What Is a Numbered Company?
A numbered company is assigned a number as its legal name—such as “1234567 Ontario Inc.”—at the time of incorporation. This is the default option if you do not submit a specific name. It allows for faster incorporation, as it does not require a name search or approval.
Business owners can still operate under a different business name (also called a trade name) by registering it separately with the province after incorporation.
What Is a Named Company?
A named company is a corporation registered under a specific legal name, such as “Bright Maple Consulting Inc.” This name becomes the formal identity of the corporation and appears on contracts, government filings, and tax documents.
To be approved in Ontario, a named corporation must include:
- A distinctive element (e.g., “Bright Maple”)
- A descriptive element (e.g., “Consulting”)
- A legal ending (e.g., “Inc.”, “Ltd.”, or “Corporation”)
NUANS Name Search: Required for Named Companies
When incorporating under a specific name in Ontario, you must complete a NUANS name search. This report checks for existing businesses, corporations, and trademarks that may be confusingly similar to your proposed name.
- A NUANS report is required for named Ontario incorporations
- It is not required for numbered companies
- NUANS reports are valid for 90 days from the date of issue
Named vs. Numbered: Which Should You Choose?
There is no legal advantage to choosing one structure over the other. Both offer full corporate status. The decision depends on your business goals:
If you’re still finalizing your brand, a numbered corporation with a separate business name might offer more flexibility. If your brand is already established, a named corporation helps create consistency across your contracts, invoices, and marketing.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating with a named or numbered company is a matter of strategy, timing, and brand clarity. Both options give you access to the core legal benefits of incorporation, including limited liability and separate legal status.
Before deciding, it’s a good idea to consider your long-term business goals, your branding plans, and whether the extra time and cost of a name search are worth it at this stage.
SkyLaunch’s incorporation package includes a NUANS name search at no extra charge should you wish to incorporate a named company. If you choose to incorporate a numbered company, lawyers at SkyLaw can help you register for a trade name afterwards if you like.
Click here to read about corporate name requirements and restrictions in Ontario.
Click here to read about naming professional corporations in Ontario.
