Setting up in Canada in 2025: the essential guide for French SMEs
- Noham Layani
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
From Quebec to English-speaking Canada, discover how to successfully cross the North American border – with Blendy by your side.
Why target Canada in 2025?
Imagine, a huge market, a stable economy, a bilingual business culture, and privileged access to North America. Canada 2025 meets all these criteria.
Despite a tense international economic context, Canada is emerging in 2025 as a land of opportunity for French SMEs: a market of 38 million inhabitants, an economy stabilized at around 1.1%–1.3% growth, and an environment conducive to innovation.
But cracking the codes of French-speaking Quebec or English-speaking Ontario can't be improvised. Between provincial choices, tax obligations, and talent management, every decision counts.
To help you get a clearer picture, we've put together a guide with 10 key steps to follow, along with the challenges to consider. And if you need help or have questions, simply contact our team in France or Canada for a controlled, bilingual, and profitable expansion.
Quebec vs. English-speaking Canada: Key points to evaluate
In Quebec, the approach is resolutely Francophone and regulated: since June 1, 2025, Law 14 requires companies with 25 or more employees to register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), to carry out a linguistic diagnosis, and to ensure the predominance of French on their documents, signage, labeling, and internal and external communications.
For companies with 50 or more employees, the creation of a joint employer-employee committee may also be made mandatory. These constraints make Quebec an ideal environment for companies wishing to establish themselves in a French-speaking culture with strong institutional support.
In Ontario, on the other hand, the situation is more flexible: this English-speaking province, founded on a common law regime, does not impose any strict linguistic obligations, authorizing companies to conduct their activities mainly in English without risk of sanctions.
Additionally, the 2025 budget encourages innovation by providing grants for businesses affected by US tariffs and investing in infrastructure and digital technology.
British Columbia, meanwhile, has one of the most dynamic tech ecosystems in the country. With over 12,000 high-tech companies and 182,000 jobs created in the province, it is experiencing a boom in AI, life sciences, aerospace, and clean technology. Recent investments, such as the $9.9 million allocated by PacifiCan through Innovate BC, are driving the adoption of AI in local infrastructure.
Additionally, British Columbia attracts talent from around the world and relies on a dense innovation network around Vancouver and Victoria. This province is particularly attractive for digital and tech SMEs, thanks to its specific financial assistance and a fast-growing market .
Challenges to anticipate
Moderate economic growth (+1.1% to 1.8% depending on the source), uncertainties linked to US tariffs, and inflation still high at the start of the year.
Slowdown by province : some provinces like Alberta are suffering from their dependence on raw materials, while others are being boosted by technology.
Regulatory complexity between federal and provincial taxation (GST/HST/QST), data protection, anti-spam legislation (CASL).
Human resources : tight market and more difficult qualified recruitment, cultural integration, health plan and insurance vary depending on the province.
✅ Checklist: Create a subsidiary in the United States in 10 steps
Conduct targeted market research , comparing demographics, competition and demand across the target provinces.
Choose the type of legal registration , either federal or provincial incorporation, depending on your scope.
Select the province of establishment : favor Quebec for its French-speaking community, Ontario for its economic market, or British Columbia for its tech sector.
Register your company, federally or provincially, depending on the jurisdiction you choose.
Get a Business Number (BN) to manage GST/HST, customs and tax obligations.
Open a business bank account with a Canadian bank to make your transactions easier.
Arrange work permits and visas for any executives or employees you wish to transfer.
Bring your accounting and tax reporting into compliance, including managing GST/HST and withholding tax.
Launch your local recruitment , taking into account cultural and linguistic specificities and provincial social benefits.
Join local support and assistance networks , particularly through the CCIFC, the BDC or provincial programs
Blendy, your partner for a successful implementation
Blendy, an international CPA with a presence in France and in Québec, Canada , takes charge of the entire Canadian implementation project, starting with a precise analysis of the province best suited to your strategy (Quebec or English-speaking provinces), to guarantee you optimal positioning.
Our team combines the expertise of a French chartered accountant and that of a Quebec CPA, which allows us to structure your company according to local tax and social requirements, while maintaining the rigor of French standards.
When you want to establish your business in Canada, we manage your digital accounting from A to Z, from setting up your Business Number and setting up GST/HST/QST declarations, to monthly financial reporting, using tools like QuickBooks Online, dedicated to the English-speaking market.
Blendy also oversees the social cycle: establishing Canadian payroll, regularizing provincial social security contributions, monitoring visas for executives and setting up health insurance and retirement plans.
Finally, we facilitate your integration into the field by putting you in touch with local networks (CCIFC, BDC, provincial programs), so that you benefit from assistance and opportunities from the first weeks.
Ready to conquer the Canadian market?
Setting up in Canada represents an exciting opportunity for your international growth. With Blendy at your side, you benefit from tailored support, combining local expertise with an understanding of your specific challenges.
Contact Blendy now for a personalized assessment of your Canadian implementation project.
With Blendy, international CPA, take advantage of digital accounting to accelerate your financial process and develop your business.
Pennylane, Dext, QuickBooks and Stripe certified, we support digital, e-Commerce, IT services, SaaS companies in France, Canada and internationally.
