Want to learn how to incorporate in BC? Starting a corporation in British Columbia can feel overwhelming, from choosing a name to paying fees to registering for taxes. We’ve created this clear guide to walk you through describing how to incorporate in BC, using the official process, which you can also use with us at Business Registration Center BC.
With this journey comes a whole lot of benefits, such as reduced liability, access to funding and financing options, selling your shares, and getting lower tax rates! A lot of this depends on our needs as a business owner and the goals you have in mind for your company.
We cover the required steps, costs, timelines and decisions you’ll need to make. While we aim to be thorough, we don’t offer legal or tax advice; you may wish to consult a lawyer or accountant to adapt to your situation if needed.
What Does "Incorporation" Really Mean?
When you incorporate under the provincial BC Business Corporations Act (BC Act), your business becomes a separate legal entity.
That means:
- It exists independently of you (the shareholders).
- It can own property, sign contracts, incur debt, and be sued or sue others.
- Its lifespan is not tied to yours, so it continues even if ownership or directors change.
In short, Incorporation in BC offers liability protection and positions your business as a formal “company.”
5 Simple Steps on How to Incorporate in BC
BRC BC offers many informative resources to help you incorporate in BC! You can view our helpful YouTube video above or visit our blog section anytime! We help you get incorporated with ease. Our information draws on the official BC Registry processes and common best practices. Here’s how we typically guide a new incorporation.
Step 1: Choose your business structure
You start by deciding that you want to incorporate (versus operating as a BC Sole Proprietorship or partnership)
Corporations under the BC Act give you limited liability and a structure suitable for growth.
Step 2: Reserve a company name (or choose a numbered name)
- If you want a custom name (e.g. “West Coast Custom Crafts Ltd”), submit a BC Name Request with BRC BC, as we do it through the BC Registries & Online Services.
- The name must include a legal corporate designation like “Ltd”, “Inc”, or “Corp”.
- Alternatively, you can choose a numbered name (e.g., “1234567 BC Ltd.”) – this can speed up the process since you dont wait for the BC name approval in this case.
- Name Reservations costs about CAD $30 with BRC BC.
Once you get a BC Name Request Number (NR), it’s valid for 56 days; you must complete the incorporation within that period or risk losing the reservation.
To learn more about how to secure a BC Name Approval and register your business name in British Columbia. check out our informative guide.
Step 3: Prepare incorporation documents
You must prepare the following:
Form 1 – Incorporation Application (BC)
Notice of Directors: Names, addresses, and other required info
BC Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Incorporation (share structure, classes of shares and rules)
Notice of address: Registered office/records office address (must be in BC; cannot be solely a P.O. Box. )
Signed consents from each initial director to act.
Optionally: Create internal documents, bylaws, shareholder agreements, a minutebook, and share allocation needs.
Step 4: File online through the Business Registration Center BC in Just 2 Hours
You can easily and quickly submit your BC Incorporation package through our website’s online form and system.
Once one of our registry filing experts has reviewed it and it’s accepted by the BC Government, you will receive a BC Certificate of Incorporation and a unique BC Corporation Number – your business is officially a registered and legal company in British Columbia.
Step 5: Post-incorporation registrations & setup
Once incorporated, you’ll likely need to:
- Register for a business number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for corporate tax, GST/HST, payroll, etc.
- Register for provincial sales tax (PST) under the rules in BC if your business sells taxable goods or services. See our informative guide on GST and PST in BC.
- Open a corporate bank account (usually you’ll need your BC Certificate of Incorporation, articles, corporate resolutions and ID for directors).
- Maintain a “Transparency register” (private companies in BC must keep a register of significant individuals, directors, shareholders, etc.).
How much does it cost to incorporate in BC?
Costs vary based on what you choose.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Government filing fees” (CAD $49 (For a standard BC Company, and on the basic package)
- Name reservation (if using a custom name): CAD $49
- If you choose an “BC Unlimited liability company” (Rare), the fee is higher (e.g., with BRC BC it’s $49 + Government Fees)
Keep in mind: If you hire a lawyer or use a third-party service, you may pay more for professional help customized to articles/bylaws, tax setup, etc.).
How long does it take to incorporate in BC with BRC BC?
- If all documents are ready and there are no issues, the filing with BRC BC is one of the fastest; in many cases, based on selected processing queues, incorporation can be completed within just 2 hours after submission within working days and working hours.
- BC Name Approval (if needed) – via our BC name reservation services may require additional time (though using a numbered name can speed up the process)
- After approval, once you submit the full application, you get the certificate of incorporation and BC number, then you can move ahead with opening a bank account, registering for tax, etc.
