How To Register A Business In Alberta: A Step-By-Step Guide

Starting a business in Alberta is an exciting opportunity, whether you’re launching a tech startup in Calgary or opening a boutique in Edmonton. Alberta is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, low taxes, and minimal hoops to jump through, making it a favourable province to start a business. However, before diving into operations, you need to figure out how to register your business legally.

Knowing how to register a small business in Alberta gives you the legal framework to protect your business name. It also allows you to gain access to financing, hire employees, and build credibility with customers and partners.

In this guide, we’ll go over how to register a business in Alberta online or in person, including how much it costs, what kind of business structures you can choose from, and how to register a sole proprietorship in Alberta.

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Table of contents
Business Structures in Alberta Do You Need to Register Your Business? How to Register a Business Name in Alberta, Canada How to Register a Business in Alberta Online (Step-by-Step) How Much Does It Cost to Register a Business in Alberta? Registering a Small Business or Sole Proprietorship in Alberta Maintaining Your Business in Alberta After You Register: What Comes Next? Final Thoughts FAQs

Business Structures in Alberta

Different business structures will suit different goals and business types, as it will influence your registration requirements, taxes, and liabilities.

• Sole Proprietorship – This is the simplest structure, suitable for a single owner. Setting up is affordable, but keep in mind you’ll be personally responsible for any business debts.
• Partnership – A business owned by two or more people. Partners share profits, responsibilities, and liabilities.
• Corporation – A more complex legal entity that separates personal and business finances. Corporations must follow stricter regulations but benefit from limited liability and potential tax advantages.
• Cooperative – An organization owned and operated by a group for mutual benefit.¹

Do You Need to Register Your Business?

Not all businesses require registration, but most do. Here are some important things to know in regards to registration.

• Sole proprietors operating under their own legal name (e.g., “John Smith”) don’t need to register a trade name.
• If you plan to operate under a business name (e.g., “Smith Consulting”), you must register it with the Alberta government.
• Corporations must be registered either provincially (for Alberta-only operations) or federally (for nationwide business).
• Partnerships and trade names must also be registered.

Proper registration also allows you to open a business account, apply for licences and permits, and access financial services like Wise Business.

How to Register a Business Name in Alberta, Canada

If you’re not using your legal name for your sole proprietorship, you’ll need to register a business name (also called a trade name). You have a few options when it comes to choosing your business name:

• Trade Name: If you add anything to your name (e.g. Jane Smith Consulting), you’ll need to register the trade name.
• Corporate Name: If incorporating, your name must include a legal element like "Ltd.," "Inc.," or "Corp." and be approved through a NUANS report

Once you choose your name, here’s what you need to do:

1. Conduct a Name Search (Optional but Recommended) – While Alberta doesn’t require a NUANS report for sole proprietorships or trade names, it’s helpful to do a quick search the Alberta Corporate Registry to check that your chosen name isn’t already in use.
2. Choose Your Legal Structure – You’ll need to choose this before registering your business name.
3. Fill out the Trade Name Declaration Form - This form is available online or through a Registry Agent.
4. Submit Your Application - You can register in person at an Alberta Registry Agent or use a third-party service that offers online registration.

Note: Trade name registration does not grant exclusive rights. If you want name protection, consider incorporating.

How to Register a Business in Alberta Online (Step-by-Step)

Ready to launch your business in Alberta? Here’s a simplified overview of how to register a business in Alberta online:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

Decide whether you’re registering as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Choose a business name that complies with Alberta’s rules.

Step 2: Choose and Verify a Business Name

If you're incorporating, a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report is required. It lists similar business names and ensures your proposed name hasn’t already been taken.

Step 3: Gather Required Information

Depending on your structure, you’ll need to prepare forms that include:

• Declaration of Trade Names (for sole proprietors)
• Partnership Agreement (for partnerships)
• Articles of Incorporation (for corporations)

You can download these from the Alberta government website or pick them up at a registry office.

Step 4: Complete the Registration Form

Unlike some provinces, Alberta doesn't allow direct business registration through a central government portal. Instead, you’ll need to visit an authorized Alberta Registry Agent in person or use a third-party registry provider that offers online services.

Some registry agents offer online registration through their own platforms. Be sure the provider is accredited.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Fees vary based on your business structure and providers. More on that below.

Step 6: Pay the Required Fee

Once approved, you’ll receive a business registration certificate. Keep this document safe, as it’s often required when opening a business account or applying for permits.

