Incorporation Guide
Last updated 2026-08-22. A practical guide from CorpStart, document preparation specialists for Ontario and federal corporations.
Ontario online incorporation is processed immediately: your Certificate of Incorporation is issued the same day. Federal online incorporation through Corporations Canada takes approximately 1 business day. CorpStart submits your Articles within 1–2 business hours of payment, so most clients have their corporation active the same day they start.
Online filings through the Ontario Business Registry (OBR) are processed immediately upon submission. 'Immediately' means the government system issues a Certificate of Incorporation in real time, with no queue or review delay for online numbered corporation filings.
Named corporation filings go through a name review, which can add time if the proposed name requires additional scrutiny. In most cases, named corporation filings are still accepted the same business day.
Standard online filing through Corporations Canada takes approximately 1 business day from submission to acceptance. An express service is available for an additional $100 government fee, which reduces processing to approximately 4 business hours.
Federal corporations must also register extra-provincially in each province where they carry on business. For Ontario, that extra-provincial registration adds further time and a separate government fee, which is why Ontario incorporation is often the faster path for Ontario-focused businesses.
The most common sources of delay are errors and omissions in the Articles of Incorporation. A missing legal element in the corporation name, an invalid share structure, or incomplete director information can result in the filing being returned for correction, and each correction cycle adds days.
CorpStart's questionnaire and document review process is specifically designed to catch these issues before submission. We review for share structure completeness, director information, name compliance (for named corporations), and registered office requirements before your Articles leave our system. This is why most CorpStart filings are accepted on the first submission.
After the Ontario Business Registry accepts your Articles, CorpStart assembles and delivers your complete Minute Book package: Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Incorporation, By-law No. 1, Organizational Resolutions, Share Register, and Directors Register. This package is emailed to you in ZIP and PDF format.
For most numbered Ontario corporation orders placed during business hours, the complete package lands in your inbox the same day. Named corporations may take an additional few hours if the name requires review. CorpStart does not offer a slower, cheaper tier; every order gets the same preparation quality and same-day delivery target.
Traditional law firm incorporations typically take several business days to 2–3 weeks, depending on the firm's workload and your availability for back-and-forth instructions. Legal fees commonly range from $1,000 to $2,500 or more for a basic incorporation.
A lawyer is not required to incorporate in Ontario or federally; the government registries are designed for self-filing. CorpStart occupies the middle ground: professional preparation and review, same-day turnaround, and transparent flat-fee pricing without the legal retainer.
Can I incorporate in Ontario outside business hours?
The Ontario Business Registry's online system accepts submissions around the clock. CorpStart processes orders during business hours (Monday–Friday). Orders placed outside business hours or on weekends are prepared and submitted the next business day, and are typically accepted the same day they are filed.
How long does a federal corporation take if I need it urgently?
Corporations Canada offers express processing for an additional $100 government fee, reducing processing to approximately 4 business hours from submission. If you have an urgent federal filing, mention this when you start your CorpStart order so we can prioritize preparation and use the express service.
Is same-day incorporation possible if I start in the afternoon?
For Ontario numbered corporations started in the morning or early afternoon on a business day, same-day completion is typically achievable. Afternoon starts may complete the same day or the next morning depending on order volume. Named corporations and federal corporations may take slightly longer due to name review and Corporations Canada processing.
What documents will I have when incorporation is complete?
Your complete package includes: Certificate of Incorporation (the official government-issued proof), Articles of Incorporation, By-law No. 1, Organizational Resolutions (appointing officers and issuing shares), Share Register, and Directors Register, all delivered digitally in a professional ZIP and PDF Minute Book.
Ready to incorporate?
Filed with the Ontario Business Registry in 1–2 business hours. Flat service fee, government fee collected at cost, no hidden extras.
Start my corporationCorpStart is a document preparation service, not a law firm. The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed lawyer.