APPLY TO INCORPORATE YOUR BUSINESS IN EDMONTON

An Alberta corporation is a legal entity created by the filing of certain documents. Being a legal entity a corporation has the rights, powers and privileges of an individual. A corporation is a legal entity separate from its shareholders and it also has certain tax and financial advantages. Any business carried on for profit can become a corporation.

Once you decide to incorporate as a named company you will have to purchase a NUANS report from Registrations Are Us. (If you are going to be a numbered company you don’t need a NUANS name search.) The NUANS will show you all existing corporations with names similar to your suggested name. Because you want no conflicts you cannot use a name that is identical to that of another corporation.

You must complete 3 forms: a Notice of Directors, a Notice of Address and your Articles of Incorporation. We can help ensure that your documents are complete and then we enter the data onto the system, creating your new corporation. We can also provide a Corporate Minute Book & Corporate Seal for your new company.

What You Need to Register a Corporation in Alberta

• One piece of acceptable personal identification
• Articles of Incorporation form
• Notice of Directors form
• Notice of Address/Notice of Change of Address form
• The original NUANS report (less than 90 days old; if incorporating a named corporation)

What is a NUANS report?

A NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) search is a comprehensive search that compares a proposed Alberta or extra-provincial corporation name or a proposed non-profit name to a database of Alberta and federal corporation names.

• The person who ordered the report uses it to decide whether they should proceed with their proposed name for an Alberta or extra-provincial corporation.
• In the case of a non-profit organization, Corporate Registry will examine the report to decide whether or not the proposed name can be used in Alberta.
• In most cases, a NUANS report is required for incorporation, amalgamation, name change, or revival of an Alberta corporation or non-profit organization and for
  registration, amalgamation, name change, and reinstatement of an extra-provincial corporation.
• The following situations do not require a NUANS report:
  • When the proposed name is a ‘number name’ for an Alberta or extra-provincial corporation.
  • When the proposed name is for a federal (Canada) corporation that is extra-provincially registering in Alberta.
  • When the proposed name is for an Alberta corporation that is reviving within three years of it dissolution.
• The NUANS report reserves the proposed name for 90 days. The complete report, whether an original or fax copy, must be submitted with the incorporation/registration details and must be less than 91 days old.
• Another type of report, the Business Name Report, focuses on Alberta partnership and trade names (business names) and does not reserve the proposed business name. Corporate Registry recommends this report be purchased and reviewed prior to registration of a business name.

How can I get a NUANS report?

• In Alberta, NUANS and Business Name Reports can be purchased through Registrations Are Us

Additional Resources

Revenue Canada

To obtain a GST number, call 1-800-959-5525.

Workers Compensation Board

To set up a Workers Compensation account, call toll-free in Alberta 1-866-922-9221.