Provincial Incorporation vs Federal Incorporation — Comparison Table
Our registry experts put together this comparison guide between incorporating in BC (Provincially) or incorporating in Canada (Federally) under the Canada Bussiness Corporations Act.
| Feature / Factor | Provincial (BC) Incorporation | Federal Incorporation |
|---|---|---|
| Legal jurisdiction | Province of BC only | Canada-wide |
| Right to do business in all provinces | Limited; would need extra-provincial registration elsewhere | Right to operate in all provinces without extra-provincial registration |
| Name protection | Only within BC — name may conflict in other provinces | Name protected across all of Canada |
| Cost & compliance burden | Lower cost and simpler ongoing compliance for BC operations | Generally higher cost and more regulatory requirements |
| Ideal for | Local business operating only in BC | Businesses aiming for national reach or expansion across Canada |
We recommend provincial incorporation if you stay within BC. It is simpler, cheaper and quicker. If you have national ambitions, federal incorporation may make more sense despite the higher costs.
Putting it into Perspective with an Example: Small Local Business in Vancouver
Let’s say we’re opening a small graphic design studio in Vancouver, BC – “Dream Pixels LTD.”
- We decide we want a corporation (not a sole proprietorship. If you would rather learn how to register a Sole proprietorship in BC instead check out our informative clear guide) because we want liability protection and the ability to grow.
- We submit a BC Name Request for “Dream Pixels LTD.” via BRC BC and pay the fee. We receive a Name Request Number (NR).
- We prepare all necessary documents: Form 1, notice of directors, articles of incorporation, notice of address (registered office in Vancouver), and consents from directors.
- We file online via Corporate Online, submit the basic fees.
- A few business days later, BC issues our BC Certificate of Incorporation for “Dream Pixels LTD.” which is now legally a corporation.
- We register for a business number with the CRA (corporate tax, GST/PST as needed), open a corporate bank account, set up internal records and transparency register, and we’re ready to operate.
That’s how a typical BC Incorporation plays out in practice.
Myths vs Facts About Incorporating in British Columbia
Myth 1: Incorporation will instantly make my business tax-free.
Fact: Incorporatoin does not eliminate taxes. As a corporation, you still need to register for a Business Number, account for GST/PST (if Applicable) and file corporate income tax.
Myth 2: I must hire a lawyer to incorporate in BC.
Fact: You do not need a lawyer. Many business owners complete the incorporation themselves by preparing the required forms and filing online.
Myth 3: Once incorporated, I can legally operate anywhere in Canada.
Fact: A BC Incorporated company only has automatic rights within BC. To operate in other provinces, you likely need “Extra provincial registration,” something BRC BC can help you with as well.
Myth 4: BC Name Reservations last forever after approvals.
Fact: A BC Name Reservation (for a custom company name) is valid for 56 days. If you don’t complete the incorporation, the reservation expires.
Conclusion
We believe incorporating in BC is a practical, manageable path if you want liability protection, a formal structure, and flexibility to grow your business within British Columbia. By following this step-by-step guide from naming and document to filing and registration, you can often complete the incorporation process quickly and without unnecessary cost.
If you plan to stay local, BC incorporation delivers simplicity and value. If you aim to grow nationally, you may weigh the benefits of federal incorporation or extra-provincial registration. In any case, thoughtful preparation and good record-keeping go a long way to set a strong foundation for your business.
Feel free to reach out if you want a deeper dive into GST, PST, or how to maintain a corporation after incorporation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Incorporating in British Columbia
How to incorporate in BC?
To incorporate in BC, we choose a business structure, reserve a company name (or opt for a numbered name), prepare the required incorporation documents, file through BC Registries’ Corporate Online, pay the filing fees, then register for tax and set up corporate operations.
How much does it cost to incorporate a company in BC?
The basic government cost is about CAD $350, plus CAD $30 for name reservation (if you choose a custom name), for a total around CAD $380.
How long does it take to incorporate a business in BC?
If your paperwork is ready and submitted correctly, incorporation often completes within a few business days after you file online.
Do you need a unique company name to incorporate in BC?
You can either reserve a custom, unique name (which must pass approval) or choose a numbered name (e.g. 1234567 B.C. Ltd.) — the latter often speeds up incorporation.
Do I need a lawyer to incorporate in BC?
No — it’s possible to complete the incorporation yourself. However, legal advice can help if you want customized articles, complex share structures, or tax planning.
What documents are required to incorporate in BC?
At minimum: Incorporation Application (Form 1), Notice of Directors, Articles of Incorporation, Notice of Address (registered office), and director consent forms.
What happens after incorporation in BC?
You get a Certificate of Incorporation and BC Corporation Number. Then you’ll likely register for a Business Number (BN) with CRA, set up GST/PST if applicable, open a corporate bank account, and maintain corporate records.
Can BC incorporation operate across Canada?
Not automatically. BC incorporation grants rights within BC only. To operate outside BC, you must register extra-provincially in other provinces.