Are you thinking of incorporating your business in Quebec in 2026, but want to know exactly how much it costs before you start? The price of incorporation in Quebec varies between $800 and $3,500 depending on the method chosen, in addition to recurring annual fees that many entrepreneurs forget to calculate. This guide gives you a full breakdown of all costs, with no nasty surprises.
Before choosing a professional to accompany you, it is essential to understand the government fees you will have to pay regardless of the method chosen. These fees are set by the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ) and by Corporations Canada for the federal option.
Provincial incorporation is the most common in Quebec. In 2026, the Registraire des entreprises fees are $397 for the incorporation of a business corporation. This amount includes the registration of your business with the REQ.
If you opt for a named company (with a specific name rather than a number), you must add the cost of searching and reserving the name. The provincial incorporation process allows you to operate in the province of Quebec under the Quebec Business Corporations Act.
If you want to operate in multiple Canadian provinces, federal incorporation is required. The costs are broken down as follows:
Beyond government fees, you will need to choose a professional to draft your articles of incorporation, shareholders' agreement, and organize your corporate structure. Here are the options available in Quebec with their rates in 2026.
The lawyer is the most sought-after professional for incorporation. According to Quebec market data in 2026:
The lawyer offers you personalized legal advice, can draft a customized shareholders' agreement and accompanies you if disputes arise. It is the most comprehensive option, but also the most expensive.
A notary is a legal professional who is also authorized to proceed with incorporation in Quebec. The rates are generally comparable to those of the lawyer:
The advantage of the notary: notarial documents have a higher legal value and do not require additional proof in court. This is a significant advantage for the shareholders' agreement.
Several platforms offer online incorporation at a lower cost:
These services use standardized models. They are suitable for self-employed workers and solo entrepreneurs with a simple structure (one shareholder, one class of shares).
The role of the accountant in incorporation is often underestimated. Even if the lawyer or notary drafts the legal documents, it is the accountant who determines whether incorporation is tax-advantageous for your situation. A good accountant analyzes your income, your reinvestment capacity and your compensation strategy (salary vs. dividends) to validate that incorporation is the right decision.
| Option | Fees | Gov. Fees (Provincial) | Total Year 1 | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer (numbered company) | $800 to $900 | $397 | $1,197 to $1,297 | Simple structures with legal advice |
| Lawyer (named company) | $900 to $1,200 | $397 | $1,297 to $1,597 | Companies wanting a specific business name |
| Notary | $800 to $1,200 | $397 | $1,197 to $1,597 | Need for a notarized shareholders' agreement |
| Online service (base) | $495 to $700 | $397 | $892 to $1,097 | Solo entrepreneur, simple structure |
| Online service (full) | $700 to $1,200 | $397 | $1,097 to $1,597 | SME with standard shareholders' agreement |
| Lawyer + Federal Incorporation | $1,000 to $1,500 | $597 (Fed. + REQ) | $1,597 to $2,097 | Operations in multiple provinces |
An aspect often neglected by new entrepreneurs: incorporation entails recurring annual costs that are added each year. Here is the complete breakdown to properly plan the start of your business.
Each business corporation must file an annual updating declaration with the REQ. In 2026, the fee is $104 per year. A 50% penalty applies in the event of a delay (i.e. an additional $52).
Your corporation must file two tax returns each year:
An accountant's fees for preparing T2 and CO-17 returns range from $1,000 to $3,000 per year, depending on the complexity of your file. For a simple SME with few transactions, count on about $1,200 to $1,800.
Bookkeeping is mandatory for all corporations. Costs depend on your trading volume:
Here is the table that summarizes all the costs, from year 1 to the recurring costs. This complete portrait allows you to compare and evaluate the budget needed for your incorporation project.
| Item of expenditure | Year 1 | Subsequent years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Fees (REQ) | $397 | $104/year | Constitution + Annual Update |
| Federal fees (if applicable) | $200 | $0 | Only for federal incorporation |
| Professional Fees (Incorporation) | $500 to $3,000 | $0 | Depending on the professional chosen |
| Accountant (T2 + CO-17 returns) | $1,200 to $3,000 | $1,200 to $3,000/year | Mandatory every fiscal year |
| Bookkeeping | $2,400 to $9,600 | $2,400 to $9,600/year | $200 to $800/month depending on volume |
| GST/QST (registration if applicable) | $0 | $0 | Free, but additional accounting management |
| Estimated Total (Provincial, Simple SME) | $4,500 to $8,000 | $3,700 to $6,000/year | Includes incorporation + accounting year 1 |
Incorporation fees are tax-deductible for your corporation. According to the Canada Revenue Agency, legal and accounting fees related to incorporation can be deducted from the corporation's income. An investment that is partly repaid in the first year of tax.
