Launch an Other Personal Care Services Business in Montreal

This page gives you a practical, easy-to-follow road map for launching an Other Personal Care Services business in Montreal (NAICS 812199). You’ll find a clear overview of the 10 requirements to get started, the permits and licenses you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to opening.

You’ll learn each of the 10 requirements in plain language, where to apply (Montreal city permits, Quebec enterprise registration, tax accounts), and what that means for your budget and schedule. We break down permitting steps, insurance and health and safety standards, and any provincial or municipal filings, so you can plan confidently and stay compliant.

Montreal’s diverse client base and supportive small‑business scene make this a strong fit for an 812199 service today. With clear licensing pathways and local resources, you can move from idea to opening faster—while building a trusted brand in a city that values personal care.

Business Type
Other Personal Care Services
Location
Montreal

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a personal care services business in Montreal is CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal Personal Service Inspection. This inspection is legally required to verify hygiene, safety, and proper operating practices in personal care settings, and you cannot legally open or run the business without it. This is non-negotiable—without passing or completing this inspection, you cannot operate.

Beyond the inspection, there are mandatory operational requirements focused on health, safety, and local permits. You will need a city Business Licence to operate legally, and your workspace must meet hygiene and sanitation standards appropriate for personal care services. If you have employees, you must comply with workplace safety obligations under CNESST, and ensure ongoing health and safety practices for both staff and clients.

Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also handle formal registrations and tax numbers. Register your business with Registraire des entreprises (REQ) for your chosen structure (such as partnership or corporation), and obtain a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and a Business Number (BN). Depending on your activities, you may need GST/HST registration, set up payroll deductions, and register with CNESST for workers’ compensation. These registrations are essential to bill legally, file taxes, and protect your staff.

Next steps: start with the CIUSSS Personal Service Inspection and use that as a anchor for your planning. Then choose your business structure and complete the Registraire des entreprises filing, followed by BN and NEQ registrations. Apply for GST/HST if required, arrange payroll deductions, and complete CNESST registration. With these steps in place, you’ll be on solid, compliant footing and ready to open the doors to your Montreal personal care service.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a other personal care services 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.
  • CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal Personal Service Inspection Required
    Personal service establishments must comply with health inspection standards of CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal. Register with CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal for personal service businesses: 1. Contact your local CIUSSS office before opening 2. Services covered: hairdressing, barbering, tattoo, piercing, esthetics, tanning 3. Inspections conducted to verify sanitary conditions 4. Must follow Quebec infection prevention guidelines 5. Display any required permits/inspection results 6. Operators must be trained in hygiene and disinfection practices Contact CIUSSS office for specific requirements in your area
  • 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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