Everything you need to know about registering a business with the REQ
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If you wish to start your business in Quebec, registering your business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar (REQ) is an essential step. But what is business registration? Do you know the benefits and costs of registering your business and filing an annual update? In this guide, we explain the process of registering your business in Quebec. Then, we share the best credit card offers for businesses.
What Is Business Registration in Quebec?
Registering a business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar (REQ) is one of the first steps in the life of an entrepreneur. Although it often happens that a self-employed worker starts their business without registration, registering your business grants it legal existence and offers several benefits.
Why Register a Business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar?
Registering your business enables you to sign contracts, open a business bank account and take legal action. It also enables you to declare your business income and expenses on your personal tax return. Plus, this formality reinforces your company’s credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of your partners and customers.
The process of registering a business with the REQ is quite simple to carry out. It aims to gather information about businesses and individuals conducting business in Quebec.
This information is essential to citizens, business partners and government agencies that have to deal with them. For example, some banking institutions may check your REQ registration before granting you a business credit card.
When you register your business REQ assigns you a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ). You can then use your NEQ to, among other things, identify yourself to REQ and other government agencies.
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What is the Quebec Enterprise Registrar (REQ)?
The Quebec Enterprise Registrar (REQ) is a government agency responsible for registering, maintaining, and disseminating data related to active businesses in Quebec. It ensures the collection, storage, and distribution of information about businesses in Quebec. Additionally, the REQ provides access to the business register, where information about various business entities is stored. The REQ manages businesses’ legal obligations, such as registration, filing annual declarations, and updating business information.
What is the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ)?
The Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) is a unique number assigned to each business when it is registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar (REQ). It identifies the business and must be used in all communications with Quebec’s ministries and government agencies. The NEQ consists of ten digits and allows for quick and precise identification of the business within the register.
Who Can Register a Business in Quebec?
The REQ lists about fifteen types of individuals or legal forms of business that must register. Therefore, anyone or any entity wishing to engage in business activities in Quebec must register, whether it is an individual operating a sole proprietorship, a corporation, or a general partnership (S.E.N.C.).
As the REQ explains, it is also possible to register the following legal forms of business on a voluntary basis:
- Individuals operating a sole proprietorship under a name that includes their family name and first name
- Public corporations: public bodies and municipalities
- Joint venture
- Associations and groups of persons
The advantage of registering voluntarily is that it makes public an enterprise’s existence and specific information concerning it. Once registered, the business will have the same obligations as businesses required to register.
So it’s up to you to choose the form in which you want to register your business. The most important thing is to obtain your NEQ and be listed on the REQ.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Business in Quebec?
Registration fees vary according to the type of business. They are updated annually on the Quebec Government website . Here are the fees for the main legal forms:
| Registration declaration | Regular rate | Priority rate |
|---|---|---|
| Natural person (sole proprietorship) | $39 | $58.50 |
| Joint stock company | $101 | $151.50 |
| Foreign business corporation, foreign legal person, and commercial trust | $378 | $567 |
| Partnership | $60 | $90 |
| Non-profit legal person | $39 | $58.50 |
| Foreign non-profit legal person and condominium association | $39 | $58.50 |
| Cooperative | $39 | $58.50 |
| Association, group of persons, professional union, religious corporation, hunting and fishing club | $39 | $58.50 |
| Insurance company | $101 | $151.50 |
Annual Formalities
Once your business is registered, you must complete certain annual formalities, including:
- Payment of annual registration fees
- Annual update declaration
Here’s more information on these two formalities.
Annual REQ registration fees
First, here are the annual fees for renewing your REQ registration:
| Annual registration fees | Price |
|---|---|
| Natural person (sole proprietorship) | $39 |
| Joint stock company | $101 |
| Foreign business corporation, foreign legal person, and commercial trust | $101 |
| Partnership | $60 |
| Non-profit legal person | $39 |
| Foreign non-profit legal person and condominium association | $39 |
| Cooperative | $46 |
| Association, group of persons, professional union, religious corporation, hunting and fishing club | $39 |
| Insurance company | $101 |
Annual Update Declaration to REQ
Last but not least, you’ll need to make sure that you file an annual update declaration on time, every year. This declaration is free of charge for all types of business. The annual update declaration is very simple and takes just a few minutes to complete. For sole proprietorships or partnerships, this declaration is made between January 1 and June 15. If you fail to meet the deadline, a late production charge will apply.
