Launch a Montreal Air Traffic Control Business Today
This page is your practical roadmap to starting an Air Traffic Control business in Montreal (NAICS 488111). It breaks down the nine regulatory requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, and the step-by-step path to launching your service. Find a clear overview of the approvals from Transport Canada and NAV CANADA, plus honest details on costs and a realistic timeline so you know what to expect as you plan.
What you’ll learn includes a concise view of the nine requirements, the exact permits and certificates you’ll need, and how to assemble a compliant safety management system. We cover staffing and training needs, equipment and facility standards, security clearances, insurance considerations, and a practical view of startup and ongoing costs, paired with a realistic timeline from company setup to first operations.
Montreal’s vibrant aviation ecosystem, proximity to major hubs like Montréal-Trudeau, and a skilled bilingual workforce make this city a strong fit for an ATC venture. The region supports aerospace and aviation programs, offering partnerships and talent streams that help you launch safely and grow sustainably.
Requirements Overview
Starting an air traffic control business in Montreal, the first thing you’ll need is a Business Licence. This license is a legal prerequisite you cannot bypass—without it you cannot legally start or operate the business. Securing the licence early also helps unlock the ability to complete the other registrations and permits you’ll need, and it signals to clients and partners that you’re compliant from day one.
Next, focus on practical operational requirements. Health and safety come first: if you hire staff, you must register with CNESST (Quebec’s workplace health and safety and workers’ compensation system) and set up Payroll Deductions to handle withholdings and employer contributions. These steps ensure a safe work environment and proper treatment of employees. Depending on your exact activities and location, you may also need additional permits or local compliance measures to stay within Montreal regulations.
For registration and taxes, there are several key steps. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government and a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) along with the Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises). If you organize as a partnership or a corporation, you’ll register the appropriate structure with Quebec. In addition, you’ll likely need GST/HST Registration to handle federal sales taxes. These registrations establish your formal business identity and ensure you’re set up to collect and remit taxes correctly.
You’re on a solid path. Next steps: map out your chosen business structure (partnership or corporation), gather the required documents, and tackle registrations in a sensible sequence. Consider consulting a local business advisor or the Quebec business resources to keep you on track and make the process smoother. With clear steps and steady progress, you’ll move from planning to compliant operation more quickly than you might think.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a air traffic control 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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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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