Launch a Montreal Paint and Wallpaper Retailers Business
This page provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap to starting a paint and wallpaper retail store in Montreal (NAICS 444120). Learn the 9 essential requirements you’ll navigate—from business registration and name protection to storefront permits and supplier setup—along with a realistic overview of costs and a clear timeline to your opening.
In this guide, you’ll learn the licenses and permits required for a Montreal storefront, how to register your business with Registraire des entreprises, Revenu Québec, and the Canada Revenue Agency, plus required insurance, safety steps with CNESST, and the best way to budget for initial inventory, shelving, and showroom setup. We’ll also map a practical timeline so you know when to expect approvals and your grand opening.
Montreal’s vibrant neighborhoods, strong demand for DIY and professional color services, plus a supportive small business ecosystem make this a great fit for a paint and wallpaper retailer. With the right plan, you’ll reach customers fast and create a space they love to browse.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a paint and wallpaper retailer in Montreal is Business Licence. This municipal license is legally required to open and run a storefront here, and you cannot legally operate without it. It shows you meet local zoning and safety standards, and you’ll need to apply through the City of Montreal and keep it up to date. This is non-negotiable—secure the license before you start selling and renew it as required.
Beyond the licence itself, you’ll need to handle health, safety and store-permit requirements. If you hire staff, register with the Quebec CNESST for workers’ compensation and maintain safe working conditions with proper training and written policies. You’ll also manage payroll deductions for employees and ensure accurate withholding and remittance. Depending on your location and signage, you may need occupancy or sign permits; store safety is important, especially when handling paints and solvents, so follow recommended storage, ventilation and labeling practices.
On the business- and tax-registration side, you’ll engage with both provincial and federal systems. In Quebec, complete the Registraire des entreprises (REQ) registration to obtain your Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and choose your business structure (partnership or corporation) with the appropriate provincial registrations. At the federal level, obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and, if applicable, register for GST/HST and for payroll deductions to manage employee taxes. These registrations are essential for compliant operations and for working with suppliers and customers.
Next steps: start with the municipal Business Licence, then set up your BN, NEQ, and REQ registrations, and decide on your business structure. With these foundations in place, you’ll be ready to open confidently and grow your Montreal paint and wallpaper business. If you’d like, I can turn this into a simple step-by-step checklist with timelines.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a paint and wallpaper retailers 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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