Incorporation Guide
Last updated 2026-08-22. A practical guide from CorpStart, document preparation specialists for Ontario and federal corporations.
A numbered corporation (e.g., 1234567 Ontario Inc.) is faster and cheaper because no NUANS name search is required: ideal when speed matters or when you plan to operate under a registered trade name. A named corporation (e.g., Acme Holdings Inc.) embeds your brand in the corporate name itself, which some clients, banks, and investors prefer.
When you incorporate without choosing a name, the Ontario Business Registry assigns a unique number as your corporate name, for example, 1234567 Ontario Inc. The corporation is a fully legal entity with all the same rights, protections, and tax advantages as a named corporation. The only difference is that the corporate name is a number.
Many businesses operate under a numbered corporation and conduct their customer-facing activity under a registered business name (a 'trade name' or 'operating as' name registered under the Ontario Business Names Act). This is a common and completely legitimate structure, and many large Ontario businesses use it.
A named corporation incorporates with a specific word name in the Articles, for example, Maple Ridge Consulting Inc. The name must comply with Ontario's naming requirements (distinctive element, descriptive element, legal element) and must not be confusingly similar to an existing corporate or trade name.
Ontario named corporations require a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) pre-search to verify that your proposed name is available and compliant before the Articles are filed. CorpStart includes the NUANS pre-search in the named corporation filing at no extra charge: you see the result before you pay, so there are no wasted government fees on a name that would be rejected.
A numbered corporation skips the NUANS search entirely, so the total cost is slightly lower and the processing path is simpler. Both options are filed electronically with the Ontario Business Registry and can be accepted the same day, but a numbered corporation has one fewer variable (the name review) that could slow things down.
If you choose a named corporation and your proposed name is flagged as too similar to an existing one, you will need to choose an alternative name and run a new search. Working with CorpStart avoids this back-and-forth: we review your name for obvious conflicts and flag potential issues before you commit.
Both numbered and named corporations are equally valid legal entities. Banks, the CRA, and most professional counterparties work with numbered corporations daily; a number is not a red flag. Some clients and investors, however, perceive a named corporation as more established or permanent.
If you plan to raise investment, sign commercial leases, or build a brand under a specific name from the outset, a named corporation keeps your brand in the corporate record from day one. If speed is your priority, or if your brand name is not yet decided, a numbered corporation gets you incorporated now, and you can add a trade name registration separately.
Yes. You can amend your Articles of Incorporation to adopt a corporate name at any time after incorporating as a numbered corporation. This requires filing Articles of Amendment with the Ontario Business Registry (an additional government fee applies) plus a new NUANS search for the proposed name.
If you know your brand name now, it is usually more efficient to incorporate as a named corporation from the start and avoid the amendment process later.
Named vs. Numbered Ontario Corporation: Comparison
| Factor | Numbered Corporation | Named Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| NUANS search required? | No | Yes, included in our price |
| Total CorpStart cost (approx.) | $579 | $579 |
| Processing time | Immediate (same day) | Immediate (same day) |
| Brand name in Articles | No (number assigned) | Yes (your chosen name) |
| Can operate under a trade name? | Yes | Yes |
| Change name later? | Yes (amendment required) | Yes (amendment required) |
Can a numbered corporation open a bank account in Ontario?
Yes. All major Canadian banks open business bank accounts for numbered Ontario corporations. You will present your Certificate of Incorporation and Articles, and the account will be registered under the corporation's number. If you want the account under a brand name, you register a business name separately under the Business Names Act.
Is a numbered corporation less legitimate than a named corporation?
No. Legally, a numbered corporation and a named corporation are identical in status. Both are incorporated under the Ontario Business Corporations Act and provide the same limited liability protection, tax structure, and legal capacity. The number is simply the corporate name, nothing more.
What is a 'trade name' or 'operating as' name?
A trade name is a registered business name under the Ontario Business Names Act that a numbered (or named) corporation uses for customer-facing purposes. For example, '1234567 Ontario Inc. operating as Maple Cleaning Services.' The trade name registration costs $60 in government fees and is valid for 5 years. CorpStart offers Business Name Registration as a separate service.
Does a named Ontario corporation have national name protection?
No. Ontario corporate name protection applies only within Ontario. A business in another province could use the same name without infringing your Ontario corporate name. National name protection requires federal incorporation under the CBCA.
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Start my corporationCorpStart is a document preparation service, not a law firm. The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed lawyer.