The question is not only "how much does it cost?", but also "is it worth it?". Incorporation is not advantageous for all entrepreneurs. Here are the criteria to evaluate with your accountant.
Generally speaking, incorporation becomes tax-efficient from $50,000 to $60,000 in annual net income, especially if you can leave a portion of the profits in the corporation rather than withdrawing it all in salary. According to the Institut de la statistique du Québec, nearly 40% of self-employed workers earn more than $75,000 annually, a threshold where incorporation is almost always beneficial.
In 2026, an eligible SME in Quebec benefits from a combined tax rate of approximately 12.2% on the first $500,000 of active business income. In comparison, an unincorporated self-employed person can be taxed at a marginal rate of up to 53.3%.
Other major tax advantages:
Let's take the example of a technology consultant in Montreal who generates $120,000 in annual net income and can leave $40,000 in the company:
| Scenario | Net income | Estimated Total Tax | Additional Fees | Net Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | $120,000 | ~$42,000 | $0 | - |
| Joint Stock Company (80k salary + 40k in the company) | $120,000 | ~$30,000 (personal + corporate) | ~$5,000 (Accountant + REQ) | ~$7,000/year |
In this example, even taking into account accounting fees and the REQ, the entrepreneur saves about $7,000 per year in taxes. Over 10 years, this is a potential savings of more than $70,000.
Bankeo's 1,500+ partner firms include incorporation experts. Since 2023, more than 12,000 entrepreneurs have been matched with the ideal accountant for their situation.
Find my accountantIncorporation is not just a legal process. It is first and foremost a financial and fiscal decision. Here's why your first accountant is a critical ally in this process:
An accountant who specializes in business accounting will help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your tax savings in the first year. The Ordre des CPA du Québec recommends consulting a chartered professional accountant before making any decision to incorporate.
The choice between provincial and federal incorporation depends on your geographic ambitions:
For most Quebec startups and SMEs, provincial incorporation is the most logical and economical choice. You can always go federal later if your business grows.
To complete the cost picture, here are the steps you (or your professional) will need to follow:
For a detailed guide on the complete process, check out our article on business incorporation in Quebec.
There are several strategies to minimize upfront expenses:
Bankeo matches you with accountants who are familiar with the incorporation process and the taxation of business corporations in Quebec. Free service for entrepreneurs.
Find my accountantThe total cost varies between $900 and $3,500 for year 1, including government fees ($397 at the REQ) and professional fees ($500 to $3,000 depending on the professional chosen). In addition, there are the recurring annual costs of accounting and tax returns.
For a provincial incorporation, the Registraire des entreprises fee is $397 in 2026. For federal incorporation, add $200 in fees from Corporations Canada, for a total of $597 in government fees.
Yes, online incorporation services cost between $495 and $1,200 in fees, compared to $800 to $3,000 for a lawyer or notary. However, these services use standardized models that are not suitable for all situations (multiple shareholders, complex shareholders' agreement).
Incorporation usually becomes advantageous starting at $50,000 to $60,000 in annual net income, especially if you can leave profits in the corporation. Above $75,000, it is almost always tax-beneficial.
Recurring fees include: annual update to the REQ ($104), T2 and CO-17 tax returns ($1,200 to $3,000/year for the accountant), and bookkeeping ($200 to $800/month). In total, plan between $3,700 and $6,000 per year for a medium-sized SME.
Both professionals are competent to incorporate a business in Quebec, with similar rates ($800 to $1,200). The notary offers the advantage of notarial documents with superior legal value. A lawyer is preferable if you anticipate disputes or negotiations between shareholders.
Federal incorporation costs $200 more in government fees ($597 vs. $397). Professional fees are also slightly higher for the federal government. For an SME operating only in Quebec, provincial incorporation is sufficient and more economical.
Yes, the legal and accounting fees related to incorporation are deductible from the company's income. This includes lawyer, notary and accountant fees. Government fees are also deductible.
The accountant does not draft the legal incorporation documents (this is the role of the lawyer or notary), but it is essential in determining whether incorporation is the right decision for your financial situation. After incorporation, an accountant is essential for annual tax returns (T2 and CO-17).
Provincial incorporation in Quebec generally takes between 3 and 10 business days once the documents have been submitted to the Registraire des entreprises. With a professional, the entire process (consultation, writing, submission) usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
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