Launch Your Montreal Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners Today
This page provides a practical, step-by-step plan to start a Montreal coin-operated laundries and drycleaners business (NAICS 812310). It breaks down the 9 requirements you’ll need to meet, plus a clear view of permits, licenses, registrations, timelines, and the upfront costs you should plan for. Expect a realistic path from concept to open doors, including equipment, fit-out, and ongoing operating expenses.
What you’ll learn includes a requirements overview, where to apply for the municipal business license, zoning approvals, and inspections; how to secure permits (building, electrical, plumbing) and registrations (Registraire des entreprises, GST/HST, QST); essential insurance; and a practical budgeting, financing plan and timeline. The guide also maps a realistic path from first ideas to opening day.
Montreal’s vibrant neighborhoods and strong small-business community make this city a great fit for coin-operated laundries. High demand, ready access to suppliers, and bilingual support can help you attract customers and grow smoothly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a coin-operated laundries and drycleaners in Montreal is securing a Business Licence. This is a legal must to run a shop in Quebec, and you cannot operate without it. It’s non-negotiable: until you have the licence, you’re not compliant, you can’t open doors, and you won’t be able to hire staff or open bank accounts.
Mandatory Operational Requirements cover health, safety, and general permits. Key items include registering for CNESST Employer Registration (Workers’ Compensation) to protect workers in case of injury, and setting up Payroll Deductions Registration so you can withhold and remit the correct taxes for employees. In addition, you should implement solid health and safety practices for a laundromat and drycleaner environment, including proper handling of chemicals, machine maintenance, electrical safety, and fireCode-adjacent precautions to keep customers and staff safe.
Business Registration & Tax involves the formal business identity and tax accounts. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government, plus Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and the Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises). Depending on your chosen structure, you’ll register as a partnership or a Quebec corporation. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration to handle Canada-wide sales taxes (and align with any Quebec-specific tax rules as applicable), and ensure payroll taxes and reporting are properly managed.
Ready for the next steps? Start by confirming your business name and location, then apply for the Business Licence, register with Registraire des entreprises (REQ) and obtain NEQ, BN, and GST/HST coverage. Consider consulting a local business advisor or lawyer to help you set up the right corporate structure and an implementation plan so you can move from paperwork to a compliant, smoothly run operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a coin-operated laundries and drycleaners 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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