How to incorporate in British Columbia
BC incorporation is governed by the Business Corporations Act and filed through BC Registries and Online Services. Total government cost is around $350 including the Name Request. Most filings are processed within a few business days.
Updated June 2026.
BC vs. federal
BC corporations work well for businesses operating primarily on the West Coast. BC also has no Canadian-resident director requirement, which makes it popular with founders relocating from outside Canada. Federal incorporation gives nationwide name protection but requires extra-provincial registration in BC anyway.
Step 1: Submit a Name Request
Unlike Ontario or federal, BC uses a Name Request (NR) instead of NUANS. Submit up to three proposed names through BC Registries; an examiner reviews them and approves one (or rejects all three). Cost: $30, processing takes 1–3 weeks for standard, ~$100 for priority (1–2 business days).
Approved name is reserved for 56 days. You can skip the NR by incorporating as a numbered company (e.g., BC1234567 Ltd.) and registering a trade name later.
Legal endings: Limited, Ltd., Incorporated, Inc., Corporation, Corp.
Step 2: Prepare incorporation documents
You’ll need:
- Notice of Articles - sets out share structure, restrictions, and registered/records office.
- Articles - the internal rulebook of the corporation (governance, share rights). Most small businesses use a standard template.
- Incorporation Agreement - signed by each incorporator, listing the shares each will take.
Step 3: File the Incorporation Application
File online through BC Registries and Online Services. You’ll upload your Notice of Articles and attest to the Incorporation Agreement. Provide:
- Approved name (or request a numbered company).
- Registered office and records office in BC.
- Names and addresses of first directors.
- Effective date.
Government fee: $351.58 (filing). Online filings are usually approved within 1–2 business days.
Step 4: After approval
- Receive your Certificate of Incorporation and incorporation number.
- Issue initial shares and update the central securities register (kept at your records office).
- Hold the organizational meeting - appoint officers, approve bylaws, set fiscal year.
- Get a CRA Business Number. Guide.
- Register for PST with BC if you sell taxable goods/services in BC. PST is administered separately from GST. Threshold to register is generally low ($10,000 in some cases).
- Register for GST/HST. Guide.
- Open a business bank account.
Ongoing requirements
- Annual Report filed within 2 months of the anniversary of incorporation. Fee: ~$43.39.
- Transparency Register - BC requires private companies to maintain a register of “significant individuals” (25%+ ownership/control). Kept internally but must be available on request.
- T2 corporate tax annually.
Total cost
| Item | DIY | With service |
|---|---|---|
| Name Request | $30 (or $100 priority) | Often included |
| Incorporation filing | ~$352 | ~$352 |
| Service fee | - | $200–$700 |
| Minute book / Articles | ~$50 | Included |
| All-in | ~$430 | $600–$1,100 |
FAQ
How long does the Name Request take?
Standard is 1–3 weeks. Priority service ($100) is usually 1–2 business days.
Do I need a BC address?
Yes - registered office and records office must be in BC. A registered office service handles this if you’re outside BC.
What’s the difference between Notice of Articles and Articles?
Notice of Articles is the public-facing summary filed with the registry (share structure, restrictions). Articles are the full internal rulebook, kept at your records office and provided when shareholders or directors ask.
Next steps
- Get your CRA Business Number.
- Register for GST/HST and PST.
- Compare accounting software.
Last updated: June 4, 2026. We review this page when rules or pricing change. Spot an error?