Launch Your Montreal Food Service Contractors Business Today
This page offers a practical, action-focused roadmap for starting a Montreal Food Service Contractors business (NAICS 722310). You’ll find a concise 10-point requirements overview, direct guidance on the licenses and permits you’ll need, plus a realistic timeline from setup to first project. Use this guide to plan confidently and avoid common pitfalls while you launch.
Here, you’ll learn the exact 10 requirements you’ll tackle—from Quebec business registration and tax accounts to essential insurance, CNESST compliance, and municipal permits. We break down a permits overview and typical licensing costs, plus a practical, step-by-step timeline for approvals. You’ll also see how to position client and supplier contracts so you stay compliant and on schedule. Budget wise, expect startup costs to vary by scope—from a few thousand for a lean operation to tens of thousands for a larger program—including licenses, insurance, equipment, and working capital.
Montreal’s vibrant hospitality scene and steady demand for contracted food services make this a promising fit for a skilled, service-oriented contractor. The city’s bilingual market, abundant events, and connections to schools, hospitals, and corporate campuses create steady opportunities for reliable providers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a food service contractor in Montreal is the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal Food Premises Permit. This health and safety permit is legally required before you can open a kitchen or serve food, and you cannot operate without it. It is non-negotiable and non-negotiable means you must have it in hand before you start.
In addition to that health permit, you’ll also need practical operational approvals. A municipal Business Licence (permis d’exploitation) from the city is typically required to legally run a business in Montreal. Health and safety compliance is reinforced by the Food Premises Permit, and if you hire staff you must register for workers’ compensation with CNESST and set up payroll deductions so you can withhold and remit the right amounts for your employees.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll need to get your business numbers in place. Expect to obtain a Business Number (BN) from the federal government and a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) from the Quebec business registry, plus register your business with the Registraire des entreprises (REQ). Depending on your structure, you may undertake Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration for sales taxes, Payroll Deductions Registration for payroll taxes, and CNESST Employer Registration for workers’ compensation.
Next steps: decide your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation), then start applying for the required permits and registrations in order. Map out who handles City licensing, health permits, CNESST, BN/NEQ/REQ, and tax registrations, and consider talking to a local advisor to keep everything aligned and on track. You can do this in small, manageable steps and stay compliant every step of the way.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a food service contractors 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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CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal Food Premises Permit RequiredFood service establishments must obtain health permit from CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal. Obtain food establishment permit from MAPAQ (Quebec Ministry): 1. Register with MAPAQ before opening (online at www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca) 2. Food handler certification required for at least one person on-site 3. Pass initial health inspection by CIUSSS/MAPAQ inspector 4. Inspections verify: food storage, temperature control, cleanliness, pest control 5. Display permit visibly in establishment 6. Re-inspections based on risk category (restaurants typically 1-2 per year) Fees and requirements at www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/Restauration
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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 food service contractors:
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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Provided up to $25,000 per business to Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. Administered by ITAC through provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations under a $10 million allocation from the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (Budget 2022). All four rounds are completed, with approximately $8.1 million distributed to approximately 330 businesses. …
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The $108M Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funded tourism businesses, associations, Indigenous tourism organizations, post-secondary institutions, and governments to create or improve tourism offerings, invest in digitization, extend seasons, and promote active outdoor experiences. Businesses received interest-free repayable contributions up to $250,000; not-for-profits received non-repayable contributions. Applications are no longer being …
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