How to Form a Ontario Business Corporation (OBCA) (2026 Guide)
Everything non-residents need to register a Ontario Business Corporation with ServiceOntario: fees, timeline, ownership rules, taxes, and the full formation process. 100% remote.
To form a Ontario Business Corporation (OBCA), register with ServiceOntario (fee: CAD $300 online) with a compliant registered office, minimum None capital, and formation documents. No Canadian residency requirement for directors as of July 5, 2021. Processing takes 1 to 3 business days.
CAD $300 online
1 to 3 business days
CAD $0 (annual return filed with corporate tax return)
No Canadian residency requirement for directors as of July 5, 2021
Corporate Tax
Federal 15% + Ontario 11.5% = 26.5% combined general rate. CCPCs pay 9% federal + 3.2% Ontario = 12.2% combined on the first $500,000.
VAT / GST
HST at 13% in Ontario. Registration required over CAD $30,000 gross revenue.
Why form a Ontario Business Corporation
- No Canadian residency requirement for directors since 2021 amendment
- Access to Toronto financial market and largest Canadian consumer base
- Faster and cheaper than federal incorporation for single-province operations
Watch outs
- Name protection is limited to Ontario, requires extra-provincial registration in other provinces
- Ontario Employer Health Tax applies at 1.95% on payroll over $1,000,000
Best for
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Canada entity options
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