Starting a business in Quebec involves certain essential administrative procedures, including registration with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ), obtaining a NEQ (Quebec Business Number), and sometimes, a Canadian Business Number if you interact with the federal government.
Here is a clear and up-to-date guide to guide you through the different stages, whether you are self-employed , launching an SENC , an INC , or acting in a professional capacity.
What is the NEQ (Quebec business number)?
The NEQ is the unique identification number assigned to any business registered in Quebec by the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ) .
It is made up of 10 digits , always begins with 11 , and is used to officially identify a company in all its dealings with the Quebec government.
Example :
NEQ: 1171234567
Registered name: Services Jean Tremblay inc.
How to get a NEQ?
The NEQ is automatically assigned when you register your business with the REQ.
Steps to follow:
-
Go to the official website of the Registrar of Companies:
-
Choose the form that suits your type of business:
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Self-employed (sole proprietorship)
-
SENC (general partnership)
-
Corporation (INC), federal or provincial
-
-
Fill in the required information (name, address, activity, founders)
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Pay the registration fee (between $36 and $356 depending on the type of business and whether it is online or by paper)
-
You will receive your NEQ immediately or within the following days (depending on the method used)
Obtaining a NEQ as a self-employed worker
If you are self-employed and use your full legal name , you do not need to register or obtain an NEQ.
But :
If you use a business name , such as “Rénovations Tremblay” or “Marketing Nova”, you must register .
Example :
-
Legal name: Marie Dubois → no registration required
-
Name used: Massothérapie Équilibre → registration required → obtaining a NEQ
Remember : Registration also allows you to prove the legal existence of your business to customers, suppliers and banks.
What is the Canada Business Number?
The federal Business Number (BN) is a number assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) , consisting of 9 digits , used for your federal tax obligations:
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GST/HST number
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Withholding taxes
-
Corporate income tax
-
Import/export
Example :
123456789 RT0001 (GST/HST)
123456789 RP0001 (withholding tax)
Do you need a federal NE and a NEQ?
Yes, in several cases.
|
Situation |
Do you need an NEQ (Quebec)? |
Do you need a NE (Canada)? |
|---|---|---|
|
Self-employed with personal name |
No |
Yes, if GST/HST or employees |
|
Self-employed with business name |
Yes |
Yes, if taxes or employees |
|
SENC or partnership |
Yes |
Yes, if taxes or employees |
|
Joint-stock company (INC) |
Yes |
Yes (required) |
Registering a business in Quebec: summary
|
Form of business |
REQ registration |
NEQ obtained |
Federal NE required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Self-employed (personal name) |
No (optional) |
No |
Yes if taxes or employees |
|
Self-employed (business name) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes if taxes or employees |
|
General partnership (SENC) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Joint-stock company (Quebec) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Joint-stock company (Federal) |
Yes (secondary recording) |
Yes |
Yes |
Where to take the steps?
-
NEQ / registration : Quebec Business Registrar
-
Canada Business Number : Canada Revenue Agency
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NEQ mandatory for selling products or services?
No, unless you use a business name or have employees. However, it is strongly recommended for obtaining financing, registering for QST, or building your business's credibility.
Do I need an NEQ to open a business bank account?
In most cases, yes. Financial institutions require proof of registration for business-name accounts.
Is the NEQ the same as the GST/HST number?
No. The NEQ is provincial. The GST/HST number is federal, issued by the CRA.
I am a federal business (INC Canada). Do I need a NEQ?
Yes, you must register secondary in Quebec to obtain a NEQ.
Conclusion: NEQ and business number, two essential identifiers
Starting a business, even on a small scale, requires clear and structured registration . The NEQ identifies you in Quebec, while the federal business number allows you to manage your tax obligations in Canada. Depending on your structure (self-employed, partnership, incorporation), the procedures and obligations vary slightly.
At trnsfr , we support entrepreneurs at every stage: from finding opportunities to administrative structuring.
