Launch a Toronto Offices of Other Holding Companies Today
This page gives a practical roadmap for starting an Offices of Other Holding Companies (NAICS 551112) in Toronto. You'll find a clear nine‑requirement overview, the permits you may need, and a realistic cost snapshot to help you plan. We translate the official checklists into an actionable path—from incorporation basics to initial filings—so you know what to expect at each step.
What you’ll learn: The nine requirements you’ll meet, the permits and registrations needed, typical start-up costs, and a practical timeline from setup to first operating day. You’ll get a straightforward blueprint for choosing a simple corporate structure, filing with the right authorities, registering for tax accounts, and establishing governance and compliance routines—so you can move from idea to a compliant Toronto holding company efficiently.
Why Toronto? As Canada’s business hub, the city offers a robust professional-services network, talent access, and strong infrastructure — a natural home for corporate entities like an Offices of Other Holding Companies. Starting here gives you proximity to advisors, lenders, and partners who can help your growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a offices of other holding companies in Toronto is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal obligation you cannot bypass; it covers safe work practices, proper training, injury reporting, and ongoing safety management. It is non-negotiable—without proven compliance you cannot legally operate.
Beyond safety, you’ll need mandatory operational requirements that keep the business running properly. This includes obtaining a municipal Business Licence to operate in Toronto, and if you have employees you must ensure WSIB coverage. You also need to stay on top of Employment Standards for your staff (things like pay, hours, overtime, vacation) and handle payroll deductions in line with government rules. Grouped together, these items keep your day-to-day operations compliant and above board.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll handle the fundamental business identifiers and structure. You’ll typically obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, register your Ontario business name with ServiceOntario if you use a name beyond your legal corporate name, and consider any Holding and Management Company registration as part of your corporate structure. For taxes, plan for GST/HST registration and payroll deductions registration as part of your ongoing fiscal duties.
If you’re ready to take the next steps, start with a quick OHSA compliance check and safety plan, then verify your licensing needs with the City of Toronto. Set up your BN and name registration, confirm your holding company setup, and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts. You don’t have to figure it all out alone—mapping a simple checklist and talking to a trusted advisor (HR, accounting, or legal) can make this smooth and scalable.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a offices of other holding companies in Toronto:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Toronto. Apply to City of Toronto 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 City of Toronto Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Holding and Management Company Registration RequiredHolding and management companies must maintain proper corporate structure, comply with securities regulations if publicly traded, and meet governance standards. No special Ontario license for holding companies. Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA) or federal CBCA incorporation. Extra-Provincial License if federally incorporated operating in Ontario. Annual returns required. Professional corporations have separate rules. Contact ServiceOntario: 1-888-745-8888.
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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