Setting up in Canada from Jamaica and the Caribbean
The steps are the same as for an owner in Toronto. A few things are different, and they are set out here so you know them before you start.
What is the same
- You can own all of an Ontario corporation and direct it without living in Canada, and the articles are filed online, so you do not need to travel to set it up.
- Your company gets the same business number and the same yearly filings as any other Ontario company.
What is different
- Your company needs an address in Ontario for its registered office. The set-up and first year package includes one.
- A federal company usually needs at least one director who lives in Canada. That is why most owners abroad start in Ontario.
- Your company files a Canadian corporate tax return every year, even if all its owners live abroad. We introduce an accountant.
- Many banks ask to meet you in person, or by video with identity checks, before they open the account.
- If you pay by card from outside Canada, your own bank may add a foreign-transaction fee.
Talking across the time difference
Ontario is one hour ahead of Jamaica from March to November, and on the same time from November to March. Office hours are Monday to Friday, Eastern time, with WhatsApp replies in the same hours.
The package most owners abroad choose
For owners outside Canada
Set-up and first year
Everything in Ontario company set-up, plus an address in Ontario for a year and your bank application prepared.
- Service fee
- $1,750
- Ontario filing fee, paid at cost
- $300
- Total
- $2,050 CAD
After 12 months the registered office is $600 a year. You are told 30 days before, and it does not renew without your yes.
Included
- Everything in Ontario company set-up
- Registered office address in Ontario for 12 months
- Mail received and scanned to you
- Business bank account application prepared
- Introductions to suitable banks
Not included
- Name search report for a named company, paid at cost
- Bank fees and opening deposits
- Accounting, tax and legal advice
- Typical time
- About two to four weeks, including the bank
- Refunds
- Service fee refunded in full until work begins
Start this package Set-up and first year Book a consultation
What to have ready if you live outside Canada
- PassportFor each director and shareholder
- Proof of home addressA recent utility bill or bank statement
- A short description of the businessWhat it will sell, and to whom
- How you will payCard, PayPal, or a transfer from a Canadian account
Do not send documents through this website. After you start, we send you a private upload link.
Start your company
Start a package online, or book a consultation first by phone or WhatsApp.