Launch Your Montreal Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Retail
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step path to launching a Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Retailer in Montreal under NAICS 444240. It distills the nine essential startup requirements—plus the permits, registrations, and upfront budget you'll need—to open confidently and stay compliant from day one.
You’ll learn exactly what to expect on timeline and budget. The nine key requirements include: 1) business registration, 2) municipal zoning clearance, 3) provincial licenses where needed, 4) GST/QST tax registration, 5) supplier contracts and inventory planning, 6) insurance and safety programs, 7) environmental rules and waste management, 8) signage and storefront permits, 9) bookkeeping and banking setup. Costs vary by shop size and inventory, but plan for tens of thousands to low-to-mid hundreds of thousands CAD; licensing and permitting typically take weeks to a few months.
Montreal's market is ideal for a garden-focused retailer: strong consumer demand, a vibrant garden-season, bilingual business environment, and access to local suppliers and support networks that help you grow.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nursery, garden center, and farm supply retailer in Montreal is the Business Licence. This license is issued by the city and proves you meet local rules for running a retail business. Without it you cannot legally open or stay open, so obtaining your licence is non-negotiable and should be your first step.
Beyond the licence, you have essential health, safety, and employer obligations. Plan to register for workers’ compensation with the Quebec CNESST and to set up Payroll Deductions so you can properly withhold and remit staff taxes and other amounts. Make sure your store complies with general health and safety standards, carries the necessary insurance, and secures any required permits for your premises and operations (for example occupancy or fire safety permits). These items are mandatory to keep your workplace safe and compliant.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also need a federal Business Number (BN) and a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) along with the Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises). If you operate as a partnership or a corporation, you’ll register the corresponding structure. For taxes on sales, register for GST/HST (and, where applicable in Quebec, the related provincial QST rules). Getting these numbers in place ensures you can legally collect taxes, file returns, and keep proper records.
Next steps: start with confirming your city licence, then decide your business structure and complete the REQ/NEQ/BN registrations. Set up CNESST and payroll processes, and apply for GST/HST (plus QST where required). Take it one step at a time—your compliance foundation will support smooth operations and long-term growth.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nursery, garden center, and farm supply retailers 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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