Launch a Montreal Appliance Repair and Maintenance Business Today
This page lays out a practical, no-nonsense path to starting an appliance repair and maintenance business in Montreal under NAICS 811412. You’ll find a clear, nine-step requirements checklist, plus guidance on business registration, permits, insurance, and the tools you’ll need to hit the ground running. It’s designed to be approachable, showing you what to expect and how to plan your first months with confidence.
What you’ll learn: a quick requirements overview, the permits and licenses Montreal and Quebec may require, and typical startup costs—from tools and gear to insurance and basic marketing. We’ll map a practical 4–6 week timeline to launch, with bite-sized actions for each of the nine steps. You’ll gain budgeting tips, checklists, and ways to build credibility with customers through service reliability and clear warranties.
Montreal’s vibrant housing market and steady demand for in-home appliance repair make this a strong fit. The bilingual, business-friendly landscape, plus local support networks, means you can start serving customers soon. With a clear nine-step plan, upfront costs and timeline spelled out, you’ll launch confidently into Montreal appliance repair and maintenance.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an appliance repair and maintenance business in Montreal is Business Licence. This is a legal prerequisite to operate and bill customers in Montreal, and you cannot legally start work without it. Without the licence you risk fines, forced closures, and delays getting customers. Treat it as non-negotiable from day one.
Operational readiness also means taking care of health, safety and essential permits. In Quebec you must register as an employer with CNESST so workers are covered by workers’ compensation. If you have staff, set up payroll deductions to handle taxes and withholdings correctly. These steps protect your team and keep your business compliant as you begin taking on service work.
Business registrations and tax numbers come next. You’ll obtain a federal Business Number (BN) and register with Quebec’s Registraire des entreprises to get your NEQ. Depending on your structure, you may register as a partnership or as a corporation. You’ll also handle GST/HST registration (and related provincial processes) so you can collect and remit sales taxes properly.
Next steps: decide your business structure, gather required documents, and apply for the licence, BN, NEQ and REQ. If you hire employees, set up payroll deductions and CNESST registration as part of your onboarding. Consider reaching out to a small business advisor or the relevant government offices to confirm exact requirements for Montreal. You’re on the path to a compliant, ready-to-operate business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a appliance repair and maintenance 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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your appliance repair and maintenance:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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