Start an Other Building Material Dealers Business in Montreal
This page offers a practical roadmap to launching an Other Building Material Dealers business in Montreal. You’ll get a concise, step-by-step overview of the nine requirements you must meet, plus the permits, registrations, and compliance steps needed to move from idea to opening. We cover what to prepare, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline so you can plan with confidence.
What you’ll learn: the nine requirements you must meet in Montreal, the permits and licenses you’ll apply for, and how costs stack up—inventory, insurance, permits, and startup setup. We lay out a practical timeline from business registration to stocking your first inventory and opening day, with tips to speed approvals and keep costs on track.
Why Montreal works: a vibrant construction market, strong demand for building materials, and easy access to suppliers and customers. The bilingual business environment and local support programs can help you launch faster and grow more efficiently.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is the Business Licence. This licence is issued by the City of Montreal and you cannot legally run a building material dealership without it. It’s non-negotiable and should be your first step before you hire staff, sign leases, or start selling goods. Securing the licence clears the way for the rest of the registrations and compliance tasks you’ll need to stay on the right side of the law.
Mandatory operational requirements center on health, safety, and workplace compliance. If you have employees, you must register for CNESST (Quebec’s workers’ compensation program) and handle payroll deductions as required by law. These steps protect your team and help you meet provincial safety standards, ensuring your business can operate smoothly and avoid penalties. Grouped with these are the practical, day-to-day regulatory duties you’ll face as you start serving customers and managing a team.
Next come business registration and tax numbers. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency and a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) from Registraire des entreprises (REQ). Your chosen structure will determine whether you file Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. You’ll also register for GST/HST and, if you hire staff, payroll deductions. These registrations keep you compliant with federal and Quebec authorities and positioned for smooth financial operations.
Ready to move forward? Start by deciding your business structure, then apply for the licence, BN, NEQ, REQ entries, GST/HST, payroll, and CNESST registrations. With these in place, you’ll be set to launch in Montreal with confidence. If you’re unsure, seek advice from an accountant or business advisor who can tailor the steps to your situation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other building material dealers 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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