What key forms stop delays and make account opening smooth for applicants?
The page outlines core identity, tax and account forms most people must submit. It highlights the Investment Account application, tax residency forms such as W-8BEN or W-9, and the RC520 Declaration of Tax Residence for Individuals.
Applicants should keep the Operation of Account Agreement (French Version) for their records. If an account is opened under a mandate, supporting authority papers are required, such as a certified true copy of the Power of Attorney and a Confirmation Letter.
Additional items may include an Options Agreement, Transfer Forms for registered accounts, and a Trusted Contact Person designation.
Regulatory rules mean a photocopy of the SIN card with expiry date is needed and it must be valid for at least six months. Forms must be printed, completed, signed and dated to avoid processing delays. Submission can be by mail, Investor Centre drop-off or at a local branch, with support at 1-800-769-2560.
What applicants need to know right now in Canada
Gather core tax and identity forms before starting the application to avoid hold-ups. Each applicant must complete a W-8BEN or a W-9 for U.S. tax status, plus the RC520 Declaration of Tax Residence.
Joint files require each co-applicant to submit their own W-8BEN/W-9 and RC520. A clear photocopy of the SIN card with the expiry date must be included. The SIN must be valid for at least six months at account opening.
Some products note residency rules or SIN specifics, for example a SIN that begins with ‘9’ may be restricted in certain trust scenarios. Applicants acting under a mandate should also gather confirmation letters, Full Force Authorization, trading supplements, and a certified true copy of the legal authority.
Keep the Operation of Account Agreement (French Version) and any trust addenda for records. Many official PDFs open in a new window, so save copies locally to review instructions and complete every field before printing, signing and dating.
Naming a Trusted Contact Person is recommended. Accuracy on every form reduces delays and speeds processing.
rbc canada application documents: core checklist by account and form type
A concise checklist by account type helps applicants assemble the right paperwork quickly.
Individual Investment Accounts require the Investment Account application, a W-8BEN or W-9 as applicable, and RC520. The lead must retain the Operation of Account Agreement and include a clear SIN photocopy showing expiry (valid for six months).
Joint Investment Accounts need a Joint Investment Account Application plus a Client Profile Form for each co-applicant. Each person provides their W-8BEN/W-9 and RC520. Include transfer forms, Trusted Contact Person designation, and SIN copies for every applicant.
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Trust accounts, TFSAs, RIFs and RESPs follow similar patterns: base application, tax forms for each relevant party, RC520, and retained account agreements. Trust or mandate setups add the Quebec Confirmation Letter, Full Force Authorization, Trading Authorization Supplemental Form, and a Certified True Copy of the Power of Attorney or Mandate when applicable.
Other common add-ons include Options Agreements, Third Party Determination Statements, Transfer Forms, spousal consent for locked-in funds, and special RESP annexes for provincial incentives.
Special situations, additional documents and “opens in new window” guidance
Locked-in plans, mandates and third-party interests trigger specific addenda and consent forms.
Anyone acting under a Power of Attorney or a Quebec mandate must include a Confirmation Letter (Quebec), a Full Force Authorization, the Trading Authorization Supplemental Form and a certified true copy of the legal instrument. These prove legal authority to act on another person’s behalf.
Where a person other than the account holder has beneficial interest or control, a Third Party Determination Statement is mandatory to meet anti‑money‑laundering and know‑your‑client rules.
For locked‑in RIFs, choose the correct provincial or federal addendum and complete any required spousal consent for the relevant jurisdiction. RESP applicants seeking BCTESG must attach BC proofs listed in Annex D. Note: partial RESP transfers are not permitted.
When a beneficiary lacks a bank account, submit the Trust Account Beneficiary Confirmation. Naming a Trusted Contact Person is strongly recommended to help prevent exploitation.
Most official PDFs open in a new window; download, save and print the latest forms before signing to avoid outdated versions.
Move forward with your RBC application: accurate forms, submission options and support
A final check of every form and signature helps move an account from paper to active status.
Before submitting, confirm the application, W-8/W-9, RC520, SIN photocopy with expiry and any special addenda are included. Print clearly, review each field, then sign and date to avoid common processing delays.
Choose mail to RBC Direct Investing, drop off at an Investor Centre for in‑person help, or use a local branch for convenience. Keep copies of all pages and the Operation of Account Agreement for your records.
For transfers, margin/options, beneficiary designations, or updates, attach the related forms and call 1-800-769-2560 for guidance on complex cases. Many PDFs can be reviewed again in a window if reprinting is needed.
