Launch Your Montreal Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development
This page guides you through starting the Montreal Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (NAICS 925120). It’s a practical, step‑by‑step overview designed for first‑time founders and consultants alike. You’ll see the 10 requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits you may need, the costs to expect, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to operating.
Here’s what you’ll learn: a clear, actionable checklist of the 10 requirements (registrations, boards, and approvals), the permits and licenses you’ll likely need in Montreal, and typical fees to budget for. You’ll also get a practical timeline showing when to file, when inspections happen, and how long each stage usually takes.
Montreal’s vibrant urban‑planning landscape, supportive public agencies, and active community networks make this a strong place to launch this service. The bilingual market helps you reach city clients, nonprofits, and developers, while the NAICS 925120 framework aligns well with local procurement and consulting opportunities.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is the business licence. This licence is issued by the City of Montreal, and you cannot legally start or run your planning and development administration practice without it. It is non-negotiable: without a valid licence, you’re operating illegally and risk fines, enforced closures, or other penalties.
Beyond the licence, focus on mandatory health, safety, and permit-related obligations. If you hire staff, you must register with the Quebec CNESST for workers’ compensation. You may also need to meet government program administration standards that apply to your field and secure any project-specific or land-use permits. Depending on your chosen business structure, you’ll also need to register your partnership or corporation with the appropriate provincial authorities to stay compliant.
Business Registration & Tax: To operate smoothly, set up the core registrations and tax numbers. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the federal tax agency, a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and registering the business with Registraire des entreprises (REQ). You’ll also handle GST/HST registration for tax collection and payroll deductions for any employees. These registrations are essential for invoicing, reporting, and staying compliant with both provincial and federal rules.
Next steps: start by confirming the licence requirements with the City of Montreal, then map out your business structure and registration plan. Gather the needed documents, open the necessary accounts, and set up a simple compliance calendar. If you’d like, I can tailor a step-by-step checklist based on your exact services and team size to help you move forward confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a administration of urban planning and community and rural development 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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