Business Registration

SERVICES

Business Registration

Registering a business in Alberta is a straightforward process that requires careful consideration and adherence to legal requirements. Whether you're starting a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the registration process:

  • Choose a Business Name

    Select a unique and meaningful name for your business. Ensure it complies with Alberta's naming regulations and is distinguishable from other registered businesses. You can check the availability of your desired business name through our online portal.


  • Determine Business Structure

    Decide on the legal structure that best suits your business needs. 


    Common options include:



  • Register Your Business Name

    If you're operating under a name other than your own legal name (for a sole proprietorship) or the names of the partners (for a partnership), you'll need to register your business name. Click here to run a name search and reserve the business name.

  • Incorporate Your Business

    If you choose to structure your business as a corporation, you'll need to incorporate it. Click here to begin incorporation.


    This involves:


    Preparing and filing articles of incorporation with the Alberta Corporate Registry which can be completed through our online portal.


    Appointing directors and deciding on the share structure.


    Complying with other regulatory requirements, such as obtaining a registered office address in Alberta.


    Register for GST/HST: If your business is expected to earn over a certain threshold (currently $30,000 in annual revenue), you'll need to register for the Goods and Services 


    Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). 


    Register for Payroll Deductions (if applicable): If you plan to hire employees, you'll need to register for a payroll deductions account with the CRA to remit payroll taxes, Employment Insurance (EI), and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions.


    Register with Workers' Compensation Board (WCB): If you plan to hire employees, you'll also need to register your business with the Alberta Workers' Compensation Board to provide coverage for workplace injuries.


  • Set Up Business Banking:

    Open a business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate. This is especially important for corporations but is also recommended for other business structures.


  • Comply with Ongoing Requirements:

    Once your business is registered and operational, ensure you comply with all ongoing requirements, such as filing annual returns, renewing permits/licenses, and maintaining accurate financial records.


BOOK APPOINTMENT

NUANS

The NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) system is a tool used in Canada for searching and reserving business names. It's commonly used during the process of incorporating a corporation or registering a business name.


Here's how the NUANS name search works:


Purpose: The NUANS name search is designed to ensure that the proposed name for a corporation or business is not already in use and does not infringe on existing trademarks. It helps prevent confusion among businesses and protects the rights of existing businesses.


Search Process: To conduct a NUANS name search, you provide the desired name for your corporation or business to a NUANS search agent or through an authorized NUANS search provider. The NUANS system then compares your proposed name against a database of existing names, including registered businesses, trademarks, and corporate names across Canada.


Report Generation: After conducting the search, the NUANS system generates a report listing any existing names that closely resemble the proposed name. This report, known as a NUANS name search report, helps you determine if your proposed name is available for use or if modifications are necessary to ensure uniqueness.


Reservation: If the proposed name passes the NUANS search without any significant conflicts, you can choose to reserve the name for a specified period, usually 90 days. This reservation gives you time to complete the necessary incorporation or registration paperwork without risking someone else using the name in the meantime.


Incorporation or Registration: Once the name is reserved, you can proceed with the incorporation or registration process by using our online portal.


Overall, the NUANS name search plays a crucial role in the business registration process in Canada, helping to ensure that each business has a unique and distinguishable name while protecting the rights of existing businesses and trademark holders.



Alberta Extra-Provincial Registration

Extra-provincial registration in Alberta is a process that allows businesses registered in another province or territory or a Federal Corporation to operate within Alberta's jurisdiction. This registration is required by the Alberta government to ensure that businesses comply with provincial laws and regulations while conducting their activities in Alberta.


To register extra-provincially in Alberta, businesses typically need to submit an application to the Alberta Corporate Registry through our online portal. The application process usually involves providing information about the company, such as its legal name, registered address, ownership structure, and details of its incorporation in the home province or territory.


Once the application is approved and the required fees are paid, the business will receive a certificate of extra-provincial registration. This certificate authorizes the company to legally conduct business activities within Alberta, subject to compliance with provincial laws, taxes, and reporting requirements.


Maintaining extra-provincial registration in Alberta involves fulfilling ongoing obligations, such as filing annual returns and updating corporate information as necessary. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties or the revocation of registration status.


Overall, extra-provincial registration in Alberta is a crucial step for businesses looking to expand their operations into the province, ensuring they can operate legally and effectively while adhering to local regulations. Click here to begin Extra-Provincial Registration in Alberta.

Share by: