Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Steps to Register a Business in Canada

1. How do I incorporate a business?

You must file Articles of Incorporation, obtain a NUANS report, and pay the required fees. You can do this online or through a service provider.

2. What is a NUANS Report and why do I need it?

A NUANS Report is a name search that checks your proposed business name against existing names and trademarks to avoid duplication and ensure compliance.

3. What is a Sole Proprietorship?

A Sole Proprietorship is an unincorporated business owned and operated by one individual. The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations.

4. How do I register a Sole Proprietorship in Alberta?

You need to submit a business name registration form and pay the applicable fee. A NUANS report is not required for sole proprietorships.

5. What is a Trade Name or Operating Name?

A Trade Name is the name under which a business operates that is different from its legal name. It must be registered with the provincial registry.

6. How do I register a Trade Name in Alberta?

Submit a Trade Name registration form along with your fee. This is commonly used for sole proprietorships or corporations doing business under a different name.

7. What is a General Partnership?

A General Partnership is formed by two or more people who share responsibility, profits, and liability for the business.

8. How do I register a General Partnership?

File a Declaration of Partnership with Alberta Corporate Registry. A written partnership agreement is recommended but not mandatory.

9. What is a Limited Partnership (LP)?

An LP has general partners with unlimited liability and limited partners whose liability is restricted to their investment.

10. How do I register a Limited Partnership in Alberta?

You must file a Declaration of Limited Partnership and meet Alberta’s specific partnership regulations.

11. What is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?

An LLP offers limited liability protection to partners and is commonly used by professionals such as lawyers and accountants.

12. How do I register an LLP in Alberta?

File an LLP registration form and partnership agreement with Alberta Corporate Registry. You must meet professional association requirements.

13. What is a Professional Corporation?

A corporation created by professionals (e.g., doctors, dentists, lawyers) authorized by their regulatory body to provide services through a corporate entity.

14. How do I register a Professional Corporation in Alberta?

You must obtain approval from the appropriate professional governing body and file Articles of Incorporation indicating it is a professional corporation.

15. What is a Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC)?

A PREC allows licensed real estate professionals in Alberta to operate their business through a corporation under RECA rules.

16. How do I register a PREC in Alberta?

Apply through the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) and file Articles of Incorporation with specific restrictions required for a PREC.

17. Can a non-resident incorporate a business in Alberta?

Yes, but at least 25% of directors must be Canadian residents unless an exemption applies. A local registered address is also required.

18. What is Extra-Provincial Registration?

It allows a business registered in another province to legally operate in Alberta by filing necessary forms and obtaining approval.

19. How do I register an Extra-Provincial Corporation?

Submit an application including a Certificate of Status or Good Standing from your home province and pay applicable fees.

20. How do I file a Continuance Application?

This process allows a corporation to move from another jurisdiction to Alberta. You must file a Continuance application with all supporting documents.

21. What is a Non-Profit Corporation?

A legal entity operated for charitable, religious, educational, or social purposes rather than for profit.

22. How do I register a Non-Profit Corporation in Alberta?

File incorporation documents under the Societies Act or Part 9 of the Business Corporations Act, depending on your organization’s purpose.

23. What is a Corporation's Annual Return?

An Annual Return is a mandatory filing that updates the corporate registry about your business’s structure, directors, and address.

24. How do I file an Annual Return?

You can file online or through a service provider by submitting the current corporate details and paying the fee.

25. How do I change a Corporation’s Name?

File Articles of Amendment along with a new NUANS report to reflect the proposed name change.

26. How do I change a Corporation’s Address?

Submit a Notice of Address Change form to the Corporate Registry to update your corporation's records.

27. How do I change a Corporation’s Directors?

Use the Change of Directors form to add or remove directors. You must ensure compliance with residency requirements.

28. How do I change Shareholders in a Corporation?

Update the shareholder register internally and report changes in your Annual Return. No public filing is usually required.

29. How do I change Corporate Officers?

Corporate officer changes (e.g., CEO, CFO) should be reflected in internal records and updated in your filings if necessary.

30. How do I update Business Activities?

You can update the nature of business during your Annual Return or by submitting a change request to the registry.

31. How do I update Owner Address in a Sole Proprietorship?

File an Update Form with Alberta Corporate Registry indicating the new owner’s address.

32. How do I dissolve a Corporation?

Submit Articles of Dissolution along with a shareholder resolution approving the dissolution.

33. How do I revive a Corporation?

File Articles of Revival and pay any outstanding annual return fees or penalties.

34. Can I dissolve a Sole Proprietorship?

Yes, by filing a Declaration of Dissolution with the provincial registry.

35. What is a Corporate Profile Report?

A document showing a corporation’s current legal information including directors, address, and status.

36. What is a Certificate of Status?

A legal document that verifies a corporation is active and compliant with provincial filings.

37. What is a Point-in-Time Report?

This report shows a snapshot of a corporation’s profile at a specific point in time.

38. How can I get a Duplicate Copy of my Certificate and Articles?

Request a duplicate copy through Alberta Corporate Registry or your service provider.