Launch All Other Transportation Support Activities in Montreal
This page breaks down how to start an All Other Transportation Support Activities business (NAICS 488999) in Montreal. Get a practical, step-by-step roadmap—from registering your company to securing the necessary permits—and a clear 9-step requirements checklist, estimated startup costs, and a realistic timeline to launch.
What you’ll learn: the nine requirements you must meet, including provincial registrations with Registraire des entreprises, municipal licensing, insurance, and any site or equipment permits. We’ll walk you through the typical permits you may need, cost ranges for registrations, licenses, insurance, and workspace setup, plus the steps and timelines from setup to service launch—often 6-12 weeks, with total startup costs in the low thousands depending on activity.
Montreal’s vibrant transportation and logistics scene, bilingual market, and local startup support make this a practical, scalable choice. With a clear 9-requirement path, you’ll move from planning to contracts faster while staying compliant and ready to serve customers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is a Business Licence. This is a legally required permit you must have to run your transportation-support business, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable—without a valid licence you could face fines, orders to stop, or trouble contracting with clients. Make this the first item you secure before you start hiring or serving customers.
For day-to-day operations, focus on health, safety and necessary permits. In Quebec, you’ll need to take care of workers’ safety and compensation by registering for CNESST Employer Registration, so your employees are covered. You’ll also set up Payroll Deductions Registration to handle withholdings and contributions for your staff. These steps protect workers and help you stay compliant as you grow your team.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll handle several key registrations. You should complete the Quebec Business Registration (REQ) with Registraire des entreprises and choose your legal structure (partnership or corporation) accordingly. You’ll also obtain a Canada Business Number (BN) from the CRA to manage GST/HST and payroll taxes, and the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) from Registraire des entreprises for provincial filings. If your sales cross thresholds, register for GST/HST (and ensure you’re aligned with any applicable provincial taxes).
Next steps and encouragement: start with the licence, then map out the registrations in a logical order (entity registration, BN, NEQ, CNESST, payroll, and tax registrations). If you’d like, I can tailor a simple checklist and timeline based on your exact business plan and the services you’ll offer in Montreal. You’re taking solid steps toward a compliant, ready-to-operate operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other support activities for transportation 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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