Starting your journey on how to register a business in BC doesn’t have to be scary or costly. Most new business owners think that they have to consult professionals to begin, but in truth, the process is quite straightforward, all by yourself. BC is perhaps Canada’s best province to start a business, with a helpful atmosphere, diverse markets, and abundant possibilities for growth for both small start-ups as well as incorporated businesses.
We’ve helped countless entrepreneurs navigate the BC business registration process, and we’re here to walk you through every step. Whether you’re planning to start a business in BC as a sole proprietor or incorporate a company in BC, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential information you need to get your business up and running legally.
Understanding Business Structures in BC
Before you register a business in BC, we need to help you understand the different business structures available. Your choice will determine how you complete the registration process, your tax obligations, and your liability.
BC Sole Proprietorship
A BC sole proprietorship is the simplest way to start a business in BC. When you operate as a sole proprietor, you and your business are legally the same entity. This means you’re personally responsible for all business debts and obligations. Many entrepreneurs choose this structure when they launch a business in BC because it requires minimal paperwork and offers complete control over business decisions.
BC Partnership
If you’re planning to open a business in BC with one or more partners, a BC partnership structure might be right for you. In a partnership, two or more people share ownership, profits, and responsibilities. Like sole proprietorships, partners are personally liable for business debts and legal obligations. To register a business in BC as a partnership you can pick and choose from the following types, BC general partnership, LP, LLP and or simply incorporate with two or more directors if you instead choose to go ahead with a incorporation.
BC Corporation
When you incorporate a business in BC, you create a separate legal entity distinct from its owners. This structure provides personal liability protection and offers tax advantages, but it requires more complex registration and ongoing compliance requirements. BC incorporations must follow strict record-keeping and reporting requirements. If you want you can conduct a BC Corporate name search to avoid name conflicts prior to your name pre-search or overall incorporation process.
| Business Structure | Personal Liability | Tax Treatment | Complexity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Unlimited | Personal tax rates | Low | Single owner businesses |
| Partnership | Unlimited (shared) | Flow-through taxation | Medium | Multi-owner businesses |
| Corporation | Limited | Corporate tax rates | High | Growth-oriented businesses |
Step 1: Choose and Reserve Your Business Name
The very first steps, is to pick the most perfect business name and reserve it! Don’t forget to choose from the many business structures most suitable for your business ideas, and venture! For example if you plan on doing a charity or start a non-profit business idea, the most suitable option in BC would be known as a BC Society. In British Columbia non profit are typically not known as a “Non-profit Organization” but go by the term “Societies”.
Name Requirements and Restrictions
When you start a company in BC, your business name must meet specific criteria. The name cannot be identical or confusingly similar to existing registered businesses in BC. Additionally, certain words are restricted and require special approval from government authorities.
We recommend conducting a thorough name search before you apply to register a business in BC. You can search existing business names through the BC Registry Services website to ensure your chosen name is available.
Name Reservation Process
To secure your preferred name while you complete the registration process, you can reserve it through BC Registry Services. Name reservations last for 56 days and provide you with exclusive rights to use that name during the reservation period. This step is particularly important if you’re planning to incorporate a company in BC.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation and Information to Register a Business in BC
Successful BC business registration requires specific documents and information.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to register a company in BC efficiently.
Essential Documents for Registration
When you set up a business in BC, you’ll need to provide personal identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. If you’re incorporating, you’ll also need to prepare corporate documents, including articles of incorporation and initial director information.
For partnerships, you’ll need partnership agreements that outline each partner’s roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements. These documents become crucial legal references as your business grows and evolves.
Address Requirements
Every business registered in BC must maintain a registered office address within the province. This address serves as the official location where legal documents and government correspondence will be delivered. If you’re working from home initially, you can use your residential address, but many entrepreneurs choose to use a professional business address service.
Step 3: Complete the Registration Process
Now we’ll walk you through the actual registration process to register a business in BC. The method varies depending on your chosen business structure.
Online Registration Through BC Registry Services Online
For sole proprietorships and partnerships, you’ll register a business in BC through the BC Registry Services Online website. The online system guides you through each step, making it straightforward to complete your registration from anywhere with internet access.
Create an account or directly select “Register a Sole Proprietorship” or “Register a Partnership” depending on your business structure. Enter your business information, including your chosen business name, business address, and business activity description.
Corporate Registration Process
If you’ve decided to incorporate a business in BC, you’ll use the BC Corporate Online system. This process requires more detailed information, including your corporate structure, share classes, and director information.
When you form a company in BC through incorporation, you’ll need to pay the required government fees and submit all necessary documents electronically. The system will review your application and, if everything is in order, approve your incorporation within a few business days.
Registration Confirmation and Business Number
Once you successfully register a business in BC, you’ll receive a Business Registration Number and official confirmation documents. Keep these documents safe, as you’ll need them for banking, tax registration, and other business activities.
Step 4: Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits to Register a Business in BC
After you register a business in BC, you’ll likely need additional licenses and permits to operate legally. The specific requirements depend on your business type, location, and activities.
Provincial Licenses and Permits
Many businesses need provincial licenses to operate in BC. These might include professional licenses, industry-specific permits, or environmental approvals. The BC government’s online license and permit tool can help you identify which permits your business needs.
