How to Start a Laval Travel Agency: 9 Key Requirements

This page guides you through launching a Laval-based travel agency (NAICS 561510). It breaks down practical steps—from business registration to meeting industry standards—into a clear 9‑point requirements overview. You’ll get a straightforward look at the permits you’ll need, the typical startup costs, and a realistic path from idea to a compliant, customer-ready agency in Laval.

What you’ll learn: exactly which registrations and permits Laval and Quebec require; how to register your business with the Quebec Registraire and obtain federal tax numbers; setting up GST/HST and QST; essential insurance and bonding; choosing a booking system and building a professional website; drafting contracts and privacy policies; and a practical timeline to launch. The guide highlights the 9 requirements you’ll complete along the way, plus tips to keep startup lean and predictable.

Why Laval? Laval blends affordable office space with growing tourism demand and easy access to Montreal’s airports and suppliers. A Laval travel agency can serve local residents and nearby travelers, leverage strong supplier networks, and benefit from a supportive local business ecosystem as you grow.

Business Type
Travel Agencies
Location
Laval

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a travel agency in Laval is the Business Licence. This license is issued by the city and shows you’re allowed to run a business in the area. You cannot legally operate a travel agency without it—this is non-negotiable. Getting the licence in place early also helps you open doors (bank accounts, contracts, and hiring) with a solid, compliant footing.

Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to the licence, you’ll need to cover health, safety, and workforce obligations. If you hire staff, you must register with Quebec’s CNESST for workers’ compensation and maintain a safe workplace. You’ll also handle payroll deductions and related reporting. These steps protect your team and keep you compliant with provincial rules, which is essential as you grow.

Business Registration & Tax: In Quebec you’ll register your business with Registraire des entreprises to obtain a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and, depending on your business structure, register as a partnership or corporation. You’ll also obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to manage GST/HST, payroll deductions, and other federal taxes. If you meet the thresholds, register for GST/HST, and coordinate federal and provincial registrations so your tax setup is clear and orderly.

Encouragement: Ready to move forward? Start by choosing your business structure, then complete the REQ/NEQ registration, apply for a BN, and set up CNESST and payroll systems. If you’d like, I can map a simple, Laval-specific checklist to guide your next steps and keep you on track without overwhelm.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a travel agencies in Laval:

  • Business Licence Required
    General 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Funding & Grants

Available funding programs that may apply to your travel agencies:

  • Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
  • Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …

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