Launch Your Other Airport Operations Business in Montreal

This page guides you through starting an Other Airport Operations business (NAICS 488119) in Montreal. You’ll get a practical, step-by-step overview of the 9 requirements, from permits and registrations to safety standards and airport access. Learn what licenses you’ll need, typical costs, and a realistic timeline to get your operation off the ground.

What you’ll learn: the nine requirements broken down—business registration and taxes; permits and security clearances; insurance and liability; airport access approvals; compliance with safety, security and environmental rules; training and credentials for staff; contracts with airlines or ground handlers; and ongoing reporting and renewals. We also outline rough cost ranges and typical timelines to help you plan and avoid delays.

Montreal’s strong logistics network, proximity to major airports, and bilingual business climate make it a flexible, opportunity-rich base for airport services. With clear steps and a manageable permit path, you can turn this nine-requirement process into steady growth.

Business Type
Other Airport Operations
Location
Montreal

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is the Business Licence. This municipal license is legally required to start and run most commercial activities, including airport-related operations. You cannot legally operate without it, so securing the licence upfront is non-negotiable. Treat this as your first stopping point and align all planning around obtaining the permit.

Next come health, safety, and permit-related steps. If you hire staff, you must register for CNESST (Quebec Workers’ Compensation) and set up payroll deductions. These registrations protect workers and keep you compliant with provincial rules. You’ll also want to confirm any other health and safety requirements or permits that apply to airport or ground operations, and implement basic safety practices that meet provincial standards.

Business Registration & Tax are the practical backbone. You’ll need to complete Quebec business registration through Registraire des entreprises (REQ) to get your Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ). Depending on your business structure, you may register as a partnership or a corporation. In parallel, obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle GST/HST, payroll, and related filings. Plan for GST/HST registration (and QST in Quebec) if your taxable revenues cross the threshold, and set up the necessary payroll and compliance processes.

Next steps and encouragement: start with the Montreal Business Licence application, then complete Registraire des entreprises registration to secure your NEQ, and set up your BN with the federal tax system. Review whether you need GST/HST and QST registration, confirm CNESST and payroll setups, and create a simple compliance calendar. You’ve got a clear path—take it one milestone at a time, and you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation for your airport operations in Montreal.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a other airport operations in Montreal:

  • Business Licence Required
    General 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.
  • Business Number (BN) Registration Required
    A 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).
  • Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration Required
    Registration 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.
  • Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) Required
    All 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).
  • Partnership Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Quebec Corporation Registration Conditional
    Required 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).
  • GST/HST Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Payroll Deductions Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) Conditional
    Required 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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