29.09.2025 BUSINESS
Quebec Business Language Laws & Francization: A Complete Guide
A practical guide to Quebec's business language laws and francization. Learn about requirements, programs, and business compliance.
Quebec has a specific linguistic environment in which the French language is not only a cultural identity but also a legal condition in business. Since the implementation of the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101) in 1977, French has been established as the official language of commerce, education, and public life in Quebec. In 2022, Bill 96 strengthened these requirements even more, imposing more specific requirements on businesses, especially contracts, signage, digital communication, and workplace francization.
For companies operating in Quebec or those planning to enter the market, understanding these regulations is essential. The laws set rules for how businesses communicate with customers, employees, and authorities. They also require businesses with 25 or more employees to go through the francization process. The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) is responsible for oversight, ensuring compliance with regulations through evaluations, issuing certifications, and enforcing penalties when required.
This guide gives a complete overview of Quebec's business language laws, including the main parts of Bill 101 and Bill 96, how they are enforced, and what businesses need to do to make sure they comply with the rules. The objective is to give business leaders the information they need to meet their obligations and work well within Quebec's regulatory framework by focusing on clarity instead of legal complexity.
We provide certified English and French translations in compliance with Quebec’s Bill 101 and Bill 96 requirements. Contact us today for a quote for translations.
For full francization support, submit a request on this special page.
For companies operating in Quebec or those planning to enter the market, understanding these regulations is essential. The laws set rules for how businesses communicate with customers, employees, and authorities. They also require businesses with 25 or more employees to go through the francization process. The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) is responsible for oversight, ensuring compliance with regulations through evaluations, issuing certifications, and enforcing penalties when required.
This guide gives a complete overview of Quebec's business language laws, including the main parts of Bill 101 and Bill 96, how they are enforced, and what businesses need to do to make sure they comply with the rules. The objective is to give business leaders the information they need to meet their obligations and work well within Quebec's regulatory framework by focusing on clarity instead of legal complexity.
We provide certified English and French translations in compliance with Quebec’s Bill 101 and Bill 96 requirements. Contact us today for a quote for translations.
For full francization support, submit a request on this special page.
Evolution of Quebec’s Language Laws
Early Foundations
The Lavergne Law of 1910 was the first Quebec law that addressed language rights. It required public utility companies under provincial jurisdiction to provide services and documents in both English and French. While limited in scope, it was an early recognition of French in public services and set the stage for stronger protections in later years.
Charter of the French Language (Bill 101)
The Charter of the French Language, or Bill 101, was passed in 1977 by Premier René Lévesque. It made French the official language in the Government of Québec. It controls communication at work, education, Quebec government services, and business operations.
In 1988, the Supreme Court of Canada delivered a ruling in Ford v. Quebec (AG) that exclusive French-only signage was unconstitutional because it violated freedom of expression. Because of this, Quebec changed the law to let other languages be used on business signs as long as French is still "markedly predominant." This means that French must be clearly more visible than any other language on public signs and business displays.
In 1988, the Supreme Court of Canada delivered a ruling in Ford v. Quebec (AG) that exclusive French-only signage was unconstitutional because it violated freedom of expression. Because of this, Quebec changed the law to let other languages be used on business signs as long as French is still "markedly predominant." This means that French must be clearly more visible than any other language on public signs and business displays.
Bill 96: Modernization & Expansion
Quebec passed Bill 96 in June 2022 to make Bill 101 stronger and more up-to-date. This law made it necessary to use more French in contracts, business communication, education, and work.
A key change took effect on June 1, 2025, when all companies with 25 or more employees started to be required to comply with new francization rules under the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF). This lowered the threshold from the previous requirement of 50 employees. These rules are designed to ensure that French is firmly established as the primary language used in the workplace and in dealings with customers and suppliers.
A key change took effect on June 1, 2025, when all companies with 25 or more employees started to be required to comply with new francization rules under the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF). This lowered the threshold from the previous requirement of 50 employees. These rules are designed to ensure that French is firmly established as the primary language used in the workplace and in dealings with customers and suppliers.
