Federal Incorporation vs. Ontario Incorporation
Please be advised that federal and Ontario corporations my sell their product and services to individual and business located in any province of Canada and overseas.
The following information should be taken into account, when you select a legal entity suitable for your business.
Federal Incorporation Ontario Incorporation Corporate Name Must be very unique to be accepted by the government Usually acceptable if no exact matches with existing names
Usually acceptable if no exact matches with existing names Name Protection Name protected in Canada Name protected in Ontario
Registered Office May be located in any Canadian province Must be in Ontario
Government Fee $250 $360
Annual Filing Fee $40 No charge
Directors Only individuals may be appointed.
At least twenty-five per cent of the directors
must be resident Canadians. However, if a
corporation has less than four directors, at
least one director must be a resident Canadian.
Only individuals may be appointed.
At least twenty-five per cent of the directors must be resident Canadians. However, if a corporation has less than four directors, at least one director must be a resident Canadian.Officers No Canadian residency is required No Canadian residency is required
No Canadian residency is required No Canadian residency is required Shareholders No Canadian residency is required No Canadian residency is required
Prestige Considered more prestigious as Canadian federal legal entity Considered as local legal entity
Recommended When you are planning to open permanent establishments,
such as offices, stores, warehouses in more than one province or/and your business has international customers and suppliers. 
