How to Start a Business in Quebec (2026)
Registration, tax accounts, and structure comparison — everything you need to get your Quebec business set up legally.
Get your Quebec business setup package — $14
Structure comparison, registration checklist, tax registration guide, and first-year compliance calendar.
Business Structures in Quebec
Sole Proprietorship (Travailleur autonome)
General Partnership (Societe en nom collectif)
Quebec Corporation (Compagnie)
Federal Corporation
Registration Details — Quebec
Provincial Registry
Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ) — issues NEQ number
Official registry →Sole Proprietorship / Trade Name
Registration required for trade names— $41 (online, 2026 rate)
Operating under your own legal name does not require registration. Any trade name does. Annual updating fee required. Fees are indexed each January 1.
Register here →Provincial Corporation
Filing fee: $397 (2026 rate)
Quebec corporations must file annual updating declarations with REQ. Quebec also requires a separate Quebec corporate tax return (CO-17) in addition to the federal T2. Fees are indexed each January 1.
Incorporate provincially →Federal Corporation (optional)
Filing fee: $200
Federal corporations can operate nationwide but must also register in each province where they carry on business.
Incorporate federally →Tax Registration in Quebec
CRA Business Number (BN)
Register with CRA for federal BN. Also register with Revenu Québec for QST number. Quebec issues a separate NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number).
GST / HST / QST
Quebec uses QST (Quebec Sales Tax, 9.975%) instead of provincial HST, in addition to federal GST (5%). Register for BOTH when revenues exceed $30,000. Register at revenuquebec.ca.
Payroll
Register payroll with both CRA (federal) AND Revenu Quebec (provincial). Quebec has additional payroll deductions.
Business Name Search & Reservation
Quebec does NOT use NUANS. Business names must follow French-language rules. An optional name reservation (including a search) costs $27. Federal corporations registering in Quebec also go through the REQ.
Provincial Sales Tax in Quebec
Quebec has a 9.975% QST (Quebec Sales Tax) administered by Revenu Québec — separate from the federal GST (5%). Both must be registered when revenues exceed $30,000. Combined effective rate is approximately 15%.
Register for QST →Annual Filing & Renewal in Quebec
Annual updating declaration (mise à jour annuelle) with REQ: free if filed on time. Annual registration fee: $41 for sole proprietors, $106 for corporations (2026 rates — fees indexed each January 1).
Fee: $41 (sole prop) / $106 (corporation)
Official source →Step-by-Step: Starting Your Quebec Business
- 1
Choose your structure.
- 2
Register with the REQ at registreentreprises.gouv.qc.ca.
- 3
Register for a federal CRA Business Number AND a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) with Revenu Quebec.
- 4
Register for GST (5%) with CRA AND QST (9.975%) with Revenu Quebec when over $30,000.
- 5
Open a business bank account.
- 6
Register for a municipal business licence (certificat d'occupation) if required.
- 7
If hiring, register payroll with both CRA and Revenu Quebec.
- 8
Note: Quebec corporations must file two separate corporate tax returns each year (T2 federal + CO-17 Quebec).
Quebec-specific things to know
- •Quebec has a separate provincial tax system administered by Revenu Quebec — not just the CRA.
- •QST rate is 9.975%; combined with 5% GST = ~15% effective tax on most taxable supplies.
- •Quebec corporations must file an annual updating declaration (mise à jour annuelle) with REQ ($106/year, 2026 rate).
- •Employment laws and payroll in Quebec have additional requirements vs. other provinces.
- •A notaire is commonly used for incorporation in Quebec (not mandatory but common practice).
Common Questions
Do I need to incorporate to start a business in Quebec?
No. You can operate as a sole proprietor with just a registered business name. Incorporation makes sense if you need liability protection, plan to grow, or want the tax advantages of the small business deduction.
Do I need to charge GST/HST right away?
You must register for both GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) once your taxable revenues exceed $30,000. You can register voluntarily before that to claim input tax credits on your own business purchases.
What's the difference between a provincial and federal corporation?
A provincial corporation is incorporated under Quebec's laws and gets name protection only in Quebec. A federal corporation is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and gets national name protection, but must also register in any province where it carries on business. For most small businesses, a provincial corporation is sufficient and simpler.
Do I need a business bank account?
It's not legally required for sole proprietors, but strongly recommended. Mixing personal and business finances makes accounting and tax filing significantly harder, and looks unprofessional to clients. Corporations are legally required to maintain separate accounts.
Official sources
- Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ) — issues NEQ number →
- Quebec Provincial Incorporation →
- CRA Business Registration (canada.ca) →
- REQ — Fees / Tarifs →
- Revenu Québec — GST/HST and QST →
Last updated: June 2026 — fees marked "as of 2026" should be confirmed at the official source before relying on them.
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