Launch Your Montreal 811490 Other Personal and Household Repair Business
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting an 811490: Other Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance business in Montreal. You’ll find a concise, client-friendly path from idea to launch, including a nine-item requirements checklist, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline for getting your first repair job.
You’ll learn exactly what to do and in what order: the nine requirements you’ll need to meet, which permits and licenses apply in Montreal, how to register your business (NEQ) and handle Quebec tax registrations (QST, GST/HST as applicable), insurance basics, zoning considerations for a home-based shop, and a practical budget and timeline for getting your doors open.
Montreal is a strong fit for this service category: steady demand for repair and maintenance of personal and household goods, a healthy mix of residents and local businesses, and a welcoming ecosystem of suppliers and tradespeople. With the right plan, you can launch confidently and grow into a trusted neighborhood repair partner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Montreal is a Business Licence. This license is issued by the city and is legally required to run any commercial activity in the area. Without it, you cannot legally operate, and starting without one could lead to fines or a shutdown. Securing the licence shows you meet local rules for the type of service you provide, and this requirement is non-negotiable.
For daily operations, keep health and safety top of mind. If you hire staff, you must register with the Quebec CNESST (the workers’ compensation board) and handle payroll deductions. Depending on your setup, you may also need permits for a home-based business or for the specific repairs you perform. Having these registrations in place protects your workers and helps you stay compliant with safety rules.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll need to sort out several key numbers and records. You will typically obtain a Business Number (BN) from the federal government, and a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) plus registration with Registraire des entreprises (REQ) as applicable. If you choose a partnership or corporation structure, you’ll register accordingly. GST/HST registration may be required if your sales cross the threshold, and payroll deductions registration applies if you have employees.
Next steps: gather your plan, decide on your business structure, and start with the essential registrations on the government portals. Begin with the Business Licence in Montreal, then address BN, NEQ, REQ, and GST/HST as you grow. If you want, I can help map out a simple checklist tailored to your situation and set you up for smooth, compliant progress. You’re off to a strong start—take it one step at a time and you’ll be ready to operate confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other personal and household goods repair and maintenance in Montreal:
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your other personal and household goods repair and maintenance:
-
The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: