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International entrepreneurs

Québec incorporation for non-residents

A coordinated path to assess the structure, prepare required information, organize a business address and set up Canadian accounting.

Assess my projectView the steps

Key decisions

What to determine before filing

The appropriate path depends on the owners’ countries of residence, where operations actually occur, the customer base, partners and the commercial reason for establishing a Canadian presence.

Formation or extra-provincial registration

Creating a new company and registering an existing foreign company are different processes with different ongoing obligations.

Address, records and responsible persons

The usable address, corporate records, official contact details and any applicable representation requirements must be confirmed for the chosen structure.

Tax accounts and compliance

Business number, corporate tax, GST/QST and payroll accounts are opened based on the facts. They should not be confused with incorporation itself.

Coordinated path

Five practical steps

  1. 01

    Assessment

    Clarify the project, countries involved and business objectives.

  2. 02

    Structure

    Compare options and obtain required professional advice.

  3. 03

    Formation or registration

    Prepare information and coordinate the selected filings.

  4. 04

    Tax registrations

    Set up applicable government program accounts.

  5. 05

    Ongoing accounting

    Maintain books and track returns and deadlines.

Useful official resources

Review the CRA’s non-resident business registration guidance and the Québec government’s registration and incorporation information. Requirements must be confirmed for your facts.

FAQ

What incorporation does not solve automatically

Can a non-resident form a business in Québec?

It may be possible, but the structure, jurisdiction, activity and people involved must be reviewed. Provincial, federal, tax and industry requirements are not identical.

Does incorporation grant a visa?

No. Forming a company does not grant immigration status. Immigration matters must be handled by an authorized professional.

Must GST and QST accounts be opened immediately?

Not in every case. Registration depends on the activity, supplies, place-of-supply rules and applicable thresholds.

Does GFCMA replace a lawyer or notary?

No. We coordinate accounting and administrative steps. Legal, notarial and immigration advice is referred to authorized professionals when required.

Do you also need a Québec address?

Explore our business address and mail service, subject to eligibility review.

View the international pathway