By Jatinder Kumar Kataria, Barrister & Solicitor · Last reviewed October 2026 · 5 min read
A corporation is a separate legal person that can protect your personal assets and may offer tax advantages. You can incorporate under federal law or Ontario law. Both let you do business in Ontario.
Side by side
| Federal (CBCA) | Ontario (OBCA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Government filing fee | $200 online | $300 |
| Name protection | Across Canada | Ontario |
| Operating in other provinces | Still need to register in each province where you carry on business | Must register extra-provincially in each other province |
| Significant-control register | Kept and filed with Corporations Canada | Kept at the registered office, not filed |
Who should consider federal
Businesses that plan to expand across Canada, want stronger name protection, or deal with partners abroad who expect a federal corporation.
Who should consider Ontario
Businesses that will operate mainly in Ontario and want simpler administration.
After you incorporate
- Set up a minute book with bylaws, resolutions and registers.
- Issue shares properly and record them.
- Sign a shareholder agreement if there is more than one owner.
- File annual returns and keep your significant-control register current (update within 15 days of a change).
Sources
- Corporations Canada: Fees and processing times
- Corporations Canada: Individuals with significant control
- Ontario: Cost and time to register a corporation
- Business Corporations Act (Ontario), s. 140.2
This guide is general information about the law in Ontario and Canada as of October 2026. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Your situation may differ; please get advice before acting.