Starting a business in British Columbia is an exciting step, but it also comes with important legal requirements you need to follow, and the most important step is completing your Incorporation Application in BC, which includes your Articles of Incorporation, Notices, and other required documents. Once this filing is approved, the BC Registry issues your BC Certificate of Incorporation. This is the official proof that your company has been legally formed under the BC Business Corporations Act. Whether you’re launching a new venture in BC or expanding operations into the province, understanding how this process works makes it much easier to register a company in BC smoothly and accurately.
What is a BC Certificate of Incorporation?
When you incorporate a company under the Business Corporations Act (BCBCA), the BC Corporate Registry issues an official document called the BC Certificate of Incorporation. This certificate is legal proof that your corporation has been formed and now exists as a separate legal entity.
Once you receive the BC Certificate of Incorporation, your company can:
- Enter into contracts
- Own property
- Open a business bank account
- Hire employees
- Operate independently of its owners
This basically marks the moment your corporation is “born”.
BC Articles of Incorporation — What They Are & Why They Matter
Before you can receive your BC Certificate of Incorporation, you must submit an Incorporation Application, and one of its core components is the BC Articles of Incorporation, commonly called simply the “Articles”.
What is Articles of Incorporation?
Articles set out the internal rules of your corporation. They are legally required and form the foundation of how your company will operate. Think of articles as the “Rulebook” for your business.
Your articles usually include:
- The company’s share structure
- Rules for issuing and transferring shares
- Right of shareholders
- Responsibilities of directors
- Conducting meetings
- How decisions are made within the company
Articles are part of the required documents submitted during incorporation and become part of your corporate records for as long as the company exists. You can start the BC incorporation Application with BRC BC at an affordable cost.
What You File vs. What You Receive (Clear Breakdown)
BC is a little different when it comes to what you get right away after incorporating. It’s important to understand the difference between both BC Certificate of Incorporation and BC Articles of Incorporation.
What you file → BC Incorporation Application
Your incorporation application includes:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Incorporation Agreement (Signed by incorporators)
- BC Name Request/Approval (Unless using a numbered name)
- Registered office address in BC
- Records Office address
- Director’s information
- Share structure
- Notice of Articles (Prepared based on your application)
This entire package is available online through the Business Registration Center BC.
What you receive → BC Certificate of Incorporation
After your application is approved, the BC Registry issues:
- BC Certificate of Incorporation
- Certified copies of your incorporation application
- Your notice of articles
- A cover sheet with your incorporation number
- (If applicable) Your business number (BN) from CRA
The BC Certificate of Incorporation is the official proof that your corporation now legally exists within BC.
How to Get a BC Certificate of Incorporation — Step by Step
1. Choosing a Business Name
You can choose:
- A Named Corporation (Requires BC name request and reservation), or
- A numbered corporation (quickest option)
2. Prepare Your Incorporation Documents
You must have:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Incorporation Agreement
- Share Structure details
- Director(s) information
- Registered and records offices’ addresses (If you do not have a registered office address at this time, BRC BC offers business address registration services for incorporation)
3. File Your Incorporation Application Online
You may submit everything through the Business Registration Center BC Online, pay the applicable fee, and wait for review and approval.
4. Receive Your Certificate of Incorporation
If approved, your certificate and corresponding documents are emailed to your inbox based on the queue selected upon checkout.
BC Incorporation Vs Federal Incorporation (A Clear Comparison)
| Feature | BC Incorporation | Federal Incorporation |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | BC Business Corporations Act | Canada Business Corporations Act |
| Name protection | Protected only within BC | Protected across Canada |
| Director residency | No Canadian residency requirement | At least 25% must be Canadian residents |
| Registered office | Must be in BC | Anywhere in Canada |
| Best for | BC-focused businesses | Canada-wide operations |
Benefits of Getting a BC Certificate of Incorporation
- Your company becomes a separate legal entity
- Shareholders gain limited liability protection
- Your business name receives BC protection
- Easier access to financing and investment
- More professional credibility
- Ability to issue and transfer shares
- Simple record-keeping rules compared to federal incorporation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing document with missing signatures
- Submitting an article with errors or omissions
- Selecting a corporate name that is most likely to get rejected
- Forgetting to file the annual report on time
- Keeping poor or incomplete corporate records
Tips for a Smooth Incorporation Process
- Use BC’s Corporate Online system for faster approval
- Organize corporate records book from day one
- Choose a strong, unique business name
- Keep your incorporation documents backed up and accessible
- Stay ahead of annual reporting deadlines
Myths vs. Facts About BC Certificate of Incorporation
Myth: The certificate alone is all you need to stay compliant.
Fact: You must also maintain records and file annual reports.
Myth: Incorporation protects your name across Canada.
Fact: A BC Corporation’s name is protected only in British Columbia
Myth: You don’t need articles if you’re a small business.
Fact: Articles are required for every BC corporation, regardless of size.
This article was prepared by the Business Registration Centre BC team, with over 20 years of experience in provincial and federal business registrations. While reviewed for accuracy, the information is general in nature. Feel free to contact us anytime, Tel: 604-449-2000. Business Hours: Mon-Fri, 6 AM - 4 PM (PT). Email: info@brcbc.ca Address: 1248-13351 Commerce Pkwy, Richmond, V6V 2X7.
Conclusion
Getting your BC Certificate of Incorporation is the stepping stone to launching your business within British Columbia. It gives your business a legal identity, limited liability, and access to many corporate advantages, from contracts and financing to credibility and share transfers. While the process involves several steps (name reservation, articles, and incorporation agreement filing), it is manageable when done carefully.
Whether you’re a solopreneur starting a small business or planning growth and expansion, understanding the difference between what you file (the application) and what you receive (the certificate) is crucial. And by following best practices like keeping corporate records and filing annual reports, you set your company up for long-term success.
If you’re ready to begin, get started with incorporating in BC through the BRC BC’s expert team!
Tel: 604-449-2000 | Fax: 604-449-2256
Business Hours: Mon-Fri, 6 AM – 4 PM (PT)
Email: info@brcbc.ca
Address: 1248-13351 Commerce Pkwy, Richmond, V6V 2X7
FAQs
1. What is a BC Certificate of Incorporation?
It’s the official document proving that your corporation has been legally formed under BC law.
2. What documents do I need to file to incorporate in BC?
You must file an Incorporation Application, including Articles, the Incorporation Agreement, director details, and office addresses.
3. What’s the difference between Articles and the Certificate of Incorporation?
Articles are part of the application you file. The Certificate is what you receive once the application is approved.
4. Can I operate outside BC with a BC incorporation?
Yes, but you may need extra-provincial registration in other provinces.
5. Do I need a lawyer to incorporate in BC?
Not always. Many small businesses complete their incorporation themselves using standard Articles. Typically only needed when you go with custom articles.