Launch a Diet and Weight Reducing Center in Montreal Today
This page offers a practical roadmap for starting a Diet and Weight Reducing Center (NAICS 812191) in Montreal. You’ll get a clear view of the nine requirements you must meet, plus the permits, licenses, and upfront costs to budget for. We also map out a realistic timeline from planning to opening your doors.
What you’ll learn: the exact steps to take, including business registration with Quebec's Registraire des entreprises, municipal zoning checks, health and safety compliance, insurance, and staff qualifications. We’ll cover the permits and licensing you’ll need, typical costs, and how long each step usually takes, so you can plan with confidence.
Montreal is a great fit for weight-reducing centers: a large, health-conscious population, a bilingual market, and accessible local networks for wellness providers. This city's vibrant wellness scene helps you attract clients, partner with nutritionists or fitness experts, and grow a sustainable practice with supportive local resources, mentors, and predictable demand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is obtaining a valid Business Licence. This license is non-negotiable: you cannot legally run a diet and weight-reducing center in the city without it. The City of Montreal handles business licensing, and depending on your exact services you may also need additional permits. Alongside the license, you’ll need several registrations with federal and provincial authorities before you open your doors.
Mandatory operational and structural registrations include: Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency; Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) with Registraire des entreprises; and Quebec Business Registration (REQ) with Registraire des entreprises. If you plan to operate as a partnership, you’ll need Partnership Registration; if you form a corporation, you’ll need Quebec Corporation Registration. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration if you make taxable supplies, Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees, and Quebec CNESST Employer Registration to cover workers’ compensation. These steps establish who you are, how you operate, and how you report payroll and taxes.
Think of it as the essential business identity and payroll/taxes package: BN covers federal accounts, NEQ and REQ establish your Quebec presence, GST/HST handles sales tax on services, Payroll Deductions keeps employee withholdings straight, and CNESST takes care of workers’ compensation. If you expand your structure to a partnership or corporation, the corresponding registrations ensure you’re compliant from day one.
Next steps are practical and straightforward: decide your business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) and then file NEQ/REQ with Registraire des entreprises, obtain your BN from the CRA, and register for GST/HST as needed. Set up payroll and CNESST accounts before hiring, and confirm any required city permits with Montreal. With these foundations in place, you’ll be aligned for a smooth, com
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a diet and weight reducing centers 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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