Open and run a business in Canada.
Canada is our primary launchpad for MSB licensing and fintech projects. We know where you can genuinely open a corporate account, how to clear FINTRAC on the first attempt, and how to avoid the common pitfalls in provincial corporate law. A G7 country with a developed banking system, a broad network of tax treaties, and a bilingual operating environment.
- Region
- Americas
- Class
- Onshore
- CIT
- 26.5% federal+provincial blended (Ontario)
- VAT
- 5% GST + 8% PST (varies)
- Desk
- Toronto · since 2012
Available registration forms
Banking & operations
- Banking
- Tier-1 banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) are realistic with the right KYC packaging. MSB-grade banking exists, but it requires a properly built compliance profile — and we build it.
- Operations
- FINTRAC oversight for MSB operators. Immigration for founders runs through Express Entry or the Start-up Visa: we know which route is realistic for a given profile.
- INNOVA desk
- Toronto · since 2012
Packages & pricing in Canada
Services in Canada
Industries in Canada
Tools & comparisons
Frequently asked questions — business in Canada
Canada combines a stable common-law legal system, AAA sovereign credit, and access to CUSMA (the Canada–US–Mexico trade agreement). The federal corporate tax rate is 15%, blending to roughly 26.5% with Ontario provincial tax for large corps. INNOVA CG maintains a Toronto desk supporting structuring, FINTRAC compliance, and banking introductions at RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC.
Most international clients choose a federal corporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) for national brand recognition and portability across provinces, or an Ontario Business Corporation (OBCA) for a purely Ontario-focused operation. British Columbia and Alberta companies are popular for their flexible director rules. An Unlimited Liability Company (ULC) in BC or Nova Scotia suits US parent structures seeking flow-through tax treatment.
Federal CBCA incorporation takes 1–5 business days online via Corporations Canada. Provincial incorporation (Ontario, BC, Alberta) is typically 1–3 days. Post-incorporation, CRA business number registration takes 1–3 days, GST/HST registration 5–10 days, and bank account opening 2–6 weeks. For a Money Services Business, add 6–8 weeks for FINTRAC registration. Full operational setup typically runs 8–12 weeks.
Federal corporate income tax is 15% on active business income (9% for Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations on the first CAD 500,000). Ontario provincial CIT adds 11.5%, giving a combined rate of 26.5% for large Ontario corporations. GST at 5% applies federally; HST replaces GST in Ontario (13%), Nova Scotia (15%), and other harmonized provinces. Payroll taxes and provincial employer health taxes apply if you hire Canadian employees.
No residency is required to own shares in a Canadian corporation. However, CBCA requires that at least 25% of directors be Canadian residents. If your board cannot meet this threshold, INNOVA CG provides a nominee Canadian resident director as part of its incorporation service. Provincial rules differ: BC and Alberta have eliminated the Canadian director residency requirement entirely, making them attractive for fully non-resident-controlled companies.