Launch Laval Reupholstery and Furniture Repair Business Today
This page gives you a practical blueprint to launch a reupholstery and furniture repair business in Laval (NAICS 811420). You’ll find a clear, actionable path from setup to first client, with a focused view on the nine requirements you must meet to operate legally. It covers what permits you might need, rough startup costs, and a realistic timeline for getting open.
What you’ll learn: a step-by-step plan to register your business, secure the necessary municipal permits or home-occupation approvals in Laval, and set up taxes (GST/HST and QST). We outline nine requirements in plain language, plus practical tips on budgets, insurance, tools and workspace, supplier relationships, pricing, and a timeline from paperwork to first job.
Why Laval? It’s a growing city with many homes and businesses that value refreshed furniture, plus affordable spaces and a supportive small-business climate. Starting here helps you serve local clients fast and grow your reupholstery and repair services as you scale.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a reupholstery and furniture repair business in Laval is a Business Licence. This municipal licence is legally required to operate a shop within Laval, and you cannot legally run your business without it. Securing this licence sets the foundation for everything else and signals to customers and suppliers that you’re operating in good standing.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to licensing, you’ll need essential health and safety steps and general permits. Make sure your workshop follows basic safety practices and local rules for waste and environmental considerations. If you employ people, you’ll need to register for the Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (workers’ compensation) and handle payroll deductions as required. These steps protect you, your workers, and your customers, and help keep your business compliant as you grow.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need to register your business with the Quebec Registraire des Entreprises (REQ) and obtain a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ). Your business structure will determine whether you complete Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. You’ll also need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) for GST/HST and payroll activities. Plan for GST/HST registration if you expect to collect tax, and arrange Payroll Deductions registration if you have employees.
Encouragement: Start with the Licence, then tackle the registrations in sequence. Taking these steps now will put you on solid footing, reduce risks, and help you serve clients with confidence. If you’d like, I can help you build a simple, practical Laval-focused checklist to keep you on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a reupholstery and furniture repair in Laval:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Laval. Apply to Ville de Laval 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 Laval 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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your reupholstery and furniture repair:
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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 …
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