Ontario Limited Partnership (LP) in Canada — Holding Company Formation Guide
Choose jurisdictions with extensive double taxation treaty networks, participation exemptions for dividends, and zero or low capital gains tax on the sale of shares.
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 Holding Company 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 Holding Company?
A holding company is a parent entity that owns enough voting stock in another company to control its policies and management. It exists primarily to hold assets, intellectual property, or investments rather than producing goods or services itself.
Ideal for
- Serial entrepreneurs
- Families managing generational wealth
- Corporate groups with multiple subsidiaries
- Investors holding diverse asset portfolios (real estate, IP, stocks)
Challenges to watch
- Complex regulatory compliance
- Strict economic substance requirements
- Transfer pricing rules and documentation
- Higher setup and annual maintenance costs
Key decision criteria
- Participation exemption rules for tax-free dividends
- Withholding tax rates on dividends and royalties
- Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules
- Local economic substance regulations
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. $1,000,000 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 Holding Company
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.
Holding Company FAQ
What is the main benefit of a holding company?
Asset protection and tax efficiency. It isolates financial risk so that if a subsidiary fails, the holding company's other assets remain protected.
Where are the best jurisdictions for holding companies?
Popular jurisdictions include the UK, Singapore, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UAE, due to their favorable tax exemptions on dividends and capital gains.
Do holding companies need physical offices?
Yes, increasingly so. Many jurisdictions now enforce 'economic substance' laws requiring holding companies to have local directors, physical office space, and adequate local expenditure.
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Related terms
Key concepts you'll encounter when forming a Holding Company
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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