Launch an All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services in Quebec City
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to starting an All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services business (NAICS 561599) in Quebec City. You’ll get a clear overview of the eight requirements, key permits, estimated costs, and a realistic timeline to launch—typically 4–12 weeks, depending on licensing and registrations.
You’ll learn exactly what you need to do to get started: register your business with the provincial government and obtain a Canada Business Number for tax purposes; determine GST/HST and QST registration; check whether a travel agency license or accreditation is required in Quebec; secure professional liability insurance; implement privacy and consumer-protection measures under federal and Quebec laws; set up banking, bookkeeping, and budgeting; establish supplier contracts and client agreements; and craft clear refunds and cancellation policies while building a compliant online presence. The page also outlines rough startup costs and the typical timeline so you can plan confidently.
Quebec City is a vibrant tourism hub with a bilingual market, strong visitor numbers, and a supportive small-business community. This makes it a great fit for launching travel arrangement and reservation services that serve locals and travelers alike.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Quebec City is the Business Number (BN) Registration. It’s legally required to handle taxes and dealings with federal programs, and you cannot legally run a travel arrangement and reservation service without one. In addition to the BN, you’ll also need a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and to complete the Quebec Business Registration (REQ) for your chosen structure (for example, a partnership or a Quebec corporation). Depending on how you set up the business, you’ll register as either a partnership or a corporation, and these registrations tie your business to the proper tax and regulatory accounts.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits are important to cover while you get going. If you hire staff, you must obtain Quebec CNESST Employer Registration to provide workers’ compensation coverage. You’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration to handle withholdings for income tax and other payroll obligations. Keeping your team trained on safety and compliance helps protect both your customers and your business as you grow.
Business Registration & Tax: In practical terms, you’ll need to complete the REQ (Registraire des entreprises) for your business structure (partnership or Quebec corporation). You’ll also handle tax registrations such as GST/HST to collect and remit sales taxes on applicable services. Your BN and NEQ should be linked to these tax accounts so that you’re correctly registered with both federal and provincial authorities. This coordinated setup is essential for legal operation and smooth tax reporting.
Encouragement: Start with choosing your business structure, then tackle registrations one by one to avoid delays. A good next step is to gather the basics (identity documents, business name, address) and begin online applications for BN (federal), NEQ and REQ (Quebec), plus the GST/HST and CNESST payroll-related registrations if you plan to hire. If you’d like, I can tu
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other travel arrangement and reservation 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 travel arrangement and reservation 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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