How to Start Your Montreal All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance Business
This page helps you plan and launch an All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance business (NAICS 811198) in Montreal. You’ll get a practical, action-focused map of what it takes to start—from permits and registrations to the day-to-day setup. We outline the nine essential requirements and give you a clear path to get your doors open sooner.
Learn the overview of the nine requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline. We walk you through registration options, municipal permits, business insurance, safety and environmental compliance, and inspections. You’ll also see how to estimate upfront costs, secure financing, and prepare a simple project plan so you can stay on track.
Montreal’s dynamic automotive market and access to parts, talent, and local programs can speed your success. With the right plan, you can navigate local rules smoothly and build a shop that serves drivers across the city.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is Business Licence. This licence is legally required to run an automotive repair and maintenance shop, and you cannot legally operate without it. It’s non-negotiable, so securing your licence should be your first milestone before any other setup steps. Once you have it, you’ll be ready to tackle the rest of the registrations and compliance tasks with confidence.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first for a shop like yours. If you employ anyone, you must register for the Quebec CNESST Employer Registration to cover workplace injuries, and you’ll handle payroll deductions for your staff. You’ll also want to think about how you’ll structure your business—whether as a partnership or a Quebec corporation—and ensure you meet any relevant local permit requirements tied to automotive repair activities. These steps keep daily operations compliant and safer for everyone involved.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need to sort out formal business registrations and tax numbers. Register with Registraire des entreprises (REQ) to establish your Quebec business registration, and obtain a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and a Business Number (BN) for federal/provincial programs. If you choose a partnership or corporation structure, complete the corresponding registrations. For taxes, plan for GST/HST registration if your sales require it and arrange payroll deductions registration if you have employees.
Encouragement: Start with the licence, then tackle registrations in a logical order—define your structure, then handle tax and payroll, and keep up with ongoing compliance. If you’d like, I can map out a simple checklist with deadlines and links to the official portals to keep you on track. You’ve got this—taking these steps in sequence will get you up and running smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other automotive repair and maintenance 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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other automotive repair and maintenance:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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