Start Your Montreal Auto Parts and Accessories Retail Business
This page helps you start an automotive parts and accessories retail business in Montreal. It offers a practical, step-by-step roadmap—from selecting your business structure to opening day—so you know exactly what to do and when. You’ll get a clear overview of the 9 essential requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, and the typical startup costs and timeline.
In this guide, you’ll learn the specific actions to take: register the business with the Quebec Registraire (NAICS 441330 for automotive parts and accessories retailers), set up GST/QST accounts, secure a Montreal municipal business permit, and confirm zoning and occupancy compliance. We break the 9 requirements into plain terms—entity setup, REQ registration, tax accounts, municipal permit, zoning/occupancy, signage permit, fire-safety compliance, insurance, and a realistic timeline and budget—so you can plan confidently. We also outline costs (inventory, lease, licenses) and a practical opening timeline that usually runs over several weeks to a few months.
Montreal’s vibrant neighborhoods and strong auto parts demand make this a solid fit. With local suppliers and supportive city programs, you’re well positioned to launch a successful Montreal auto parts and accessories retail store.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is the Business Licence. This licence is issued by the city and you cannot legally open or run an automotive parts and accessories shop without it. It is non-negotiable—without a valid licence you cannot legally operate, hire staff, or process sales.
Once you have the licence, you’ll want to keep things running smoothly by addressing health, safety, and payroll-related requirements. If you hire employees, you must register with the Quebec CNESST for workers’ compensation to protect your team, and you’ll also need to set up Payroll Deductions Registration so you can remit the correct withholdings to the government. These employer obligations keep your shop compliant and protect your workers.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll typically need to secure a Business Number (BN), a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and register the enterprise under the Quebec business framework (REQ) as applicable to your structure. The form of your business will also determine whether you need Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. In addition, you’ll likely pursue GST/HST Registration, with consideration for Quebec’s local tax requirements. These registrations and numbers are essential for billing, reporting, and lawful operation.
Take the next steps with confidence: map out your business structure, obtain the Montreal business licence, and then set up BN/NEQ/REQ as required. If you plan to hire staff, complete CNESST and Payroll Deductions registrations. With these essentials in place, you’ll be on solid footing to launch and grow your automotive parts store. If you’d like, I can outline a simple checklist with links to the exact government portals.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a automotive parts and accessories retailers 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.
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