Filing articles of incorporation electronically may be faster and more convenient than filing by mail. Acknowledgement of filing is immediate and electronic incorporation documents are provided, which may eliminate the need to scan paper documents and may facilitate the electronic storage of corporate documents.

• If the corporation will have a word name rather than a number name, a NUANS name search report must be submitted with the articles of incorporation. The NUANS name search report is a seven-page, computer-printed search report consisting of existing corporate names, business names and trademarks that are similar to the proposed corporate name. The NUANS name search is valid for 90 days from the date on which it was obtained. The NUANS name search report is not necessary if incorporating a corporation with a number name.
• All documents filed in paper form must be legible and eligible for microfilming. Information must be typed or hand printed in block capital letters on one side of 8½” x 11″ white bond paper.

Federal incorporation online

• To incorporate a federal corporation online, the following documents must be filed, in the prescribed form, with Corporations Canada using its Online Filing Centre:
  • Form 1, Articles of Incorporation: Original signatures of the incorporator(s) are not required, however, signed copies of the original documents must be retained in the records of the corporation.
  • Form 2, Initial Registered Office Address and First Board of Directors: Original signatures of the incorporator(s) are not required; however, signed copies of the original documents must be retained in the records of the corporation.
    • Note that at least 25% of the directors of a corporation must be Canadian residents.
  • Federal-biased NUANS name search report: This is required if the corporation will have a word name rather than a number name.
  • Filing fee of $200.00: The filing fee may be paid by MasterCard, Visa or American Express.
  • Corporate name pre-approval (optional): This option from the Online Filing Centre allows you to provide the NUANS name search report together with other relevant information, which will be used by Corporations Canada to pre-approve the proposed name.
  • Corporate name information form (optional): This option from the Online Filing Centre allows you to provide Corporations Canada with additional information about the name of the corporation, which will be used by Corporations Canada to determine whether the proposed corporate name will be approved. Submitting this form may decrease the time required for Corporations Canada to approve the proposed corporate name.
• Corporations Canada will send by email the certificate of incorporation. Corporations Canada will also assign the corporation a corporation number, which will appear on the certificate of incorporation.
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Federal incorporation by mail, by fax or in person

• To incorporate a federal corporation by mail, by fax or in person, the following documents must be filed, in the prescribed form, with Corporations Canada:
  • Form 1, Articles of Incorporation: If filing by mail or in person, two copies of the articles of incorporation, each bearing original signatures of the incorporator(s), are required. If filing by fax, original signatures of the incorporator(s) are not required; however, signed copies of the original documents must be retained in the records of the corporation.
  • Form 2, Initial Registered Office Address and First Board of Directors: If filing by mail or in person, two copies of this form, each bearing original signatures of the incorporator(s), are required. If filing by fax, original signatures of the incorporator(s) are not required; however, signed copies of the original documents must be retained in the records of the corporation.
    • Note that at least 25% of the directors of a corporation must be Canadian residents.
  • Federal-biased NUANS name search report: This is required if the corporation will have a word name rather than a number name.
  • Filing fee of $250.00: The filing fee may be paid by MasterCard, Visa or American Express.
  • Corporate name pre-approval (optional): This form may be sent to Corporations Canada by fax or mail along with the NUANS name search report and any other relevant information and will be used by Corporations Canada to pre-approve the proposed name.
  • Corporate name information form (optional): This form may be sent to Corporations Canada by fax or mail and provides Corporations Canada with additional information about the name of the corporation, which will be used by Corporations Canada to determine whether the proposed corporate name will be approved. Submitting this form may decrease the time required for Corporations Canada to approve a proposed corporate name.
• Corporations Canada will keep the documents on file and return, in the same manner that you filed the documents, one paper copy of each document together with the certificate of incorporation. Corporations Canada will also assign the corporation a corporation number, which will appear on the certificate of incorporation.

• Contact our Top5 Business Lawyers in North York Today and ask your legal question.

Ontario incorporation online

• To incorporate an Ontario corporation online, the following documents must be filed, in the prescribed form, with the Ontario Ministry of Government Services through one of the service providers under contract with the Ministry:
  • Form 1, Articles of Incorporation: Original signatures of the incorporator(s) are not required when filing articles of incorporation online. An original, signed copy, however, must be retained in your file.
  • Ontario-biased NUANS name search report: This is required if the corporation will have a word name rather than a number name.
  • Filing fee of $300.00: The filing fee may be paid electronically by any means permitted by the particular service provider selected and must be paid in addition to any fee charged by the particular service provider.
• The service provider will make available an electronic copy of the articles of incorporation and certificate of information. The Ministry will also assign the corporation a corporation number, which will appear on the certificate of incorporation.

Provincial incorporation by mail or in person

• To incorporate an Ontario corporation by mail or in person, the following documents must be filed, in the prescribed form, with the Ontario Ministry of Government Services:
  • Form 1, Articles of Incorporation: Submit two copies each bearing original signatures of the incorporator(s).
  • Ontario-biased NUANS name search report: This is required if the corporation will have a word name rather than a number name.
  • Filing fee of $360.00: If filing by mail, the filing fee may be paid by cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance. If filing in person, the filing fee may be by cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance or, at most branches, by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or debit card.
  • Covering letter: This should give a contact name, return address and telephone number. If a future date of incorporation (up to 30 days ahead) is required, the date requested must be set out in the covering letter.
  • Legal opinion (optional): If the corporation meets the requirements of s. 6(2) of Reg. 62, R.R.O. 1990, made under the Business Corporations Act, then a legal opinion must accompany the articles of incorporation.
• The Ministry of Government Services will keep the documents on file and return one paper copy of the articles of incorporation together with the certificate of incorporation. The Ministry will also assign the corporation a corporation number, which will appear on the certificate of incorporation.
• Note that Form 2, Consent to Act as a First Director, is not required to be filed, but must be kept at the corporation’s registered office.

• Contact our Top5 Business Lawyers in North York Today and ask your legal question.