Banff Registries can help you navigate the process of corporate registration. The process of incorporation depends on the type of entity you want to incorporate. Each type of entity has unique forms and fees that must be submitted through the Registry.

Please note that all filings for charities, such as non-profit companies and societies, must be done through the Corporate Registry Office:

John E. Brownlee Building
10365 97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 3W7
780.427.7013

Incorporation Services

When incorporating a business there are two options available. The company can have a unique name or the computer can generate a numbered company. If you choose a numbered company there is no need for a name search report (NUANS). If you would like a named company, an Alberta NUANS report is required.

Numbered Company

A numbered company is comprised of three parts – the numbered part, which is assigned by Corporate Registry, the word ‘Alberta’, and your choice of one of the legal elements (e.g. 1234567 Alberta Ltd). A NUANS reports is not necessary for a numbered company.

Named Company

A NUANS report for a named company is required to ensure that no one else has the identical name. If the report shows similar names, you will have to decide if the name you want is too close to the other names listed on the NUANS report. The report is valid for 90 days, so if you wish to use that name, you must incorporate within that time period.

To incorporate your business, please schedule an appointment using this link

Corporate Structure

Once a numbered or named company has been decided, the next step is choose the structure of your corporation. If you are unsure of what you want, it is a good idea to do some research by visiting a library, looking in the business section of a bookstore or talking to a lawyer, who will be able to advise you. You should understand and know what the following terms mean as each must be addressed as part of the incorporation process:

• share structure
• any restrictions on the transfer of shares between different parties
• the number of directors in the corporation
• any restrictions on the type of business that the corporation may conduct
• any other rules or provisions that the incorporator wishes to include

Corporate Searches

A corporate search will pull current information from the Corporate Registry database on all Alberta registered corporations, trade names/partnerships, and non-profit organizations.

There are four types of searches available:

• Current Search – current information on organizations such as how long the organization has been in operation, its address, name of directors and/or shareholders, declarants, etc.
• Historical Search – the same type of information as given for a current search is available for all legal entities with the exception of trade names and partnerships (this information is for a specific past date)
• Certificates of Status – the current status of the organization e.g. Active, Struck, etc. (a certificate of status is not available for trade names)
• Historical Certificates of Status – the status of the organization on a specific past date

Annual Return

Alberta Corporate Registries requires all Alberta corporations to file an annual return. This return is separate from your tax return and maintains your company’s good standing by keeping the provincial government aware that your company is still active.

Please make sure to bring in your PHOTO ID and Corporate Access Number or Legal Entity Name.

You can file your annual return online by emailing your Corporate Access Number or Legal Entity Name, along with a copy of your photo ID, to info@thebanffregistry.com