Ontario Limited Partnership (LP) in Canada — Dropshipping Formation Guide
Focus on high-margin niches or private labeling to offset rising ad costs. Ensure your chosen jurisdiction has favorable tax treaties and access to top-tier payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
0.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$155
Annual Fee
$0
Forming a Ontario Limited Partnership (LP) in Canada as a Dropshipping means a total tax burden of 0.0% and an official formation cost of $155. There is no minimum capital requirement. Standard formation takes 2-3 business days, or 1 business day expedited. No local director is required; the process can be managed remotely. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $320
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $150
Why Ontario Limited Partnership (LP) for Dropshipping?
A retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third-party supplier who ships it directly to the customer.
Ideal for
- E-commerce beginners
- Digital nomads
- Location-independent entrepreneurs
- Marketers testing new products
Challenges to watch
- Low profit margins (typically 15-20%)
- High competition and rising ad costs
- Supplier reliability and shipping delays
- Payment gateway holds and high chargeback rates
Key decision criteria
- Access to global payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal)
- Corporate tax rates and VAT/Sales Tax obligations in target markets
- Limited liability protection against product liability claims
- Ease of remote company management
Ontario Limited Partnership (LP) formation requirements
Minimum capital
None
Standard timeline
2-3 business days
Expedited timeline
1 business day
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Not required
There are no residency requirements for the General Partner or Limited Partners. They can be individuals or corporations from anywhere in the world.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $40,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 13%. Registration threshold: 30,000 CAD. Non-resident digital service providers must register for and collect GST/HST if their sales to Canadian consumers exceed CAD 30,000 over a 12-month period.
Banking & payments for Dropshipping
Opening a traditional bank account (e.g., RBC, TD) for an Ontario LP with only non-resident partners is highly challenging and typically requires an in-person visit. However, non-resident founders can easily open business accounts remotely using fintech platforms like Wise Business, Airwallex, or Loop.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Wise Business
Excellent for non-resident LP partners. Offers multi-currency accounts (CAD, USD, EUR, GBP) and can be opened entirely remotely.
Airwallex
Great alternative for global e-commerce and SaaS businesses. Provides local CAD and USD account details with low FX fees.
Loop
A Canadian fintech platform tailored for cross-border businesses, offering multi-currency accounts and corporate cards without monthly fees.
Canada incentives & advantages
SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) Program
Up to 35% refundable tax credit on eligible R&D expenditures for Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC) partners, or 15% non-refundable for others.
Ontario Limited Partnership (LP) formation steps
Choose a unique business name and obtain a NUANS Name Search Report (valid for 90 days).
Draft and sign the Limited Partnership Agreement (LPA) outlining partner roles, liability, and profit distribution.
Secure an Ontario registered office address, which is legally required for the registration.
File Declaration Form 3 under the Limited Partnerships Act with the Ontario Business Registry.
Pay the CAD 210 provincial registration fee to the Ontario government.
Receive the 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) and official registration documents.
Apply for a Canadian Business Number (BN) with the CRA if required for tax, payroll, or import/export purposes.
Open a business bank account using fintech platforms like Wise Business or Airwallex to manage global payments.
Dropshipping FAQ
Which country is best for a dropshipping company?
Popular choices include the US (LLC) for access to Stripe/PayPal and US customers, and the UK (LTD) for low setup costs and fast incorporation. Estonia (OÜ) is excellent for digital nomads wanting to reinvest profits tax-free.
Do I need a registered company to start dropshipping?
While you can start as a sole proprietor, forming an LLC or LTD protects your personal assets from product liability and makes it easier to get approved by major payment gateways and suppliers.
How do I handle sales tax or VAT as a dropshipper?
Tax obligations depend on where your customers are located and your sales volume. In the US, you may need to collect sales tax if you reach economic nexus. In the EU, you must comply with VAT rules (like the OSS scheme) if selling to EU consumers.
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Related guides
Complete Ontario Limited Partnership (LP) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Ontario Limited Partnership (LP) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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