Launch Your All Other Personal Services Business in Montreal Today

This page provides a practical, step-by-step guide to starting an All Other Personal Services business in Montreal (NAICS 812990). Learn what it takes to get up and running, from mandatory registrations to the licenses you’ll need, plus a clear costs-and-timeline snapshot to help you plan for launch.

What you’ll learn: the nine requirements you must meet to operate in Quebec, plus which permits and licenses apply to personal services. We break down typical costs (registration, permits, insurance, basic setup) and a realistic timeline from first steps to opening. You’ll also get a simple compliance checklist to stay on track.

Montreal’s diverse demand for personal services, bilingual market, and supportive small-business ecosystem make it a natural place to launch. With nine clear requirements, you’ll have a straightforward path to permits, registrations, and insurance— and a realistic timeline to open. Start with our practical checklist and turn planning into action. This city-friendly approach helps you estimate upfront costs and map a realistic launch timeline.

Business Type
All Other Personal Services
Location
Montreal

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a personal services business in Montreal is Business Licence. This license is a legal prerequisite you must obtain before serving clients in the city, and you cannot legally operate without it. Having the licence shows you’ve met local rules for your activity, location, and safety, and skipping it can lead to fines or closure. It is non-negotiable and foundational to starting your business.

Beyond the licence, you’ll want to stay on top of health and safety and employment-related permits. If you hire staff, you must complete CNESST Employer Registration to cover workers’ compensation, and you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration to withhold and remit income tax and other payroll withholdings. These steps protect your team and keep you compliant with Québec and federal rules.

For business registration and tax numbers, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, along with a Québec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and Quebec Business Registration (REQ – Registraire des entreprises). Depending on your structure, you may register as a partnership or a corporation. You’ll also likely need GST/HST Registration if you collect sales tax from clients. Plan for these early, so you’re ready to bill clients and remit taxes.

Next steps: map your business structure, pick a solid name, and start the registrations in parallel. Use official portals (CRA for BN, Registraire des entreprises for NEQ/REQ, Revenu Québec for GST/HST and payroll) and consider a quick consultation with a local business advisor to tailor the plan to your specific services. You’ll move confidently from planning to launching.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other personal services in Montreal:

  • Business Licence Required
    General 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.
  • Business Number (BN) Registration Required
    A 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).
  • Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration Required
    Registration 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.
  • Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) Required
    All 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).
  • Partnership Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Quebec Corporation Registration Conditional
    Required 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).
  • GST/HST Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Payroll Deductions Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) Conditional
    Required 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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