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International Formation

Canada Corporation Formation

Incorporate in British Columbia or federally under the CBCA. No Canadian residency required for BC provincial. All government fees included.

$799

BC Provincial

$999

Federal (CBCA)

BC vs Federal: Which Is Right for You?

Feature BC Provincial Federal (CBCA)
Price $799 $999
Canadian Directors Not required 25% must be Canadian residents
Registry BC Registry Corporations Canada
Name Protection BC only Nationwide (all provinces)
NUANS Search Not required Included
Processing Time 1-2 business days 1-5 business days

Our recommendation: For most US founders, BC provincial incorporation is the simplest path. No Canadian-resident directors, fast processing, and lower cost. Choose Federal only if you need nationwide name protection or plan to operate across multiple provinces from day one.

British Columbia Corporation

$799

BC is Canada's most accessible province for US founders. The Business Corporations Act (BC) imposes no Canadian residency requirement on directors, making it possible for a solo US entrepreneur to incorporate without a nominee director. The BC Registry processes incorporations electronically, typically within 1 to 2 business days.

What's Included

BC Registry incorporation filing
All provincial fees included ($351.50 CAD)
Articles of Incorporation preparation
BC registered office address (1 year)
No Canadian-resident director required
Corporate records book setup guidance
CRA Business Number registration guidance
Compliance calendar with BC deadlines
Form BC Corporation — $799

Federal Corporation (CBCA)

$999

Federal incorporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) provides nationwide corporate name protection and a presence recognized across all provinces and territories. It is the preferred option for businesses that will operate in multiple provinces or want the prestige of a federally registered entity.

The key tradeoff: CBCA requires that at least 25% of your board of directors be resident Canadians. For a solo founder, this means appointing at least one Canadian-resident director. We can advise on nominee director services if needed.

What's Included

Corporations Canada incorporation filing
All federal fees included ($200 CAD online)
NUANS name search and report
Articles of Incorporation preparation
Registered office address (1 year)
Nationwide corporate name protection
Corporate records book setup guidance
CRA Business Number registration guidance
Compliance calendar with federal deadlines
Form Federal Corporation — $999

How It Works

1

Choose Your Path

Select BC Provincial or Federal incorporation based on your needs.

2

Complete Your Form

Provide company name, director details, share structure, and business description.

3

We Incorporate

We prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the appropriate registry.

4

Receive Documents

Certificate of Incorporation and all formation documents delivered to your secure portal.

Important Tax Considerations

Canadian corporate income tax combines federal and provincial rates, ranging from approximately 15% (small business rate with the Small Business Deduction) to 31% (general rate). However, the Small Business Deduction is generally not available to corporations controlled by non-residents of Canada, meaning most US-owned Canadian corporations will pay the general rate.

Corporations must register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for a Business Number and corporate income tax account. If taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 CAD over four consecutive quarters, GST/HST registration is mandatory.

US citizens and tax residents owning a Canadian corporation should be aware of GILTI (Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income) and Subpart F income provisions, as well as Form 5471 annual reporting requirements. The US-Canada Tax Treaty may provide relief from double taxation, but treaty benefits require proper election and filing.

Tax Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute tax advice. US founders forming Canadian corporations should consult with a cross-border tax advisor experienced in US-Canada taxation before incorporating. Tax obligations vary based on individual circumstances and the applicable provisions of the US-Canada Tax Treaty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Canadian-resident directors?
It depends on the incorporation type. British Columbia has no Canadian residency requirement for directors — a US citizen can serve as sole director. Federal (CBCA) corporations require that at least 25% of directors be Canadian residents. If you are a solo US founder, BC provincial incorporation is typically the better choice.
What is a NUANS name search?
NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) is a computerized search of existing Canadian corporate names and trademarks. Federal incorporations require a NUANS report showing your proposed name does not conflict with existing registrations. The report is valid for 90 days. We handle the NUANS search and report as part of the Federal formation package.
Can I open a Canadian bank account remotely?
Most major Canadian banks require at least one in-person visit for business account opening. However, some digital-first banks and fintech platforms offer remote onboarding for Canadian corporations with non-resident directors. We provide guidance on banking options available to non-resident founders, including institutions that accept remote verification.
What is the difference between provincial and federal incorporation?
Provincial incorporation (e.g., BC) registers your company with one province and protects your corporate name only within that province. Federal incorporation registers with Corporations Canada and provides nationwide name protection across all provinces and territories. Federal corporations must also register extra-provincially in each province where they do business.
What are the annual compliance requirements?
BC corporations must file an annual report with the BC Registry (approximately $44 CAD). Federal corporations file an annual return with Corporations Canada ($12 CAD online). Both must maintain corporate records, hold annual general meetings (or pass written resolutions), and file corporate income tax returns with the CRA. If you register extra-provincially, each province has its own annual filing requirement.
Do I need to register for GST/HST?
If your Canadian corporation earns more than $30,000 CAD in taxable revenue over four consecutive quarters, you must register for GST/HST (Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax). Even below the threshold, voluntary registration can be beneficial if you incur Canadian business expenses, as it allows you to claim input tax credits.
Form BC Corporation — $799 Form Federal Corporation — $999

Ready to incorporate in Canada?

BC provincial or Federal CBCA — we handle the entire process from filing to compliance calendar.

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