Launch a Montreal Exam Preparation and Tutoring Business Today
This page is your practical starter guide to launching an exam preparation and tutoring business in Montreal (NAICS 611691). It covers the nine essential requirements you’ll need to meet to operate legally, plus what permits and registrations to expect and the upfront costs you should plan for. You’ll get a clear road map—from choosing a business structure and name to budgeting for materials, software, and a basic workspace—with a realistic timeline for going live.
What you’ll learn: how to file the right registrations, determine which licenses apply, and how to tackle each of the nine requirements efficiently. We outline typical costs—setup, software, insurance, marketing—and a practical timeline, with Montreal-specific notes on municipal rules and tax registration. You’ll also receive a step-by-step checklist to help you market, price services, onboard students, and launch with confidence.
Why Montreal and this business pair works: the city’s vibrant, bilingual education scene creates steady demand for exam prep across universities, colleges, and language tests. Local schools, libraries, and community centers offer partnership opportunities, while online channels help you reach students city-wide.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is Business Licence. This license is legally required by the City of Montreal for many professional activities, including tutoring and exam-prep services run from home or a commercial space. You cannot legally operate without it. Start by checking with your borough to confirm exactly which license or permit applies to your setup, and get this in place first. This is non-negotiable and non-optional if you want to run your tutoring business legally.
Beyond licensing, you’ll want to focus on mandatory operational requirements that keep your business safe and compliant. If you hire staff or contractors, you’ll need to register for CNESST (the workers’ compensation and safety authority) and set up payroll deductions. Also verify municipal zoning and any home-based business permits from the City of Montreal, as some neighborhoods have specific rules for operating out of a residence. If you choose a formal business structure (partnership or corporation), you’ll have additional registration steps with the Registraire des entreprises to recognize and legally support that structure.
For the business registrations and tax side, you’ll typically register with Registraire des entreprises to obtain your NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number) and, if applicable, formalize your partnership or corporate structure. You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government (CRA) for tax accounts and, in Quebec, related registrations for provincial obligations. GST/HST registration should be pursued if your revenue meets the threshold (or you want to claim input tax credits). These registrations shape how you file taxes and charge taxes to clients.
Ready to move forward? Start with the city licensing check, then complete your NEQ/REQ registrations, decide on your business structure, and set up the BN and GST/HST as needed. Take it step by step, and you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation for your Montreal tutori
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a exam preparation and tutoring 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 exam preparation and tutoring:
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Delivered via the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction (2024–25 to 2027–28). Total federal investment: over $1.4 billion over four years. Funding flows through provinces and territories to school boards and post-secondary institutions. Quebec negotiates a separate bilateral agreement. Not directly accessible to non-governmental applicants.
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CATF provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations dedicated to professional arts training. Funds up to 70% of eligible expenses for most organizations and up to 100% for Indigenous and equity organizations. Annual intake with a May 15 deadline. Applicants must have maintained full-time administrative support for at least 3 years.
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UTIP funds unionized organizations to develop and deliver apprenticeship training, promote trades careers, and support underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Projects run up to 3 years; Sustainable Jobs stream funds up to $10M.
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