How Much Does it Cost to Incorporate in Canada? (2026)
The total cost to incorporate in Ontario ranges from CA$499 to CA$3,500+ depending on whether you use a lawyer, a platform like LegalEase, or go completely DIY. Here's every cost broken down.
Government filing fees (non-negotiable)
These fees go directly to the government — no service can waive them.
| Jurisdiction & Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Ontario — For-profit corporation (OBCA) | $300 |
| Ontario — Non-profit corporation (ONCA) | $155 |
| Federal — For-profit corporation (CBCA) | $200 |
| Federal — Non-profit corporation (CNCA) | $250 |
| Ontario extra-provincial registration (for federal corps) | $330 |
NUANS name search fee
If you want a named corporation (not a numbered one), you need a NUANS report:
- Cost: approximately $75
- Valid for 90 days
- Required for both Ontario and federal named corporations
- Not required for numbered corporations (e.g., "1234567 Ontario Inc.")
Total cost comparison: LegalEase vs Lawyer vs DIY
| Cost Item | LegalEase | Lawyer | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario gov filing fee | $300 | $300 | $300 |
| NUANS name search | ~$75 | ~$75–$150 | ~$75 |
| Document preparation | CA$199 | $1,200–$2,500+ | $0 |
| Legal advice / review | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Minute book setup | Included | Included | DIY (~$50) |
| Time required | < 1 hour | 1–4 weeks | Several days |
| Estimated Total | ~CA$574 | ~$1,800–$3,000+ | ~$375 |
Ongoing costs after incorporation
Incorporation is a one-time cost, but there are annual obligations:
- Ontario Annual Return: Must be filed each year (no fee, but late penalties apply)
- Corporate tax return (T2): Filed with CRA annually. Accountant cost: $500–$1,500/year
- HST remittances: Required once you exceed $30,000 in annual revenue
- Minute book maintenance: Annual resolutions, director updates, shareholder changes
Is DIY incorporation worth it?
The Ontario Business Registry does allow direct filing — but the interface is complex, and errors in your Articles (wrong share structure, missing provisions) are difficult to correct after the fact.
LegalEase bridges the gap: you get guided document preparation, generated Articles and By-laws, and filing instructions — for CA$199 — without needing a lawyer for a standard incorporation.