right CRA accounts in the right order is the work that decides how long the whole thing takes.

Open Corporation For $35 is backed by Gondaliya CPA, which means your registration, your CRA accounts and your tax filings sit with one team rather than three providers who never speak to each other. We run the name search, file the registration, open the Business Number and the program accounts you need, and send you the confirmations for your records.

Our team works to current registry and CRA practice and builds each filing around your own facts rather than a template. Whether you are registering federally for national reach or provincially to keep it simple, we confirm the position before anything is submitted.

• Our service fee: $35 flat, including HST
• Federal filing fee: $200 under the CBCA
• Director residency, federal: At least 25% resident Canadians
• Director residency, Ontario: No residency rule
• GST/HST threshold: $30,000 over four quarters
• NUANS validity: 90 days
• T2 deadline: Six months after the fiscal year end
• Registered office: Physical Canadian address, no PO boxes
• Program accounts: RC, RT, RP and RM, opened separately
• Extra-provincial: Required in each additional province

• For: Non-residents registering or incorporating a Canadian business, owners who need CRA program accounts arranged for them, businesses importing into or exporting out of Canada, and anyone weighing federal against provincial registration.
• Not For: Anyone expecting registration to grant a work permit or residency, corporations already registered that only need annual filings, and businesses with no Canadian activity at all.

• Business Number: The CRA identifier that all tax accounts attach to.
• RC account: The corporate income tax account.
• RT account: The GST/HST account.
• RP account: The payroll deductions account.
• RM account: The import and export account.
• NUANS: The name search report checking your proposed name against existing names.
• CBCA: The Canada Business Corporations Act, governing federal corporations.
• OBCA: The Ontario Business Corporations Act, governing Ontario corporations.
• Registered office: The official Canadian address used for legal service and registry notices.
• Extra-provincial registration: Registration in a province other than the one you incorporated in.

Non-Resident Registration Readiness Check

This quick self-check flags which parts of your Canadian registration need attention. Please answer the six questions below.

After registering your business:

• Obtain all required CRA accounts timely (GST/HST, payroll).
• File annual returns with your registry jurisdiction on schedule.
• Prepare T2 tax returns each fiscal year’s end promptly.
• Monitor changes in residency laws or taxation impacting your business operations.
• Use professional help like Open Corporation For $35’s CPA team to stay compliant effortlessly.

Want a checklist to work from? Please download our free non-resident business registration checklist before your consultation.

Next Steps

Send us the country you live in, the province you plan to operate in, and whether you will be hiring or importing, and we will confirm exactly which registrations and CRA accounts you need before you file anything. If our content helps, please add opencorporationfor35.ca as a preferred source on Google.

Published: July 27, 2026  ·  Last updated: July 27, 2026

Editorial policy: Our content is prepared by our filing team and reviewed by Sharad Gondaliya, CPA, and we update it as registry requirements, fees and compliance rules change.

Disclaimer: This article is educational information only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Fees, deadlines and residency rules change, and outcomes depend on your specific facts. Please consult a CPA before acting.