What is a Certificate of Incorporation?

A Certificate of Incorporation is an official legal document confirming a business has been formally registered as a corporation. It certifies the government has accepted it as a registered corporate entity.

How Do You Get One?

For federal corporations, apply through Corporations Canada. For provincial corporations, apply through your province’s corporate registry. In Alberta, you need an authorized registry agent or law firm.

Key Details

The Certificate contains:

• Registered corporate name
• Incorporation date
• Corporation number (corporate access number)

What Does It Prove?

It serves as proof that a new legal entity was created as of the date shown. It does not prove the corporation remains active at a later date — for that, you need a Certificate of Status.

Important Note

Obtaining the Certificate is only the first step. You also need to issue shares, appoint directors and officers, prepare organizational resolutions, and create a corporate minute book. All of our incorporation packages include these comprehensive legal documents.