Start Your Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers Business in Longueuil
This page gives you a practical roadmap to starting a wholesale trade agents and brokers business in Longueuil. You’ll get a clear overview of the 9 requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits you may require, and the costs and timeline you can expect from setup to launch. It’s tailored to NAICS 425120 and designed to help you move from idea to active business, smoothly and confidently.
Here’s what you’ll learn: how to choose your business structure, register your trade name with Quebec’s Registraire des entreprises, and obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number. You’ll see when to apply for GST/HST registration, what municipal permits or zoning approvals you may need for an office or warehouse, and how to line up essential insurance. We spell out typical upfront costs and a realistic schedule for completing the 9 requirements, so you can plan with confidence.
Why Longueuil? Proximity to Montreal, solid logistics links, and affordable office space make it a smart hub for wholesale brokers, with easy access to suppliers and clients across Quebec.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a wholesale trade agents and brokers in Longueuil is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a mandatory federal registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, and you cannot legally operate a business or file taxes without it. This requirement is non-negotiable—you must have a BN before you start doing business in Canada. You'll use the BN for GST/HST filings, payroll deductions, and other government interactions.
Mandatory Operational Requirements include health, safety, and permits. For workers, you must register with the Quebec CNESST (Employer Registration) to cover workplace injuries, and you’ll handle payroll deductions for your employees. You’ll also need a valid Business Licence to operate in Longueuil. Depending on your business structure, you may also need to register as a Partnership or as a Quebec Corporation.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, you’ll need the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and to register with the Registraire des entreprises (REQ). You will also register for GST/HST to handle federal sales tax. These registrations align your business with provincial and federal tax rules and help you stay compliant from day one.
Encouragement: Start with a simple plan and check the steps with the appropriate authorities in Quebec and Longueuil. Gather the required documents, then apply for BN, NEQ, REQ, and your Business Licence, and set up GST/HST and CNESST processes. If you’d like, I can help you draft a practical 60-day action plan to get everything in place and avoid delays.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a wholesale trade agents and brokers in Longueuil:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Longueuil. Apply to Ville de Longueuil 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 Longueuil Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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