Incorporation & Corporate

Federal vs Provincial Incorporation

The choice between incorporating under the federal CBCA or under a single province's corporations act.

Federal incorporation gives name protection across Canada and lets you carry on business nationally, but you must still register extra-provincially in each province where you actually operate. Provincial incorporation is often simpler and cheaper if you operate in one province only.

Why it matters: the decision affects ongoing filing obligations, name protection and cost. Neither option is universally better.

Related terms

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Legal information, not legal advice. Rules differ by province and change over time. A licensed lawyer must review your matter.

Editorial status: Lawkin Editorial — pending independent legal review.

Federal vs Provincial Incorporation — Canadian legal glossary | Lawkin — Lawkin