Establish a Company in Canada for Australian Residents

Why More Australians Are Eyeing Canada for Business?

For Australian entrepreneurs, Canada is fast becoming a top pick when it comes to expanding internationally. It’s not just the English-speaking environment or shared Commonwealth roots—Canada offers a stable economy, favorable business laws, competitive tax structures, and direct access to the North American market.

If you’re an Australian resident looking to set up a company in Canada, you’re not alone. Many business owners are now exploring this move as a smart way to tap into one of the world’s most business-friendly and innovation-driven countries.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about establishing a company in Canada from Australia, including the process, requirements, business opportunities, and estimated costs. Let’s dive in.

Moving to Canada from Australia (By Setting Up a Business)

Australia and Canada enjoy close diplomatic and trade relations, making it relatively straightforward for Australians to move to Canada under business migration pathways. If you’re planning to expand your operations or start a fresh venture in Canada, there are several visa options available to support your move:

1. Start-Up Visa Program

This federal immigration program allows foreign entrepreneurs to build innovative companies in Canada with the support of a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

2. Intra-Company Transfer

If you already run a business in Australia and wish to open a branch or subsidiary in Canada, the ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) allows you to transfer key staff—including yourself—to your Canadian office.

3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) – Entrepreneur Streams

Many provinces have their own entrepreneur programs tailored to foreign investors and business founders. For instance:

• British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
• Ontario’s Entrepreneur Stream
• Nova Scotia’s Entrepreneur Stream

Each has unique investment, net worth, and residency requirements—but all offer a structured path to permanent residency.

How to Establish a Company in Canada for Australian Residents?

Setting up a business in Canada as an Australian resident is relatively simple, but it does depend on your business structure and whether you want to operate federally or in a specific province.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can establish a company in Canada from Australia:

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

The most types of companies in Canada include:

• Sole Proprietorship: Suitable for freelancers and small one-person operations.
• Partnership: For two or more people starting a venture together.
• Corporation (Federal or Provincial): The most preferred option for Australian residents as it offers liability protection, tax planning flexibility, and easier access to funding.

Step 2: Decide Federal vs Provincial Incorporation

• Federal Incorporation allows you to operate across every provinces and territories.
• Provincial Incorporation is suitable if you intend to operate only in one province.

Popular provinces for business incorporation include Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.

Step 3: Register Your Business Name

This involves:

• Conducting a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report for name availability
• Reserving your business name with the government

Step 4: Appoint a Canadian Director (If Needed)

Some provinces require at least one Canadian resident director for corporations. However, in British Columbia and some other provinces, there are no such residency requirements, making them perfect for foreign entrepreneurs.

Our experts from OnDemand International can help you with a nominee director in Canada.

Step 5: Register for Taxes

You’ll need to acquire a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and register for:

• GST/HST
• Payroll deductions (if you hire employees)
• Import/export account (if applicable)

Step 6: Open a Canadian Business Bank Account

Most banks will require:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business Number (BN)
• Articles of Incorporation
• Personal ID of the owners/directors

Requirements to Set Up a Business in Canada from Australia

Here are the requirements to set up a business in Canada from Australia:

1. Legal Documents

• Passport of the founder(s)
• Proof of Australian residence
• Articles of Incorporation
• NUANS report (for federal corporations)

2. Business Plan

Essential if you are applying for a Start-Up Visa or PNP Entrepreneur Stream.

3. Minimum Investment (for immigration-based pathways)

For PNP entrepreneur streams, expect to show a personal net worth of CAD $400,000 to $600,000 and be willing to invest at least CAD $150,000 to $200,000.

4. Canadian Business Address

You’ll need a physical or virtual office address in the province of incorporation.

5. Director Requirements

At least 25% of directors in jurisdictions like Ontario must be citizens of Canada. However, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick allow 100% foreign directorship.

Business Opportunities in Canada for Australian Residents

Canada offers diverse sectors for growth and investment. Here are some of the top opportunities Australians are tapping into:

1. Technology and SaaS

Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have become global tech hubs. The federal government’s support for R&D makes this a hot sector.

2. E-Commerce and Retail

Online shopping has exploded in Canada. Setting up a Canadian brand or dropshipping store targeting North American customers can be lucrative.

3. Construction and Real Estate

Due to urbanization and infrastructure development, construction businesses are thriving.

4. Clean Energy and Sustainability

Canada’s aggressive climate goals have opened doors for businesses in solar, EVs, energy audits, and green tech.

5. Logistics and Supply Chain

Given Canada’s proximity to the US and its massive import-export ecosystem, logistics businesses are in high demand.

6. Education and Training

Online education, edtech platforms, and skill training for newcomers are booming areas.

Expected Costs for Establishing a Company in Canada for Australian Residents

Below is a summary of the usual expenses you can expect:

Conclusion

Establishing a company in Canada as an Australian resident is not only possible—it’s a smart move if you’re looking for a stable, innovation-driven economy with access to global markets. Whether you’re building a tech startup in Vancouver or expanding your logistics firm to Toronto, Canada offers the infrastructure, government support, and opportunities you need to succeed.

If you’re ready to take the next step, partnering with experts who understand both the Canadian business environment and international incorporation requirements can make the process smooth and strategic.

Looking to register your company in Canada from Australia? Get in touch with our business experts today.