Step 7: Apply for Permits and Licences

Depending on your business type and location, you may need:

• Municipal business licences (e.g., from Calgary or Edmonton)
• Industry-specific permits (e.g., food handling, construction)
• Federal or provincial licences

Use the BizPal tool to check which permits apply to your business.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Business in Alberta?

So, how much does it cost to register a business in Alberta? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it is in Ontario, for example. That’s because Alberta doesn’t have a government hub to do so. The province relies on private registry agents to handle business registrations, who submit documents on your behalf through the official corporate registry.

Many business registration companies will offer tiered packages or different prices for different business types, coming in at a flat fee. They will likely also charge a government fee and service fee. For example, if you choose to register a Corporation with Register Alberta Business, they charge a total of $699³ to register a named or numbered corporation including preparation of all the necessary documents and set up of your GST account, payroll account, business number, corporate income tax account.

While the process is less straightforward and more out of your control, it means having the peace of mind knowing a professional is handling it all for you.

Registering a Small Business or Sole Proprietorship in Alberta

If you’re wondering how to register a small business in Alberta or how to register a sole proprietorship business in Alberta, the process is straightforward:

• Choose a business name
• Fill out a Declaration of Trade Name (if using a name other than your own)
• Submit the form with a valid ID to a Registry Agent or online provider
• Pay the registration fee

Your trade name will be linked to your personal name, and you’ll be personally liable for the business’s obligations. This is a common choice for freelancers, consultants, and other solo entrepreneurs.

Keep in mind that even small businesses may need:

• A municipal business licence
• A GST/HST number (if earning over $30,000 annually)³
• A business number with the CRA for payroll, import/export, or corporate tax purposes

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Maintaining Your Business in Alberta

After registering, your responsibilities don’t end. Keep your business compliant with these key tasks:

• Annual Returns (for corporations): Must be filed with Alberta Registries.
• Renewals: Trade names and partnerships must be renewed every 3 years.
• Taxes: File your corporate or personal business income tax returns yearly.
• Business Changes: Report changes in business structure, address, or ownership.

After You Register: What Comes Next?

Once your business is officially registered, here are your next steps:

Open a Business Account - Set up a business account (like Wise Business) to receive payments, pay vendors, and separate personal from business finances.

Set Up Bookkeeping - Use accounting software like QuickBooks or Wave Accounting to manage cash flow, record expenses, and prepare for tax season.

Register for GST/HST (If Required) - You must register for a GST/HST number with the CRA if your business earns over $30,000 annually. You can do this online via the CRA’s Business Registration portal.

Get Insurance (If Needed) - Depending on your industry, you might need general liability, commercial auto, or professional liability insurance.

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• Global Account: Send money to countries and hold multiple currencies, all in one place. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local
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• Free invoicing tool: Generate and send professional invoices
• No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees: Canada based businesses can open an account for free. Learn more about fees here

Final Thoughts

Registering a business in Alberta doesn’t have to be a headache, especially when you take the time to learn about the ins and outs. From selecting a business structure to securing your CRA Business Number, every step plays a vital role in building a strong legal and financial foundation for your company.

And when it comes to managing your international finances, tools like Wise Business can help you send and receive global payments efficiently, transparently, and affordably.

Setting up right means your Alberta-based business will be ready to grow locally and globally.

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FAQs

Can I operate under my personal name without registering?

Yes, you may not need to register a business name if you use only your full legal name and have no employees or additional partners.

Can I register a business name in Alberta without starting the business right away?

Yes. You can register a business name and start operations later. Since trade name registrations don’t expire in Alberta or require renewal, there’s no need to rush.

Can non-residents register a business in Alberta?

Yes, non-residents can register a business. However, corporations must appoint at least one director who is a Canadian resident.

Do I need to register if I’m a freelancer or gig worker?

If you operate under your legal name, you will not need to register. However, if you use a business name or are required to provide proof of registration (e.g., to clients), you’ll need to register your trade name.

Can I register a business from outside Canada?

Yes, you can register through an online Alberta registry agent. However, incorporation may still require a Canadian resident director.

How long is my registration valid?

Trade names and general partnership registrations don’t need to be renewed, ever. Corporations must file annual returns, but also do not need to renew registration. LLP, however, need to renew their registration annually by December 31st.

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Sources:

1. https://sbs-spe.feddevontario.canada.ca/en/business-structure-which-one-right-you
2. https://registeralbertabusiness.ca/product/pro-package-alberta-corporation/
3. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses/when-register-charge.html