Launch a Montreal Funeral Home and Funeral Services: Quick Start Guide
This page guides aspiring funeral homes and funeral services in Montreal through the essentials of getting started. You’ll find a practical, nine-step overview aligned with NAICS code 812210, plus clear notes on permits, costs, and a realistic timeline. Designed for newcomers, it breaks down what you’ll need to open a compliant, compassionate operation in Montreal with confidence.
From day one, you’ll see each requirement mapped to action, covering the nine essential steps, the permits and registrations to plan for, typical startup and ongoing costs, and a practical 6-12 month timeline from concept to opening. The page also flags common compliance considerations for NAICS 812210 and tips to avoid common pitfalls in Montreal's regulatory landscape.
Montreal's diverse communities and strong service culture create steady demand for respectful funeral services. The city's bilingual market, established suppliers, and supportive local programs can help you launch with guidance and a clearer path to serving families in your community.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a funeral home in Montreal is obtaining a Business Licence. This licence is legally required and you cannot operate your funeral services or run a funeral home without it. It is the non-negotiable baseline that shows your facility is authorized to offer services and manage the business in Quebec.
Beyond the licence, there are mandatory operational requirements to keep your facility safe and compliant. Focus on health and safety and the permits you need to run your location. If you hire staff, you must handle employee-related obligations such as CNESST (workers’ compensation) registration and payroll deductions. Ensure your building and operations meet local safety standards and get any site-specific permits your city may require.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need to establish your official identifiers. This includes Quebec Business Registration (Registraire des entreprises) and the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), along with a Canada-wide Business Number (BN) for tax and intergovernmental dealings. If your business structure is a partnership, you’ll need Partnership Registration; if it’s a corporation, you’ll register the Quebec Corporation. GST/HST registration is also required so you can properly collect and remit taxes where applicable.
If you’re unsure where to start, take it step by step: decide your business structure, secure the licence, then complete the relevant registrations and tax registrations. Reach out to a local business advisor or regulatory office for guidance, gather your documents, and begin the application process. With clear steps and support, you’ll move from planning to compliant operation with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a funeral homes and funeral services 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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