Launch Your All Other Support Services Business in Quebec City
This page offers a clear, practical roadmap to starting an All Other Support Services business (NAICS 561990) in Quebec City. You’ll find an at-a-glance overview of the eight essential requirements, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to help you plan without overwhelm. We break down costs like registration, insurance, and permit fees, plus a realistic timeline.
Here’s what you’ll learn: the eight requirements you’ll complete, which permits and licenses are needed in Quebec City, typical costs for registrations and insurance, and what a realistic timeline looks like—from registration to your first day in business. You'll also get practical setup tips: banking, bookkeeping, and essential protections.
Why Quebec City? It’s a welcoming hub for service providers, with supportive networks, efficient municipal processes, and access to local suppliers. Starting here gives you a solid platform to build momentum, control costs, and grow your client base while you complete those eight essential requirements.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Quebec City is Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is issued by the federal government and you cannot legally operate, invoice clients, hire staff, or file taxes without it. This requirement is non-negotiable and forms the backbone of all your government interactions, so secure your BN before launching any activity.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits. If you hire employees, you must register for CNESST (the workers’ compensation system) to provide coverage for workplace injuries. You’ll also need to set up payroll deductions so you can withhold and remit the correct amounts for income tax, social contributions, and any employment insurance. These steps protect workers and keep your business compliant with provincial and federal rules, so treat them as essential operational foundations.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, you’ll handle provincial registrations. Register your business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar (REQ) and obtain your Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ). Choose your legal structure (partnership or corporation) and complete the appropriate Quebec registrations for your structure. If your activities require it, register for GST/HST. You’ll also align payroll-related registrations with the authorities, and ensure CNESST coverage is in place for any employees.
Encouragement and next steps: Getting these registrations in place is a step-by-step process, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Start with the BN, then move to NEQ and REQ, decide your business structure, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as you plan to hire. If you’re unsure, consider a quick consult with a business advisor or use government portals to guide you—you’ve got this, and taking it one step at a time will set you up for a solid, compliant start.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other support services in Quebec City:
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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 support services:
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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.
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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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