Launch Your Exam Preparation and Tutoring Business in Quebec City
This page helps you plan and launch an Exam Preparation and Tutoring business in Quebec City. You’ll get a practical, city-specific roadmap—from registration basics to landing your first student. Find an eight-item requirements overview, the permits you may need, typical costs, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to income.
Eight essential requirements you’ll meet (aligned with NAICS 611691): 1) register your business with Registraire des entreprises; 2) choose a legal structure; 3) obtain a Business Number (BN) from the CRA; 4) register for GST/HST and QST if annual taxable supplies exceed $30,000; 5) confirm any local permits or a home-based business declaration from Quebec City; 6) secure liability and professional insurance; 7) design your exam-prep curriculum, pricing, and schedule; 8) set up bookkeeping and invoicing. Costs vary—expect a few hundred to several thousand CAD for registration, insurance, learning materials, website, and marketing. Timeline-wise, plan for about 2-6 weeks to sort registrations and permits; you could start offering lessons within 1-2 months of starting.
Quebec City is a great fit for an NAICS 611691 tutoring business, with a vibrant education scene, bilingual audiences, and close proximity to schools and families. This combination makes it easier to attract students, build local trust, and grow your tutoring and exam-prep services.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Quebec City is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must—you cannot operate a tutoring or exam-prep service without a BN. It ties your business to key federal and provincial accounts like GST/HST and payroll, and you’ll use it on almost every form you file and every invoice you issue. There’s no workaround: without a BN your business cannot function legally.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits. If you hire staff, you must register for Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers' Compensation) and set up payroll deductions as required. Depending on where you run sessions, you may need space, fire, or occupancy permits, plus compliant health and safety practices to protect students and staff.
Business registration and tax considerations include obtaining the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and completing the Registraire des entreprises registration (REQ). If you organize your tutoring as a partnership or corporation, you’ll register the appropriate entity. In addition, you’ll handle tax registrations such as GST/HST; in Quebec you’ll also manage the Quebec Sales Tax (QST). The BN you already have will anchor these accounts.
Next steps: decide your business structure, then apply for the BN, NEQ, and REQ. Check whether GST/HST and QST registrations apply to your services, and set up CNESST and payroll processes if you hire employees. With these foundations in place, you can move forward confidently—consider connecting with a local business advisor to tailor the steps to your exact plan and location in Quebec City.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a exam preparation and tutoring in Quebec City:
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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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