Running a business has its ups and downs. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a corporation gets dissolved or struck from the registry. The good news? This doesn’t have to be the end of the story. You can bring your company back to life through a process called business revival.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to revive a business in Canada, what a certificate of revival is, and the steps to get your company back on track.
What is “Reviving a Business” all about?
To revive a business is to recover a dissolved corporation back into existence. When revived, your company is restored to its life as a legally legitimate business entity that could have never been suspended.
This process is officially known as a business revival and is done by applying for a certificate of revival through the appropriate corporate registry (federal or provincial).
Filing for a revival can sound scary but is quite simple when divided into steps
Step 1: Check Eligibility for Revival
Not every dissolved business can be revived. Generally, you can revive a corporation if:
- It was dissolved within the last 20 years (federal) or within the timeframe specified by your province
- The business name is still available and hasn’t been taken by another company
- You were the director or shareholder at the time of dissolution (or have legal authority to act)
If your business name has been claimed by someone else, you might need to choose a new name or negotiate to get it back.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
You’ll need:
- Corporation name and number
- Date of dissolution
- Proof of address for registered office
- Names and addresses of directors
- Articles of Revival (the main application form)
- Current annual returns for all missed years
- Outstanding tax filings and payments
- Consent from directors and shareholders
- Name reservation confirmation (if required)
- Government fees
Step 3: File for a Certificate of Revival
Apply through the Canada Incorporation Agency:
- Corporations Canada of federal corporations
- Provincial registry office for provincial companies (e.g., Ontario, Alberta, BC)
Once you’ve submitted your application and supporting documents, you’ll wait for approval. If everything checks out, the government issues a certificate of revival—your official proof that your business is back in action.
The certificate of revival is a critical document. It confirms your corporation’s legal status and should be kept with your other important corporate records. You may need to show it to banks, suppliers, or business partners as proof of your company’s active status.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
You’ll usually need to pay any unpaid annual return fees or penalties before approval. We charge only 199$ agency fees for the business revival.
Step 5: Obtain Your Certificate of Revival
When it is approved, you will be given a certificate of revival to put your corporation back into active status. At that point, you can resume business legally.
Step 6: Update Your Records
After receiving your certificate of revival, there’s still work to do:
- Update the corporate minute book
- Notify banks and financial institutions
- Inform business partners and clients
- Update business licenses and permits
- Register for GST/HST again if necessary
- Update your CRA business account
Don’t skip this step. Keeping your records current prevents future compliance issues.
Federal vs Provincial Business Revival
Reviving a federal corporation is done through Corporations Canada, while provincial corporations must apply through their province’s business registry.
- Federal corporations: File form 15 – Application for Revival
- Ontario corporations: Apply for Articles of Revival
- Alberta corporations: Submit Articles of Revival
- British Columbia corporations: File an Application for Restoration
Each jurisdiction has slightly different forms, but the process and purpose remain the same: securing a certificate of revival.
Pro Tips to Revive the Corporation Smoothly
Pro Tip #1: Act Quickly
The sooner you start the revival process after dissolution, the easier it will be. Recent dissolutions have fewer complications and lower costs.
Pro Tip #2: Get Your Tax
Situation Sorted First
Before applying for revival, contact the CRA to understand your outstanding tax obligations. Having a clear picture of what you owe prevents surprises later.
Pro Tip #3: Keep Digital Copies of Everything
Scan and save all documents—your articles of incorporation, annual returns, financial statements, and especially your certificate of revival. Digital backups are lifesavers when you need to reference something quickly.
Pro Tip #4: Set Up Compliance Reminders
Once your business is revived, don’t let it lapse again. Set calendar reminders for annual return deadlines, tax filing dates, and other important compliance requirements.
Pro Tip #5: Consider Professional Help for Complex Cases
If your business has outstanding lawsuits, significant debts, or has been dissolved for many years, hiring a lawyer or corporate service provider is money well spent.
Myth vs Fact: Canadian Business Revival
Myth 1: When it is dissolved, a company is lost forever.
Fact: You can definitely revive a business in Canada by requesting a certificate of revival in most situations.
Myth 2: Renewal eliminates previous debt.
Fact: Renewal rejuvenates your company, but obligations, taxes, and debt persist.
Myth 3: Only large corporations can revive.
Fact: Any corporation—big or small—can apply for business revival.
Is Business Revival Right for You?
Before you commit to the revival process, ask yourself:
- Does your business still have value or potential?
- Are you prepared to handle outstanding obligations?
- Would starting fresh with a new corporation be simpler?
- Do you have the time and resources to maintain compliance going forward?
Sometimes revival makes perfect sense—you have an established brand, existing contracts, or valuable history worth preserving. Other times, starting a new corporation is cleaner and easier.
Conclusion
Reviving a canceled business might appear to be a daunting task, but if done properly step by step, it is definitely achievable. By filing a certificate of revival and catching up on compliance filing, you can effectively revive your corporation.
Whether you’re reopening business, recovering your business name, or reusing expired contracts, learning how to revive a business in Canada will give your firm a chance of re-establishment. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about getting started, invest in a trusted service provider like Canada Incorporation Agency to do it all for you.
It will cost a small fee, but it will be time- and stress-saving as well as error-preventing.
Don’t wait—start your business revival process today and give your company the fresh start it deserves!
FAQs About Reviving a Business in Canada
How long does it take to recover a business in Canada?
It is dependent upon the jurisdiction. Federal revivals will take a couple of weeks, while provincial times may vary.
How much does it cost to revive a corporation?
Federal filing fees are approximately $250. Province fees vary by province.
Can I revive a business myself?
You can. However, to get it done right and without mistakes we highly recommend using a third party like – Canada Incorporation Agency. We will receive the certificate of revival and send it to your email.
Can I revive a no-profit corporation?
Yes. Non-profits can also be revived if they are dissolved.
