Start Your All Other Support Services Business in Montreal

This page helps you plan and launch an All Other Support Services business (NAICS 561990) in Montreal. It covers the nine requirements you’ll need to meet, from business registration to the permits and licenses that keep you compliant. You’ll find a clear overview of permits, typical costs, and a practical timeline to move from idea to operation.

You’ll learn exactly what you need to do: register your business, secure Montreal-specific permits, and handle provincial registrations like GST/QST. We map out the nine requirements into actionable steps, outline expected costs (registration fees, insurance, and ongoing compliance), and lay out a realistic timeline so you can plan with confidence. Plus, practical tips to avoid common delays and stay compliant with local rules and CNESST safety requirements.

Montreal’s dynamic economy and strong support networks make it a great place to offer flexible, business-to-business support services. With access to bilingual markets, talent, and municipal resources, you can build steady client relationships and grow.

Business Type
All Other Support Services
Location
Montreal

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is Business Licence. This license is legally required to run a service business in the city, and you cannot operate without it. It confirms you meet local rules for your activities, location, and safety considerations, so secure it before you do anything else—hiring, signing a lease, or opening your doors. This requirement is non-negotiable and serves as the foundation for all other steps.

Next come the mandatory operational requirements focused on health, safety, and permits. If you hire employees, you must register with the Quebec CNESST for workers’ compensation and workplace safety, and you’ll need to manage payroll deductions so you can correctly withhold and remit taxes and contributions. Depending on your services, there may be additional permits or sector-specific rules to follow, so check what applies to your exact line of work and keep these obligations current to protect your staff and your business.

On the business registration and tax side, you’ll need a federal Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle GST/HST, payroll deductions, and related programs. In Quebec, register with the Registraire des entreprises (REQ) to obtain your Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and complete the Quebec Business Registration. You’ll also handle GST/HST registration if your revenue crosses the threshold. If you hire staff, ensure payroll deductions registrations are in place so you can remit the required amounts on time.

Starting with the licence, then completing these registrations and tax setup will put you on solid footing. If you’d like, I can turn this into a simple, step-by-step checklist with deadlines and direct links to the right agencies in Montreal. You’ve got this—taking these next steps now makes growth and compliance that much smoother.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other support 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.

Funding & Grants

Available funding programs that may apply to your all other support services:

  • Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
  • Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …

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Note: These results may be incomplete or inaccurate. We recommend consulting with a business advisor, lawyer, or government authority to verify all requirements for your situation.