Want to learn how to register a company in BC? Registering a company in the province of British Columbia is a key step for any new business owner, but the process can feel confusing if you’ve never handled government filings before. The good news is that the BC’s incorporation system is straightforward once you understand the steps. This guide explains the full BC incorporation process in clear, simple language, so you know exactly what to expect.
We’ll walk you through what you’ll need to prepare before filings, how the online incorporation system works, the required documents, the most common mistakes to avoid and the real costs of setting up a corporation in British Columbia. If you’re looking to understand how the incorporation process works from start to finish, we provide you with a practical overview.
Why Incorporation Makes Sense
When you choose to incorporate in British Columbia, you create a separate legal entity. Unlike a BC Sole Proprietorship, which does not create a separate legal identity, you receive limited liability protection, and the corporation can hold assets, enter into contracts, and take on obligations from you.
Research Fact:
As reported by The Government of Canada’s SME Profile Data, incorporation is much more desirable because corporations thrive after the first five years compared to unincorporated businesses. If you know what is required to incorporate a business in BC, you can incorporate easily.
5 Steps: How to Easily Register a Company in BC Online
If you’re wondering how to register a company in BC, the process is straightforward once you understand the required steps.
See them below.
Step 1: Choose Your Company Name & Submit a BC Name Request
The first step in registering a company in British Columbia is selecting a unique and compliant business name
The company name has to comply with certain naming rules, which are:
- Distinctive
2. Descriptive
3. Compliant with the BC Naming Rules
After you choose your name for a BC Name Approval, you will have to file for a BC Business Name Request (NR)
What to Expect:
- You can enter a maximum of 3 name suggestions
2. British Columbia Registry evaluates names
3. Standard Processing: A few business days (Different processing times available via Business Registration Center BC)
3. If approved, your requested name will take effect for only 56 days
You must complete your incorporatoin within those 56 days to secure your name.
Step 2: Preparing Your Incorporation Documents
To incorporate in BC legally, there are some legal documents involved. They contain information about how you will operate your company and how it will be managed. This is usually the most technical part of the BC incorporation process. when learning how to register a company in BC.
Important documents include:
- Incorporation Agreement
- Articles of Incorporation
- Notice of Articles
- Registered Office Address
- Records Office Address
- Directors’ Information
These documents cover:
- Who controls the company
- How decisions are made
- Structure of shares
- Where the business shall store its business records
Review all information carefully before submitting, as even small errors can delay approval. Using a BC Government-authorized intermediary like BRCBC reduces mistakes-every application is reviewed thoroughly before filing.
Using an official BC Government intermediary like us helps reduce the chances of any errors, as every BC incorporation application is precisely reviewed before submission.
Step 3: Filing Your BC Incorporation Application
Once your documents are prepared, the next step is filing your BC incorporation application. Through our guided and easy online system, you can complete the process ina few simple steps.
We have an easy, supportive, guided process with our forms to help you set up a corporation in BC, and that answers any of your most common questions:
You will need to include:
- Your approved Name Request
- Your Signed Incorporation agreement
- Your articles
- Your directors’ and office addresses
This is the formal step whereby your company is established.
After approval, the government will issue:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Notice of Articles
- Incorporation Number
At this point, your business legally exists as a separate entity.
Step 4: Set Up Corporate Records & Share Structure
Finally, after your BC incorporation filing is finished, your business is required to keep records that reflect how your corporation functions. This is known as staying compliant, which you will see a lot across many business incorporation websites.
These are typically found within your business records:
- Share certificates
Share - Central securities register
- Directors’ register
- Minutes of meeting
- Resolutions
- Transparency register (required in BC)
A good corporate records structure ensures that your business remains up to date and makes future submissions easier.
Step 5: Register for Additional Accounts After Incorporation
Now that your business is incorporated in BC, you might have to register a couple more things, depending on what type of business you have.
Typical post-incorporation registrations include:
- GST/HST
- PST
- WorkSafeBC
- Payroll accounts
- Licences to operate a business on the Municipal level
These are not part of incorporating a company but are rather part of establishing a fully functional company in BC.
Costs of Incorporating a Company in British Columbia
Here is a simple breakdown of the average cost for anyone learning how to register a company in BC:
| Cost Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Name Request | $49 + Goverment Fees |
| BC Incorporation Filing Fee | $49 + Government and System Fees |
| Optional professional preparation | Varies |
| Business licence (municipal) | Varies |
Common Mistakes When Registering a Company in BC
Here are the most common mistakes people encounter during the BC incorporation process:
- Submitting a weak company name that would fail to register
- Using an improper business structure (corporation vs. proprietorship)
- Filling out Articles of Incorporation incorrectly
- Failure to keep required corporate records
- Failure to register for other accounts after incorporation
Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure a smooth and successful incorporation
A Real-World Perspective: What We’ve Learned Helping Canadians Register a Company in BC
Since we deal with Canadians seeking information on how to register a company in BC, we have identified trends and actual concerns that don’t get discussed much or any at all.
