How to Start a Montreal Taxi and Ridesharing Service
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to launching a taxi and ridesharing business in Montreal. You'll get a clear overview of the 10 essential requirements, including the permits and licenses you'll need, the typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from setup to your first ride. This includes a quick-read checklist you can use as you map out your setup.
What you'll learn: the exact permits and licenses under NAICS 485310, how to register your business, how to prepare vehicles and drivers, insurance considerations, and the sequence of steps to complete the 10 requirements efficiently. We break down costs, timelines, and key checkpoints so you can plan with confidence. You'll also see common pitfalls and tips to speed up approvals.
Why Montreal works for this business: a busy urban core with strong demand for safe, reliable rides, a diverse, bilingual market, and an established local ecosystem for transportation services. This combination makes it a welcoming place to start and grow a taxi or rideshare operation. Montreal also supports small business growth with resources and local networks.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a taxi and ridesharing service in Montreal is the Business Licence. This city-issued licence is legally required and you cannot operate without it, so obtaining and keeping it current is non-negotiable. Start by checking the City of Montreal’s licensing office requirements, submitting the needed information about your business, and making sure you renew it on time.
Beyond licensing, there are mandatory operational considerations to keep your service running safely and legally. If you hire drivers or staff, you’ll need to handle workers’ compensation and payroll properly, so plan for Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (workers’ compensation) and Payroll Deductions Registration. If your business structure is a partnership or a corporation, you’ll also need to complete the relevant Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. A Transport Canada Operating Certificate is not typically required for ground taxi operations in Quebec, but verify any specific, non-standard services you plan to offer.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll want the right numbers in place. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the federal government for taxes and payroll-related accounts, plus any GST/HST registrations if your revenue crosses the threshold. In Quebec, you’ll also handle the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) through the Registraire des entreprises (REQ) and ensure your business is properly registered with Quebec’s business registry. If you have employees, CNESST, payroll, and other tax registrations should be aligned with your business structure. These steps may feel detailed, but they’re straightforward and build a solid foundation.
You’re on the right track—taking these steps now sets you up for smooth operation and growth. Start with the licence, then line up your business structure and tax registrations, and finally set up the required payroll and workers’ compensation arrangements. If you’re unsure about any ste
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a taxi and ridesharing services 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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Transport Canada Operating Certificate ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Passenger transportation services may require operating certificates from Transport Canada depending on service type and interprovincial operations. Transport Canada general operating certificate. Motor carrier, aviation, marine, rail. Mode-specific requirements. Contact TC: 1-800-333-0371.
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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 taxi and ridesharing services:
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The Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) is a $2.75 billion federal program running from 2021 to 2026 that advances Canada's commitment to electrify public transit and school bus fleets. The fund supports both planning projects (feasibility studies, transition plans, up to 80% of eligible costs) and capital projects (vehicle procurement, …
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