Register yoursole proprietorship online.
The fastest, lowest-cost way to start a business in Canada. A sole proprietorship lets you operate under a registered business name, open a business bank account and start invoicing clients — usually within a day. We handle the name search, government filing and business documents in every province and territory, so you can start trading with confidence.
provinces & territories covered
- Business name search & approval in every province
- Master Business Licence & registration certificate
- CRA business number set up on request
Sole proprietorship registration, in every province and territory.
Sole proprietorships are registered provincially and territorially — each jurisdiction sets its own name search process, registration term and renewal rules. Select where you’ll operate to see requirements and file directly.
Ontario Sole Proprietorship
Register your business name under Ontario’s Business Names Act and start invoicing under your brand.
Alberta Sole Proprietorship
File a trade name registration through Alberta’s corporate registry with a NUANS name search.
BC Sole Proprietorship
Register your proprietorship through BC Registry Services with a name approval request first.
Quebec Sole Proprietorship
Declare your business (immatriculation) with the Registraire des entreprises, including French-name compliance.
Nova Scotia Sole Proprietorship
Register a business name through the Registry of Joint Stock Companies, renewed every 3 years.
Saskatchewan Sole Proprietorship
Newfoundland Sole Proprietorship
Register your trade name with the Registry of Companies for Newfoundland and Labrador.
New Brunswick Sole Proprietorship
Bilingual business name registration filed with New Brunswick’s Corporate Affairs branch.
Manitoba Sole Proprietorship
Register your business name through the Manitoba Companies Office in as little as one business day.
P.E.I. Sole Proprietorship
N.W.T. Sole Proprietorship
Register your trade name through the Northwest Territories Registrar of Business Names.
Yukon Sole Proprietorship
File a business name registration through Yukon’s Corporate Affairs, valid for 3 years.
Nunavut Sole Proprietorship
Register your trade name with the Nunavut Legal Registries Division to operate territory-wide.
From business idea to registered proprietorship.
Name search & clearance
We confirm your desired business name is available and meets your jurisdiction’s naming rules.
Registration filed
Your sole proprietorship is registered with the appropriate provincial or territorial registry.
Certificate delivered
You receive your registration certificate — typically all that’s needed to open a business bank account.
CRA number (optional)
On request, we set up your CRA business number for GST/HST, payroll or import-export accounts.
The simplest legal way to start trading under your own business name.
Most registrations are approved same-day or next-day, at a fraction of incorporation costs.
Business income and expenses are reported on your personal tax return — no separate corporate return required.
Trade as yourself
Legally operate, invoice and market under a registered name instead of your personal legal name.
Open doors fast
Your registration certificate is typically all that’s needed to open a business bank account.
Grow into a corp
Start lean today and incorporate later once revenue and liability exposure justify the switch.
What registering a sole proprietorship looks like where you operate.
Ontario Sole Proprietorship
Alberta Sole Proprietorship
Alberta trade name registrations require a NUANS name search report and are filed through a registered service provider, giving you exclusive use of your business name province-wide.
BC Sole Proprietorship
British Columbia requires name approval before registering a sole proprietorship through BC Registry Services, after which you receive a business number and registration statement.
Quebec Sole Proprietorship
In Quebec, sole proprietors operating under a name other than their own must complete an immatriculation with the Registraire des entreprises and meet French commercial-naming rules.
Nova Scotia Sole Proprietorship
Nova Scotia business name registrations are filed with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies and must be renewed every three years to remain active.
Saskatchewan Sole Proprietorship
Saskatchewan sole proprietorships register through Information Services Corporation, with a name search confirming availability before the registration is filed.
Newfoundland Sole Proprietorship
Newfoundland and Labrador requires trade name registration with the Registry of Companies for anyone operating under a business name other than their own.
New Brunswick Sole Proprietorship
New Brunswick sole proprietorships file with Corporate Affairs and commonly serve bilingual tradespeople and consultants across the province.
Manitoba Sole Proprietorship
Manitoba’s Companies Office processes sole proprietorship registrations quickly, typically issuing a certificate within one business day of filing.
P.E.I. Sole Proprietorship
Prince Edward Island offers a simple, low-cost registration path well suited to freelancers, tradespeople and other small local operators.
N.W.T. Sole Proprietorship
The Northwest Territories requires trade name registration with the Registrar of Business Names before you legally operate under a business name.
Yukon Sole Proprietorship
Yukon business name registrations are filed through Corporate Affairs and remain valid for three years before renewal is required.
Nunavut Sole Proprietorship
Registering a sole proprietorship, explained.
What is a sole proprietorship and how is it different from a corporation?
A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business owned and operated by one person. It’s the simplest business structure in Canada — there’s no legal separation between you and the business, unlike a corporation, which is a distinct legal entity.
Do I need to register my sole proprietorship?
If you’re operating under a name other than your own full legal name, most provinces and territories require you to register that business name. Operating under your own legal name typically doesn’t require registration, though a business licence may still apply.
Am I personally liable for my sole proprietorship’s debts?
Yes. Because a sole proprietorship isn’t a separate legal entity, you’re personally responsible for all business debts, contracts and liabilities. This is the main trade-off against incorporating, which limits personal liability.
How is a sole proprietorship taxed?
How long does sole proprietorship registration take?
Most jurisdictions approve registrations within 1-2 business days once a name search clears. Some provinces, like Manitoba and BC, can issue a certificate the same day.
Can I convert my sole proprietorship into a corporation later?
Yes. Many businesses start as a sole proprietorship and incorporate once revenue, liability exposure or tax planning needs grow. We can help you transition your registered business into a corporation when you’re ready.