Frequently asked questions

Federal incorporation creates a corporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA). Unlike provincial incorporation, a federal corporation can operate and is name-protected across all provinces and territories in Canada.

Federal incorporation gives your corporation name protection across all of Canada — not just one province. It also provides greater flexibility if you plan to operate in multiple provinces. For most founders, federal incorporation is the stronger choice.

Legally, no. You can file articles of incorporation yourself, or use an online filing service. But incorporation involves more than just filing a form — it requires organizing resolutions, proper share issuance, director consents, and setting up your corporate records. Filing services aren't licensed to do this legal work. Getting it right from the start saves you from costly corrections later.

Online filing services submit your articles to Corporations Canada — and that's essentially it. They're not law firms, so they can't provide legal advice, properly issue shares, or prepare the organizing resolutions your corporation needs. With incorporate/online, a licensed lawyer handles your entire incorporation and sets up your corporate records properly from day one.

Wires Law uses digital minute books instead of physical binders, automated document workflows, and a streamlined process built specifically for incorporations. These efficiencies mean lower overhead — and those savings are passed directly to you. The legal work is identical in quality; the delivery method is simply more efficient.

You'll need the names and addresses of your directors (at least one must be a Canadian resident), your proposed corporation name (or you can choose a numbered corporation), and basic details about your share structure. Our intake form walks you through everything.

Most incorporations are completed within a few business days after we receive your information. Corporations Canada typically processes filings within 1–2 business days. Named corporations require a NUANS name search first, which can add a day.

You receive your complete incorporation package with all documents and your digital minute book. You also have an ongoing relationship with Wires Law. As your company grows and you need legal support — shareholders' agreements, IP assignments, investment transactions — your lawyer already knows your company and your records are already in order.

Yes. Wires Law is a corporate law firm that serves founders and growing companies across Canada. After incorporation, the firm can assist with co-founder agreements, shareholders' agreements, IP assignments, stock option plans, commercial contracts, investment rounds, and ongoing corporate compliance.

Only if you want a named corporation (e.g., "Acme Technologies Inc."). If you're incorporating as a numbered corporation (e.g., "12345678 Canada Inc."), no name search is needed. The NUANS search costs $13.80 and checks for existing similar names across Canada.

Corporations Canada charges a $200 filing fee for articles of incorporation. This is paid directly to the government and is separate from our professional fee. If you need an Ontario extra-provincial registration, there is an additional government fee.

Yes. Federal incorporation is available to anyone in Canada. While our lawyer is licensed in Ontario, the CBCA is a federal statute — your corporation can be based anywhere in Canada. Directors can be located in any province or territory.