Sole Proprietorship
Register your Sole Proprietorship quickly and securely. Access official documents online and ensure compliance.
Key Features:
🖈 Ideal for single owner businesses
🖈 Required when operating under a business name
🖈 Quick and cost effective setup
🖈 Allows legal use of a business name
🖈 Eligible for banking and invoicing
Trade Name
Register or renew a Trade Name with ease. Comply with regulations, secure your professional name, and access official documents fast.
Key Features:
🖈 Used by corporations operating under another name
🖈 Required for DBA or operating names
🖈 Enables branding flexibility
🖈 Must be renewed periodically
🖈 Often required for contracts and advertising
General Partnership
Register your General Partnership affordably. Get options to include a partnership agreement as well.
Key Features:
🖈 Used when two or more owners operate together
🖈 Requires registration of partnership name
🖈 Defines partners legally for business purposes
🖈 Required for banking and tax accounts
🖈 Suitable for small collaborative businesses
Limited Partnership (LP)
Register your Limited Partnership quickly and securely file online, access official documents, and stay compliant.
Key Features:
🖈 Includes general and limited partners
🖈 Limited partners have reduced liability
🖈 Common in investment and real estate structures
🖈 Requires formal name registration
🖈 Must maintain compliance filings
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Register your Limited Liability Partnership fast and securely—submit online, access key records, and meet ongoing compliance.
Key Features:
🖈 Designed for regulated professionals
🖈 Limits liability among partners
🖈 Requires professional eligibility
🖈 Mandatory name registration
🖈 Common for law and accounting firms
Master Business License
Get your Master Business Licence quickly and securely download official proof online and keep your registration compliant.
Key Features:
🖈 Proof of registered business name
🖈 Required for banking and permits
🖈 Needed for government registrations
🖈 Includes official business identification details
🖈 Renewal required at set intervals
How Business Name Registration Works
Registering a business name enables you to use a business or trade name legally for commercial activities such as invoicing, marketing, and opening bank accounts. This process does not separate personal liability from business obligations or protect the name nationally. Incorporation creates a distinct legal entity and offers a different level of legal and operational structure. Business Canada guides you through the correct option based on your current operations and future plans.
Why Every Business Should Register a Business Name?
Registering a business name ensures legal recognition, enables banking access, and allows you to operate compliantly under your chosen name. It is a required step for most unincorporated businesses and corporations using trade names.
Services That Require Business Name Registrations
Sole Proprietorships
General Partnerships
Trade and Operating Names
Limited Partnerships (LP)
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)
Easy 3 Step Process
Choose Your Business Structure
Select the business name registration type that fits your ownership and operation.
Complete Secure Online Payment
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Every application is reviewed for accuracy.
Receive Your Business Name Registration
Your official registration documents are delivered securely by email.
Frequently Asked Questions About Registering a Business Name
What is business name registration in Canada?
Business name registration allows you to legally operate under a chosen name that is not your personal or corporate legal name. It is required for most unincorporated businesses.
Do I need to register a business name if I am a sole proprietor?
Yes, if you operate under a business name instead of your personal legal name, registration is required.
Is a Master Business Licence the same as a business name registration?
A Master Business Licence is the official document issued after registering a business name in certain provinces, such as Ontario.
Does registering a business name protect it across Canada?
No. Business name registration is jurisdiction specific and does not provide exclusive name protection nationwide.
How long does business name registration take?
Most registrations are completed the same day or within one business day, depending on the province.
Do I need a Nuans® report to register a business name?
In most cases, a Nuans® report is not required for business name registration, though availability checks are recommended.
