How to Start Your All Other Home Furnishings Retailers in Montreal
This page helps you start an All Other Home Furnishings Retailers business in Montreal (NAICS 449129). It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of what you need to get up and running—from business registration and licensing to storefront permits, zoning checks, and insurance. We break down the nine key requirements into manageable steps and outline the typical costs you’ll face so you can budget with confidence.
Learn the exact process you’ll follow, including which permits and licenses to apply for, how to handle taxes and registrations, and what to budget for startup costs. We’ll lay out a realistic timeline from planning to launch, with milestones like applying for permits, securing a location, and completing inspections.
Montreal’s vibrant design scene, strong consumer demand for stylish home furnishings, and supportive small-business resources make it a great place to start. With affordable spaces and access to a robust supplier network, you can grow a unique, locally-loved store.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is the Business Licence. This license is legally required to open and run a retail operation in Montreal, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable, so obtaining it should be your first priority before doing anything else. Once you have the licence in place, you’ll be ready to handle the other essential steps in a practical, orderly way.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and basic employer steps are next. If you have employees, you must register for Workers’ Compensation with the Quebec CNESST and set up payroll deductions with the appropriate authority. If your business structure is a partnership or a corporation, you’ll also need to register the partnership or corporation with the Registraire des entreprises. These steps ensure you meet worker safety standards and payroll compliance from day one, helping you avoid costly penalties.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need the key business identifiers and tax registrations to operate smoothly. This includes registering your Business Number (BN), the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and the Quebec Business Registration (REQ – Registraire des entreprises) as applicable to your business structure. You’ll also need to handle tax registrations such as GST/HST so you can collect and remit taxes correctly. These registrations keep your books clean and your taxes handled properly.
Encouragement: Remember, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Start with the Business Licence, then map a simple step-by-step plan: decide your business structure, complete the Registraire des entreprises registrations, set up BN/NEQ/REQ, and handle GST/HST and CNESST/payroll registrations. Taking it one clear step at a time will set you up for a compliant, successful Montreal launch. If you’d like, I can outline a plain-English checklist with deadlines tailored to your situation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other home furnishings retailers 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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