Start Your Amusement Arcade in Quebec City: A Practical Guide
This page helps you launch an amusement arcade in Quebec City, focusing on practical, step-by-step guidance for NAICS 713120. It’s designed to keep you moving with real-world tips, not piles of forms. You’ll find a clear path from idea to opening day that fits your budget and timeline.
Here’s an eight-item requirements overview, plus what permits and licenses you’ll likely need, typical costs, and a realistic timeline. We cover registrations, municipal zoning approval, safety and fire inspections, insurance, accessibility, and provincial rules that affect arcades. The page highlights the 8 key requirements you’ll meet, ballpark setup and ongoing costs, and a practical path to your license and opening.
Quebec City’s mix of tourism, universities, and family-friendly neighborhoods makes it a promising spot for arcade businesses. With a strong appetite for entertaining experiences and a supportive local business climate, starting an arcade here can be rewarding for steady, repeat visitors. It’s a city that values safety and community spaces—perfect for building a fun, trusted venue.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an amusement arcade in Quebec City is obtaining a Business Number (BN) registration. BN is the federal registration you use with the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes and payroll. Without BN you cannot legally run your business. In addition, you must complete the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) registration and the Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises). These three registrations are legally required for any Quebec-based business and are non-negotiable.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and regulatory permits. If you hire employees, you must register with CNESST (the Quebec workers’ compensation board) and follow their safety rules for your arcade and staff. You’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration to properly manage employee withholdings. Depending on local rules, there may be permits or licences required to operate an arcade venue (zoning, signage, hours, etc.). Keeping these items up-to-date helps you run smoothly and protects your customers and staff.
Business registration and tax considerations come next. In addition to BN, NEQ, and REQ, you’ll choose your business structure (Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration) if applicable. You’ll also handle tax registrations such as GST/HST as required by federal and provincial authorities. If you have employees, CNESST and payroll tax considerations stay part of your ongoing obligations. The key point is to set up the right registrations for your chosen structure and stay compliant as your arcade grows.
You’re on the right track—next steps are practical. Decide your business structure, then register with Registraire des entreprises to obtain NEQ and REQ. Apply for your BN, and check GST/HST thresholds for your sales. Set up payroll deductions and CNESST, and keep a simple checklist to stay on top of renewals and reporting. If you’d like, I can map out a personalized actions-and-timelines plan.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a amusement arcades 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 amusement arcades:
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Nova Scotia Creative Industries Fund provides project-based grants of up to $30,000, covering up to 50% of eligible costs, to creative and cultural businesses and non-profit organizations seeking to grow their export markets. The program targets sectors including fashion and design, screen, music, performing arts, production and fine craft, …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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SSDIC operates through three streams: Stream One funds Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and the Aboriginal Sport Circle; Stream Two supports Indigenous governments and not-for-profit Indigenous organizations; Stream Three focuses on Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples. The 2024-2026 cycle invested $24.2M across 119 Indigenous-led projects. New funding available for 2026-27 …
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