Francization certificate: 5 steps to get it in Quebec

The francization certificate confirms that French is used generally at every level of your company. Any company employing 25 or more people in Quebec must begin the process that leads to it. Here are the five steps, in order.

Step 1: reach the threshold

The obligation begins when the company employs 25 or more people in Quebec for six months. This threshold has applied to companies with 25 to 49 employees since June 1, 2025.

Step 2: register with the OQLF

Registration is done through the OQLF Portal, no later than six months after the end of that period. The Office then issues a registration certificate.

Step 3: analyze the language situation

Within three months of registration, the company assesses the place of French in its operations and communications: language of work, documents, software, signage, customer service.

Step 4: receive the Office's decision

If the OQLF finds that French is used generally, it issues the certificate. The company must then maintain that situation.

Step 5: adopt a francization program, if needed

Otherwise, the company drafts a francization program to close the gaps, has it approved by the Office, then implements it until the certificate is issued.

The point that often makes the difference

Documents can be translated quickly. Employees' speaking confidence takes time: understanding an instruction, reassuring a customer, speaking up in a meeting. That is often where francization programs drag on.

LinguoSphère speeds up this part with spoken French simulations tailored to each role, which employees practise at their own pace. Find all the details in our guide to the francization certificate and visit our Workplace francization page.

This article summarizes public sources (OQLF, Charter of the French Language) and is not legal advice.