Launch Your Private Households Business in Montreal Today
This page guides you through launching a Private Households business (NAICS 814110) in Montreal. You'll find a practical, step-by-step overview of what it takes to start, from registration to operation, with a clear outline of the nine requirements you’ll need to meet. Learn which permits, licenses, and registrations are essential, what costs to expect, and a realistic timeline to get up and running in Montreal.
Get the practical know-how: an overview of the nine requirements, including business name registration and NEQ, GST/HST and QST registrations, payroll setup if you hire helpers, and required insurance. We cover permits for home-based operations where needed, zoning checks, and CNESST registration for employee safety. You'll also see typical start-up costs and a sample timeline so you can budget and plan with confidence.
Montreal's family-focused market, strong support networks, and bilingual environment make it a welcoming place to start. With clear steps and local guidance, you can move from idea to active service faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a private household business in Montreal is Business Licence. This license is required by the City of Montreal to legally run a home-based service business, and you cannot operate without it. It ensures you’re following local rules about where you can work from, what services you can offer, and basic safety standards. Start by checking the City of Montreal’s licensing portal, prepare a simple business plan, and submit the application with any required documents and fees.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety and permits. If you hire helpers or care workers, you must register with the Quebec CNESST for workers’ compensation and maintain safe working conditions. If you have employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration to handle income tax withholdings and other payroll remittances. It’s important to align your business activities with health and safety guidelines and to have appropriate insurance and privacy measures in place, especially for in-home services.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, plus Quebec-specific registrations. Depending on your chosen business structure, you’ll also register for the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and the Registraire des entreprises (REQ). If you form a partnership or a corporation, complete the corresponding registration. When your taxable supplies cross the threshold, you’ll register for GST/HST; in Quebec you’ll manage the provincial QST as well through the appropriate authorities.
Encouragement and next steps: Now, map out your preferred structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation) and confirm which registrations apply to you. Tackle the license application first, then line up your tax and payroll registrations. If you’d like, I can help you create a simple checklist of documents and a realistic timeline to keep you moving confidently without feeling overwhelmed.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a private households 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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