Core Requirements for Businesses in Québec
Business Names, Trademarks & Signage
Quebec businesses must operate under a French business name registered with the enterprise registrar (REQ). They may also register another version in a different language, but the French version must always be present. Trademarks in other languages may appear if registered without a French equivalent, but Bill 96 requires unregistered trademarks to include a French version. Public signs and advertisements must show French in a “markedly predominant” way, meaning it must be clearly more visible than any other language based on size, placement, lighting, and layout.
Documents, Packaging & Communications
All essential business materials—such as contracts, government filings, product packaging, instructions, and marketing—must be available in French. If another language is used, the French version must be equally complete, clear, and accessible to ensure consumers and employees can fully understand the information in French.
Websites & Digital Presence
Companies must serve customers in French and ensure employees, especially in public-facing roles, can communicate fluently in French. Employers cannot require knowledge of another language as a job condition unless it is objectively necessary. Under Bill 96, businesses must also demonstrate they tried to recruit French-speaking candidates first before requiring another language, reinforcing French as the standard in workplace and client interactions across Quebec.
Client & Employee Communications
Businesses must provide services in French and ensure that employees in customer-facing roles are able to communicate effectively in French. While the law does not define a specific “intermediate” proficiency level, French must be the normal and everyday working language for employees handling client interactions and workplace tasks.
Francization: Additional French Language Requirements for Larger Companies
What is Francization?
Francization is the official process that businesses in Quebec must follow to make French the common language of work. This means the use of the French language must be utilized for day-to-day communication, management instructions, training, and internal documents so that all employees can function in French without relying on another language.
The goal is to ensure that French-speaking is firmly established as the workplace standard, not just in formal policies but also in how employees interact with each other and with management. By making French the main language of operations, Quebec reinforces its cultural and legal commitment to protecting French in business life.
The goal is to ensure that French-speaking is firmly established as the workplace standard, not just in formal policies but also in how employees interact with each other and with management. By making French the main language of operations, Quebec reinforces its cultural and legal commitment to protecting French in business life.
What is the Law of Francization?
Under Quebec law, francization applies to any company with 25 or more employees if that workforce size is maintained for at least six months. This requirement includes part-time and temporary workers, but does not count freelancers or volunteers toward the total.
Businesses that meet this threshold must register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF). The OQLF monitors to make sure that companies are following the rules, helps them through the process, and ensures that French is the main language used in the company.
Businesses that meet this threshold must register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF). The OQLF monitors to make sure that companies are following the rules, helps them through the process, and ensures that French is the main language used in the company.
What is a Francization Certificate?
A francization certificate is issued by the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) as proof that a company has met the requirements of Quebec’s Charter of the French Language under Bill 96. It confirms that French is the primary language of work and business operations, including employee communications, internal policies, and customer service. At present, companies with 25 or more employees must obtain this certificate.
As of June 1, 2025, the obligation also applies to businesses with 25 to 49 employees. These companies must register with the OQLF within three months of reaching the employee threshold and, after evaluation, either demonstrate compliance or implement an approved francization program. Since the certification process may take more than a year, businesses are encouraged to prepare early by adapting documents, updating training, and ensuring that day-to-day operations can be conducted in French.
As of June 1, 2025, the obligation also applies to businesses with 25 to 49 employees. These companies must register with the OQLF within three months of reaching the employee threshold and, after evaluation, either demonstrate compliance or implement an approved francization program. Since the certification process may take more than a year, businesses are encouraged to prepare early by adapting documents, updating training, and ensuring that day-to-day operations can be conducted in French.
What is a Francization Program?
A francization program is the structured plan businesses must implement when they do not yet meet the language requirements of Bill 96. This can involve translating signs, product packaging, contracts, websites and training documents to French and providing staff with the means to communicate in French during day-to-day business activities effectively. The aim is to make French the language used in all areas of the workplace, including internal documents and customer service.
To help achieve this, the provincial government provides support through Francisation Québec, a portal that offers free French courses to residents aged 16 and over, including immigrants preparing to move to the province. Bill 96 requires newcomers to learn French within six months of arrival, after which most provincial public services are provided in French only. Important services, including emergency medical treatment and some legal rights, can also continue to be provided in other languages. The Office of the French Language is also urging employers to offer workplace training and activities in French, not only to assist employers in adapting but also to guarantee that companies are on their way towards certification.
