Launch Montreal Administration of Human Resource Programs Today
This page is your practical guide to starting an Administration of Human Resource Programs business in Montreal (NAICS 923130). You’ll find a concise overview of the 10 essential requirements, from choosing a structure to registration and obtaining your NEQ. We’ll outline permits, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline so you can plan with confidence. Expect clear steps, practical tips, and a simple checklist to stay compliant as you launch.
Here are the 10 key requirements you’ll work through: 1) choose a business structure, 2) register your business name (or corporate name) with Registraire des entreprises and obtain your NEQ, 3) register for GST/QST, 4) set up a business bank account and accounting system, 5) obtain professional liability insurance, 6) register with CNESST if you hire employees, 7) implement privacy protections and a client data policy, 8) draft client contracts and service agreements, 9) secure Montreal-specific permits or licenses, 10) organize payroll, invoicing, and annual filings. Typical costs and timelines apply to each step.
Montreal offers a bilingual talent pool and strong business supports, making it a smart place to launch HR administration services. Close proximity to Quebec clients helps you onboard faster and stay on top of provincial rules.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is the Business Licence. This license is a legal must to run any business in the city, and you cannot legally operate administration of human resource programs without it. To obtain it, check with the City of Montreal and the province for the right license for your services, and keep it current as your business evolves.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first. If you hire employees, you must register with Quebec’s CNESST for workers’ compensation and to follow workplace safety rules. You should also be aware of Government Program Administration Standards that apply to your activities, which help ensure you’re following the official rules for administering HR-related programs. Keeping these requirements in place helps protect your staff and your organization.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need to handle several registrations to operate legally. In Quebec, register with Registraire des entreprises to obtain your Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and complete the Quebec Business Registration (REQ); if your structure is a partnership or a corporation, there are corresponding Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration steps. Across Canada, you’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the CRA. For taxes, register for GST/HST and set up Payroll Deductions Registration to manage withholdings from employees.
Encouragement: Start with the basics—confirm your licence, then handle the business and tax registrations in order. Consider a quick check-in with a business advisor or a local service centre in Montreal to map out each registration step for your specific setup. With a clear plan and steady progress, you’ll have a solid, compliant foundation to run your HR program administration smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a administration of human resource programs (except education, public health, and veterans' affairs programs) in Montreal:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Montreal. Apply to Ville de Montréal for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact Ville de Montréal Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration RequiredRegistration of business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar. Register with Registraire des entreprises du Québec: 1. Access quebec.ca/entreprises services 2. Complete declaration of registration online 3. Pay registration fee ($38 sole proprietorship, $367 corporation) 4. Receive NEQ (Numéro d'entreprise du Québec) Annual registration fee: $35 (exempt first 2 years). Annual update declaration required. 30-day deadline for changes.
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Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) RequiredAll businesses operating in Quebec must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (Quebec Enterprise Registrar). This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Registration provides a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) which is required for all business activities including banking, licensing, and tax purposes. Unlike other provinces, registration is mandatory for ALL businesses in Quebec, not just those with a business name different from the owner. Registration can be completed online. Annual declarations must be filed to keep the registration current. Register with Registraire des entreprises within 60 days of starting business. Required for sole proprietors operating under trade name, partnerships, and corporations. $39 for sole proprietorship, $60 for partnership. Receive NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number).
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired if operating as partnership. Registration of general or limited partnerships in Quebec. Register partnership with Registraire des entreprises: 1. Complete declaration of registration 2. Provide partner information 3. Submit registration 4. Pay registration fee General and limited partnerships. NEQ assigned upon registration. Annual update declaration required.
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Government Program Administration Standards ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government program administrators must comply with accountability frameworks, performance reporting, audit requirements, and service delivery standards. Government program administration standards for federal contractors. Service standards. Reporting requirements. Performance measurement. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Quebec Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Quebec. Incorporation of a company under Quebec law. Incorporate through Registraire des entreprises: 1. Conduct name search (NUANS) 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through quebec.ca or registry office 4. Pay incorporation fee ($367) Annual reporting required. Must file annual update declaration. Federal incorporation alternative available ($200).
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Quebec. Employers in Quebec must register with the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) and maintain coverage for workers. CNESST provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under Quebec's workers' compensation system. Most employers are required to register within 60 days of hiring their first worker. Employers pay contributions (premiums) based on their business activity classification and assessable payroll. Register with CNESST within 60 days of hiring first employee. CNESST provides workplace health and safety coverage. Premium rates based on industry classification. Annual declaration of wages required by March 14.
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