Numbered Company in Ontario: Pros, Cons and How It Works
What a numbered company is (e.g. 1234567 Ontario Inc.), why owners choose one, how it skips the NUANS report, and how to add a trade name.
What it is
A numbered company is a corporation whose legal name is the Ontario Corporation Number assigned at incorporation, plus "Ontario" and a legal ending, for example 1000123 Ontario Inc.
Why choose one
- No NUANS report, so it's faster and cheaper to incorporate. See our cost breakdown.
- Useful for holding companies and real estate, where a public brand isn't needed.
- More privacy, since the name doesn't reveal the business.
Downsides
- Harder for customers to recognise.
- If you trade under a brand, you need to register an operating name.
- You can change to a word name later with articles of amendment, which requires a NUANS report.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a numbered company need a NUANS report?
- No. The province assigns the number as the name, so no name search is needed.
- Can a numbered company use a brand name?
- Yes. Register it as an operating name in the Ontario Business Registry.
Official sources
- Ontario Business Registry ↗— file and search Ontario registrations
- Corporations Canada ↗— federal incorporation
- Canada Revenue Agency — business ↗— BN, HST, payroll, T2
Related articles
Incorporating a not-for-profit corporation in Ontario under the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA): steps, documents, and charity status basics.
Everything you need to know about the Ontario NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report, 90-day validity, distinctive vs descriptive terms, and reservation rules.
A complete breakdown of Ontario incorporation expenses: official $300 OBR filing fee, NUANS search fees, corporate minute book costs, and ongoing annual filings.
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