How to Start Offices of Other Holding Companies in Laval
This page is your practical starter kit for launching NAICS 551112 – Offices of Other Holding Companies – in Laval. It walks you through what you need to start successfully, including a clear overview of the 9 requirements, the permits you might need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from registration to ready-to-operate.
You’ll learn exactly what the nine requirements cover, from corporate registration and local business licensing to basic governance and workspace compliance. We outline which permits could apply in Laval (municipal approvals, signage, occupancy) and provide ballpark costs so you can budget with confidence. Finally, you’ll get a step-by-step timeline that helps you plan tasks, secure financing, and hit milestones on your way to opening your Laval offices.
Why Laval? The city sits in the Montreal region with strong infrastructure, competitive office space options, a bilingual workforce, and supportive local programs—making it a smart, cost-effective base for holding company operations. With the right plan, you can move efficiently through the nine requirements and start serving clients sooner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Laval is the Business Licence. This City-issued licence is what legally allows you to run an office from a specific location, and you cannot operate without it. It is non-negotiable, so securing and maintaining the correct licence should be your first priority before taking any other steps.
Beyond the licence, you’ll need to handle essential operational requirements that keep your workplace safe and compliant. This includes registering with the Quebec CNESST for employer safety and workers’ compensation coverage, and setting up Payroll Deductions Registration so you can properly withhold and remit employee taxes. Depending on your setup, you may also need occupancy or other municipal permits, so check Laval’s rules to confirm you’re meeting all health and safety and local permitting obligations.
From a registration and tax perspective, you’ll need to line up both Quebec and federal identifiers. Start with Quebec Business Registration through Registraire des entreprises (REQ) to obtain the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and, if applicable, complete Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration depending on your structure. At the federal level, apply for a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and consider GST/HST registration for sales taxes if you exceed thresholds. This is also when you’ll ensure payroll deductions and other tax obligations are in place.
Next steps: map out your ideal company structure, reach out to the City of Laval for licence specifics, and begin the Registraire des entreprises and CRA registrations. Use official portals or consult a local advisor to move quickly and stay compliant. With these foundations in place, you’ll be positioned to open smoothly and grow with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a offices of other holding companies in Laval:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Laval. Apply to Ville de Laval 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 Laval 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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