A company that banks and processes like a local one
Canada is the clearest case of a residency rule written into law: several jurisdictions require resident directors before the corporation can exist at all.
What blocks you in Canada
Director residency
Federal incorporation and several provinces require a set proportion of resident-Canadian directors. Where the rule applies, there is no structure without a resident.
Business banking requires local presence
Canadian banks expect a resident signing officer, with in-branch or verified identity checks before an account is opened.
Merchant accounts require local ownership
Canadian acquirers underwrite against a resident director or officer as the signer on the merchant agreement.
- You apply
Bank or acquirer application
- Onboarding checks
Who owns it, who signs, where they live
No local person, no decision - Underwriting
The business itself gets assessed
- Account opened
Subject to the institution's decision
Both options work here
Pick the one that matches what you already hold.
Owner plus company
We find a vetted person in the market you want to sell in, form the company in their name, and put you in as the operator who runs it: marketing, sales, ops and IT.
Local director or manager only
A vetted resident director, manager or signer appointed to the company you already have, so it can open the accounts that will not move without local representation.
What a placement includes
- Federal or provincial incorporation scoped to the structure
- Registered office and corporate records
- Resident director or officer appointment where legally available
- Banking and processing documentation support
- Annual return and filing coordination
Province, residency rules and intended activity all change what is required, so Canada is scoped case by case.
Individuals with Significant Control requirementsAn appointment does not conceal the ultimate beneficial owner. Appointed directors, managers and owners remain subject to their legal duties, and beneficial ownership or control is disclosed wherever it is required.
Banking and payment accounts are subject exclusively to the institution's underwriting and approval. Nominee Network does not guarantee approval and does not misrepresent ownership, management, control or business activity.
Other countries
Tell us what you're building
Send the structure you have in mind. We review the business, the ownership and the intended activity before quoting anything.