Our index covers the four Corporations Canada open subsets. Confirm recent changes with the official record.
Key facts for this registry
Search Corporations Canada by name, corporation number or BN to find a corporation created under federal corporate law.
| Identifier to prepare | Corporation number; BN also searchable. |
|---|---|
| Access and fees | Public search; certificates are separate paid products. |
| Choosing a document | Choose a Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Existence according to the evidence requested. |
Carry out an official search
- Open the official federal search.
- Enter the name or identifier.
- Check the governing Act and status.
No match for a local company? Check its incorporating jurisdiction; the federal database excludes provincial corporations.
These steps guide the research; available screens and products can vary by entity type.
Continue the right check
Compare federal and provincial incorporation · Distinguish business and corporation numbers
Find the right records
Search the official federal database by corporate name, corporation number or business number. Confirm the governing Act and status before relying on a matching name.
Open official registryBusiness types covered
Federal business corporations, not-for-profit corporations, cooperatives and boards of trade; coverage varies by governing Act.
Read the official guidanceChoose and check a name
For online federal incorporation with a word name, the corporate name search is part of the incorporation process; a separate Nuans report is not required beforehand. A search result does not reserve a name.
Read the official guidanceIncorporate or register
Prepare articles, registered-office and director information, then use the official incorporation service. Federal incorporation may still require provincial or territorial registration where the corporation operates.
Read the official guidanceUnderstand government fees
Online business incorporation: $200 CAD. Online annual return: $12 CAD. Online compliance or existence certificate: $10 CAD. Express processing and other delivery channels may cost more.
Read the official guidanceKeep up with annual filings
An active CBCA corporation files an annual return within 60 days after its anniversary date, except in its incorporation year. This corporate filing is separate from its CRA income tax return.
Read the official guidanceObtain official documents
Order a Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Existence from Corporations Canada. These are distinct products; an ordinary search result is not a certificate.
Read the official guidanceHow should you interpret a match?
Match the legal name and identifier, then check status and the date of the information. Registration does not guarantee solvency or trustworthiness. If there is no result, check spelling, previous names and the incorporating jurisdiction.
Federal corporations registry questions
Which business types does this registry cover?
Federal business corporations, not-for-profit corporations, cooperatives and boards of trade; coverage varies by governing Act.
Read the official scopeWhen is the annual filing due?
An active CBCA corporation files an annual return within 60 days after its anniversary date, except in its incorporation year. This corporate filing is separate from its CRA income tax return.
Check the filing rulesHow can I obtain official evidence?
Order a Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Existence from Corporations Canada. These are distinct products; an ordinary search result is not a certificate.
See available official documentsOfficial sources
Source checked October 30, 2026. A page check does not mean a transaction was completed or tested.
Corporations Canada — reference 1ised-isde.canada.caCorporations Canada — reference 2
ised-isde.canada.caCorporations Canada — reference 3
ised-isde.canada.caCorporations Canada — reference 4
ised-isde.canada.caCorporations Canada — reference 5
www.canada.caCorporations Canada — reference 6
ised-isde.canada.ca