Launch a Montreal Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair Business
This page outlines how to start a Montreal-based Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance business (NAICS 811210). It presents a practical, 9-key requirements plan to move you from idea to opening day, with a clear path for registrations, permits, and startup essentials. You’ll find a concise overview of what to prepare, including licenses, workspace, equipment, insurance, and initial costs, plus a realistic timeline.
What you’ll learn: the nine essential requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll likely need in Quebec and Montreal, how to register for GST/QST, basic tax steps, and typical startup costs like tools, shop setup, lease, and insurance. We’ll also lay out a step-by-step timeline to move from plan to launch, so you know when to file, verify, and hire.
Montreal’s vibrant tech scene, skilled workforce, and strong demand for electronic and precision equipment repair create a welcoming environment. Local suppliers, business networks, and city support can help speed up licensing and market entry, giving you a solid foundation to grow a trusted service.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is the Business Licence. This license is legally required to run an electronics repair and maintenance shop, and you cannot legally operate without it. It’s the non‑negotiable first step to opening your doors in Montreal, so secure this before you do anything else.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first. If you have employees, you must register for CNESST (the workers’ compensation program) and implement a basic safety plan, training, and risk assessments for your shop. You’ll also want to verify any city or provincial permits or approvals that apply to electronics repair activities in your workspace.
Business Registration & Tax: Set up the essential numbers and filings. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) for federal tax dealings, a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and registration with the Registraire des entreprises (REQ). If you plan to form a partnership or corporation, complete the appropriate registrations. GST/HST registration may be required if you exceed the sales threshold. If you have employees, you’ll handle Payroll Deductions and ensure CNESST coverage.
Encouragement: You’ve got this. Start by listing the registrations you need, then contact the relevant authorities (City of Montreal for licensing, CRA for BN, Registraire des entreprises for NEQ/REQ, and Revenu Québec for taxes). A quick chat with an accountant or business advisor can map out a tailored plan and keep you on the right track toward lawful, smooth operation and growth.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a electronic and precision equipment 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 electronic and precision equipment 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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