Some common provincial licenses include:
- Retail sales licenses for businesses selling goods
- Service provider licenses for certain professional services
- Environmental permits for businesses that impact the environment
- Health permits for food service businesses
Municipal Business Licenses
Most municipalities in BC require businesses operating within their boundaries to obtain municipal business licenses. Contact your local city or district office to learn about their specific requirements and fees. These licenses typically need renewal annually.
Federal Requirements
Depending on your business activities, you might need federal licenses or permits. These often apply to businesses involved in transportation, broadcasting, or importing/exporting goods. Some examples of federal requirements in only certain cases could be for example the following:
Possible Federal Permits and Licenses
- Depending on your industry, you may require federal approval in addition to provincial or municipal licensing. Some examples include:
- Transportation & Trucking – Commercial vehicle operators crossing provincial or international borders may need federal transportation permits.
- Broadcasting & Telecommunications – Media outlets, radio stations, or telecommunications companies require licenses from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
- Importing & Exporting – Businesses bringing goods into or out of Canada often need permits through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or Global Affairs Canada.
- Fisheries & Marine Activities – Companies involved in fishing, aquaculture, or shipping may need licenses from Fisheries and Oceans Canada or Transport Canada.
- Health & Food Products – If your business deals with pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or food production, Health Canada may require federal licensing.
- Natural Resources – Businesses operating in mining, oil, gas, or forestry may need federal permits if they operate on federal lands or impact cross-border trade.
- Aviation – Airlines, air cargo, or charter companies must obtain licenses through Transport Canada.
Step 5: Register for Taxes and Open Business Banking
The final step in the BC business registration process involves setting up your tax obligations and business banking relationships.
Canada Revenue Agency Registration
All businesses operating in Canada must register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). When you establish a business in BC, you’ll need to obtain a Business Number (BN) from the CRA. If your business generates over $30,000 in annual revenue, you will need to register for PST with the CRA.
Visit the CRA website or call their business registration hotline to complete this process. You’ll need your BC business registration documents and basic business information to register with the CRA.
Provincial Tax Registration
BC businesses may also need to register for provincial taxes, depending on their activities. This might include provincial sales tax (PST) registration or payroll tax registration if you plan to hire employees.
Opening Business Bank Accounts
Once you’ve completed your business registration in BC, you can open dedicated business bank accounts. Most banks require your business registration documents, personal identification, and initial deposit to open business accounts. Separating your business and personal finances from day one simplifies bookkeeping, tax preparation, and business financial management. Choose a bank that offers business-friendly services and competitive fees for your business size and needs.
Important Compliance Considerations for 2025
As we move through 2025, several important compliance updates affect businesses in BC. New transparency requirements expected to take effect in March 2025 will require private companies in B.C. to file transparency register details online and introduce new public disclosure requirements.
Transparency Register Requirements
BC corporations must now comply with enhanced transparency reporting requirements. These rules require companies to maintain and file information about their beneficial owners and significant individuals with control over the corporation.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
After you register a business in BC, you’ll have ongoing compliance requirements. These include filing annual reports, maintaining current registered office information, and updating director details when changes occur.
Set up calendar reminders for these important deadlines to avoid penalties and maintain your business in good standing with BC authorities.
How Incorporation Pro Can Help
Incorporation Pro is Canada’s #1 leadings business registration and incorporation service provider. We are user friendly, easy to access, and reliable. We have been registering businesses within British Columbia for over 10+ years!
Here’s 3 reasons why you should choose us:
- We are FAST: We get your British Columbia business registered and incorporated within just 2 business hours.
- Professional support: Not only are we highly experienced professional our whole team is! We provide you with the guidance and knowledge from start to finish, we don’t leave you hanging.
- Honest and efficient: We directly email or ship you your information, based off the service of choice, and you preferences!
Conclusion
Learning how to register a business in BC doesn’t have to be complicated when you follow our step-by-step guide. From choosing your business structure and name to completing registration and obtaining necessary permits, we’ve covered all the essential steps to help you start a business in BC successfully.
At Incorporation Pro we offer many incorporation and business registration services to help you be at ease, our tools and services are easy to navigate and cater to every province, territory, and federally. We hope you found this informative guide useful, to start making your business registration journey a piece of cake. Stay informed about ongoing compliance requirements, maintain accurate records, and seek professional advice when needed to ensure your business continues operating legally and successfully in British Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a business in BC?
The time to register a business in BC varies by business structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships typically receive approval within 1-2 business days when registered online. We have many different processing cues options for you.
Can I register a business in BC if I live outside the province?
Yes, you can register a business in BC even if you live outside the province. However, you must maintain a registered office address within BC and comply with all provincial business requirements. Many out-of-province entrepreneurs use registered office services to meet this requirement. If you are looking to do a extra-provincial registration in BC definitely go for a extra-provincial.
What’s the difference between registering and incorporating a business in BC?
When you register a business in BC as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you’re simply notifying the government of your business activities. When you incorporate a business in BC, you’re creating a separate legal entity with distinct rights and obligations from its owners.
Do I need a lawyer to register a business in BC?
While you don’t legally need a lawyer to register a business in BC, many entrepreneurs find legal advice helpful, especially for incorporations or complex business structures. Simple sole proprietorship registrations can typically be completed independently using online resources.