Launch a Montreal Cemetery and Crematory: Start Today
This page guides you through starting a Cemeteries and Crematories business in Montreal, NAICS 812220. You’ll get a practical, step-by-step overview of the 9 requirements you must meet, plus the permits you’ll need, typical setup costs, and a realistic timeline from planning to opening. We break down regulatory details into straight-forward actions, with checklists and direct links to the responsible authorities. Whether you’re just researching or ready to move, this page gives you a clear path to launch with confidence.
What you’ll learn: the exact licenses and zoning approvals for a cemetery and crematory in Montreal, environmental and safety standards, burial and cremation service regulations, and any trust or perpetual care obligations. You’ll get budgeting guidance on site selection, equipment, staffing, and ongoing costs, plus a realistic timeline for approvals and construction. We also share practical tips to navigate permits efficiently, estimate costs more accurately, and avoid common delays, helping you start legally, ethically, and on schedule.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a cemeteries and crematories business in Montreal is Business Licence. This license is legally required by the city (and often coordinated with provincial rules), and you cannot run the operation without it. Securing the licence before you start is non-negotiable and sets the foundation for everything else you’ll do.
Operationally, you must prioritize health, safety, and permits. Ensure your site meets applicable safety standards and that you have clear, documented procedures for the sensitive services you provide. If you hire staff, you’ll need to register for workers’ compensation (CNESST) and manage related safety training and records, along with the regular payroll duties that come with employing people.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need the standard business registrations and tax numbers to stay compliant. This includes a Business Number (BN) with the federal government, a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and registration with Registraire des entreprises (REQ). If your business structure is a partnership or a corporation, file the corresponding Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. For taxes, register for GST/HST and, if you employ people, set up Payroll Deductions Registration.
Next steps: start by confirming your Business Licence with the City of Montreal, then tackle the BN, NEQ, and REQ registrations. Gather the necessary corporate documents, choose your business structure, and consider consulting a local accountant or regulatory advisor to map out the timeline. With clear milestones and professional guidance, you’ll move from planning to a compliant, smoothly operating business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a cemeteries and crematories 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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