To help achieve this, the provincial government provides support through Francisation Québec, a portal that offers free French courses to residents aged 16 and over, including immigrants preparing to move to the province. Bill 96 requires newcomers to learn French within six months of arrival, after which most provincial public services are provided in French only. Important services, including emergency medical treatment and some legal rights, can also continue to be provided in other languages. The Office of the French Language is also urging employers to offer workplace training and activities in French, not only to assist employers in adapting but also to guarantee that companies are on their way towards certification.
Step-by-Step Francization Process
Step 1: Register with OQLF
The first step in the process of francization is registering with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF). This applies to businesses with 25 or more workers who have been in business for at least six months. After registering, the OQLF recognizes the company and lays out its responsibilities and timeline for francization. This makes an official record and puts the business under OQLF supervision.
Step 2: Conduct Linguistic Self-Evaluation
Companies have three months after signing up to do a linguistic self-evaluation of how French is used at work. This includes reviewing health and safety rules, employment documents, software interfaces, and interactions with customers. The evaluation gives both the company and the OQLF a clear picture of compliance gaps before certification can be granted.
Step 3: Outcome: Certificate or Program
If the business already meets francization standards, the OQLF issues a francization certificate, with certified companies required to file a compliance report every three years. If the company fails to meet the standards, it has three months to submit a francization program and implement it under OQLF supervision. It must also send in annual progress reports until it gets certified.
Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring
Even after obtaining certification, businesses must make sure that French is still the main language used in the workplace, in documents, and in communications. The OQLF requires regular reports and may conduct inspections or follow-ups to ensure that employers are still following the rules. This means that francization is an ongoing and active duty for employers.
We provide professional English and French translation services to support your francization process with the OQLF. Contact us for more information.
For full francization support, submit a request on this special page.
We provide professional English and French translation services to support your francization process with the OQLF. Contact us for more information.
For full francization support, submit a request on this special page.
Enforcement & Consequences
OQLF Oversight
The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) monitors how businesses follow Quebec’s language laws. It can review documents, inspect workplaces, and examine systems to ensure that French is being used properly in signage, communications, and internal operations.
If a business does not meet the requirements, the OQLF can demand corrective action, require the company to submit follow-up reports, or impose a francization program. This ongoing oversight ensures that French remains the primary language in the workplace and in dealings with customers.
If a business does not meet the requirements, the OQLF can demand corrective action, require the company to submit follow-up reports, or impose a francization program. This ongoing oversight ensures that French remains the primary language in the workplace and in dealings with customers.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Companies that fail to comply with francization rules can be fined $3,000 to $30,000 for each violation, and the fines double for each violation. Directors and officers of a company may also be held personally responsible, and it is against the law to punish employees who report problems. The OQLF looks into and enforces compliance, but fines are given out by Quebec’s court system.
For U.S. businesses, these laws can be especially costly: the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has labelled Quebec’s language laws a non-tariff trade barrier, citing additional expenses for translating signage, packaging, and other materials. Stricter obligations took effect on June 1, 2025, when the francization threshold was lowered from 50 to 25 employees, expanding compliance requirements to more businesses.
For U.S. businesses, these laws can be especially costly: the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has labelled Quebec’s language laws a non-tariff trade barrier, citing additional expenses for translating signage, packaging, and other materials. Stricter obligations took effect on June 1, 2025, when the francization threshold was lowered from 50 to 25 employees, expanding compliance requirements to more businesses.
Stay Compliant with Quebec’s Language Laws
Need help navigating Bill 96 or preparing your business for francization? We provide full-service support to make compliance simple and stress-free—from translating contracts and signage to guiding you through the OQLF registration and certification. Whether you’re running a small company or managing a growing team of 25 or more, we’ll ensure your workplace is fully aligned with Quebec’s language requirements.
Avoid costly fines and last-minute complications by preparing early. Contact us today to get expert guidance and set your business up for success in Quebec’s unique linguistic environment.
Avoid costly fines and last-minute complications by preparing early. Contact us today to get expert guidance and set your business up for success in Quebec’s unique linguistic environment.
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