1. Founders most likely do not know what share structure is required.
Look, most new business founders are not entirely sure of their own share allocation system choices. Simple share allocation systems are most effective at this initial stage and for one-person business ownership alone.
2. BC Name Request or NUANs are rejected more often than people think.
We see many people being startled to hear that their preferred name is being rejected. BC is very particular about names, so they have naming rules in place. A business name should be distinctive, descriptive, and compliant. Many names have been rejected for being very similar to another business name already registered. The best method is to have a name distinctive because of its unique component rather than its descriptive component, only then going ahead with a BC Name Request and Approval. You can also avoid this by doing pre-searches for either BC Business Name Search or for NUANS.
3. Incorporation processes take too much time to complete, especially after approval by the government.
The filing itself takes no time at all. Delays occur when opening a corporate bank account or when seeking key documentation. Banks may require all documents related to the company setup, such as the Notice of Articles, the Incorporation Agreement, and share certificates. A single document being missing can cause delays.
4. New entrepreneurs undervalue the role of the corporate book of record.
For BC, one requires a book of records (either physical or electronic). Many entrepreneurs forget to do this because no one points it out in guidelines.Actually, it is very important while seeking any kind of funding or investors or while ensuring provincial openness guidelines.
5. People think that incorporating will solve everything.
Based on experience helping Canadians incorporate, simply getting incorporated is just the beginning. You’ll still need to have licenses, tax registrations, good administration, good bookkeeping, and good operating systems in place. You have started to create the foundation—you continue to add to it.
6. The most common feeling after incorporation is relief and not stress.
Founders usually say:
“It wasn’t as hard as I expected.” When you do things in the right order, everything becomes more manageable. A step-by-step approach is very helpful because it transforms confusion into confidence.
Practical Tips for a Smooth BC Incorporation Process
We always recommend these practical steps when helping clients understand how to incorporate a company in BC:
- Store all documents inside an encrypted file folder.
- The NR number should be written in several places.
- Prepare your Articles before you apply.
- Ensure all directors comply with BC residency requirements before filing.
Small steps towards incorporating in BC help you process the whole application faster and easier. If you require support and step-by-step guidance, BRC BC is here to help you along the way to help you incorporate in BC successfully.
Myths vs Facts on BC Incorporations
Myth: You have to have a lawyer to incorporate your company in BC.
Fact: Incorporation can now also be done online without necessarily having to use an attorney.
Myth: Automatically getting tax benefits after becoming incorporated.
Fact: You don’t automatically save on your tax bills based on your earnings or your compliance.
Myth: Incorporation shields you from all liability.
Fact: It provides limited liability protection, not absolute protection.
Myth: A name is guaranteed even if it’s “unique enough.”
Fact: Names have to abide by certain BC name guidelines, and most names are rejected.
Myth: Incorporation is equivalent to being granted a business license.
Fact: A business license is separate and comes from your municipality.
Conclusion
It is easy to learn how to register a company in BC if you do it step by step and understand what you have to go through. Incorporating your business in British Columbia provides your business with structure and growth opportunities down the road. It is easy to do everything required to incorporate your business if you take the time to prepare your documents and company files afterward.
If you’re ready to incorporate or need assistance relating to the BC Incorporation guidelines, we’re here to walk you through each step of the way. Get started with BRC BC today.
About Business Registration Centre BC (BRCBC)
BRC BC has helped Canadians register and establish or operate their businesses successfully within British Columbia or across Canada since 2002.
Annually, we will work with thousands of entrepreneurs to lead them through each step of forming their business corporation within BC, as well as maintaining housekeeping for each new business afterward for its sustained success.
Our know-how comes from actual cases and actual chats we have had with business owners because we operate on a daily basis within the corporate registry system in BC and understand problems on a daily basis and not just procedural requirements. This approach gives us the capability to offer trustworthy advice to new business owners to remain compliant from day one itself.
FAQs About How to Register a Company in BC
1. How long does it take to register a company in BC?
It usually takes a few business days for the name approval and same-day processing for the incorporation filing once everything is submitted correctly.
2. Do I need a physical address in BC to incorporate?
Yes, every incorporated company in BC must list a registered office and records office located in British Columbia.
3. Can I incorporate in BC if I’m not a BC resident?
Yes, but at least one director must meet Canadian residency requirements, depending on the structure.
4. Do I need a Name Request for numbered companies?
No, numbered companies skip the name approval step and can incorporate immediately.
5. Is a federal incorporation better than a BC incorporation?
It depends on where you operate. BC incorporation is ideal if your business primarily operates within the province.