The Steps for Registering a Business in Quebec
The steps involved in registering a business in Quebec depend on the legal form. Unfortunately, this guide cannot explain the steps to follow for all legal forms. So here are the links to find out more about registering your company:
- Registering an individual operating a sole proprietorship
- Establishing a Quebec Corporation
- Setting up a non-profit legal entity
- Registering a general partnership
- Registering a limited partnership
- Registering an association or group of persons
- All legal forms
Access to My Office With the Enterprise Registrar
Once your business registration is complete, you will automatically receive a clicSÉQUR Express access code by mail. This will allow you to log in to “My Office” at the Enterprise Registrar.
ClicSÉQUR is the authentication service of the Government of Quebec. It allows citizens and businesses to securely access various online services offered by the Government of Quebec. By using ClicSÉQUR Express or ClicSÉQUR for businesses, you can access your personal or business information:
- My Office by clicSÉQUR Express: You’ll need your NEQ (10 digits) and your access code (8 letters and digits).
- My Office via ClicSÉQUR for Businesses: You will need your user code (7 letters and digits) and your password (8 to 12 letters and digits).
REQ Services
Access to” My office” is useful for, among other things, a new declaration or a modification to the information in your company file. But there are many other services available, depending on the legal form of your company. For example:
- Submit or correct bylaws (merger, modification, or restructuring).
- Submit an update declaration (annual, current, or correction).
- Submit a declaration related to cancellation, liquidation, or dissolution.
- Make a service request such as a name reservation or a request for document copies.
- Pay your annual registration fees
Service Offices in Quebec
You can contact the customer service of the Enterprise Registrar by phone or by email.
By telephone (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.):
- Quebec region: 418 644-0075
- Elsewhere in Canada or the United States: 1-800-644-0075
By e-mail:
- registre@servicesquebec.gouv.qc.ca
In addition, two Services Quebec offices provide business registry services:
- Quebec office: 1020, route de l’Église, 4th floor, Quebec (Quebec) G1V 3V9
- Montreal: 2050, rue De Bleury, Bureau RC 10 (Station Place-des-Arts), Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3S1
For more information, including office hours and services offered, please refer to this page of the Enterprise Registrar.
Business Credit Cards
Once you’ve registered with REQ, financial management becomes essential. That’s why it’s so much easier to sign up for a business credit card. Here’s our selection of the best cards and the best offers.
American Express
Regarding business credit cards, American Express offers the following cards for businesses and self-employed workers:
BMO
When it comes to business credit cards, BMO offers the following Mastercard credit cards for entrepreneurs:
Other Institutions
Finally, other institutions, such as CIBC, RBC, and Scotiabank, offer credit cards for self-employed workers, professionals, and small business owners.
Conclusion
Once you have chosen a legal structure and completed the registration of your business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar (REQ), you will receive your Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ). You will have access to a wide range of business services, in addition to business credit cards. However, don’t forget to pay your annual registration fees and file the annual update declaration.
Which credit card for your business?
Once your business is registered with the REQ, it is a good time to separate your business expenses with a dedicated credit card. To help you choose among the 200+ offers available in Canada, we have a credit card comparison tool that allows you to filter by your income, your industry, and the type of rewards you are looking for. You can also consult our ranking of the best credit cards of the month, updated monthly by the Milesopedia team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card should you choose in Canada?
The right credit card depends on your profile – income, spending, goal (travel, cash back, balance transfer). To compare options based on your criteria, use our credit card comparator. You can also browse the best credit cards in Canada, ranked monthly by the Milesopedia team.
Why register your business with REQ?
Registration aims to gather information about businesses and individuals conducting business in Quebec within the Quebec Enterprise Registrar (REQ). This information is essential for citizens, business partners, and government agencies. When you register your business, REQ assigns you a Quebec business number (NEQ).
What information is included in the file of a business registered in the register?
The business register contains information about the identity of a business or association registered in Quebec. Specifically, it includes its Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), name, address, legal form, main areas of activity, and the date of its last update in the register.
What is a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ)?
It is a 10-digit number assigned to each business at the time of its registration in the register.
What is REQ registration?
Registration is the assignment of a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) by the Enterprise Registrar. Its purpose is to consolidate information on companies and individuals doing business in Quebec.
What are the best credit cards in Canada for businesses?
There are many credit cards for businesses in Canada. See our page on the best credit card offers for businesses.
How to calculate REQ registration fees?
Fees vary according to the type of business. Consult the official REQ website for up-to-date fees.
How do I pay REQ registration fees?
Payments can be made online via the REQ website.
