British Columbia is Canada's third-largest province by GDP and one of the most active provinces for new business incorporations. Whether you're a tech startup in Vancouver or a tradesperson in Kelowna, incorporating in BC gives your business limited liability protection and a more professional structure. This guide covers everything you need to incorporate in British Columbia in 2026 — including costs, steps, and what to do after your corporation is formed.
Provincial vs Federal Incorporation in BC
Before filing, you need to decide whether to incorporate under the BC Business Corporations Act (provincial) or the Canada Business Corporations Act (federal). For most BC-based businesses that operate primarily in BC, provincial incorporation is the simpler and slightly more cost-effective option.
| Factor | BC Provincial | Federal (CBCA) |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | $350 CAD | $200 CAD + $350 extra-provincial in BC = $550 total |
| Name protection | BC only | All of Canada |
| Governing law | BC Business Corporations Act | Canada Business Corporations Act |
| Director residency | No residency requirement | 25% must be Canadian residents |
| Annual filing | Annual Report to BC Registry | Annual Return to Corporations Canada + BC |
| Processing time | 1–3 business days (online) | 1–5 business days (online) |
A key advantage of BC incorporation for startups: the BC Business Corporations Act has no minimum share capital requirement and allows highly flexible share structures — multiple classes with different voting and dividend rights. This is favoured by tech founders planning future equity rounds.
What You Need Before You File
- Corporation name or number: You can incorporate under a named company ("Cascade Ventures Inc.") or a numbered company ("1234567 B.C. Ltd."). Named companies require a name approval through BC Registry.
- Registered and records office: A BC corporation must have both a registered office and a records office — both must be physical addresses in BC (not PO boxes). These can be the same address.
- One or more directors: BC has no residency requirement for directors, unlike federal corporations. One director is sufficient.
- Share structure: You must define the authorized share structure in your Notice of Articles. The most common: unlimited common shares with no par value.
- BC Services Card or identity verification: Needed for online filing through BC Registry Services.
How to Incorporate in BC: Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Reserve Your Company Name
Log in to BC Registry Services (bcregistry.gov.bc.ca) and search for your proposed company name. Unlike Ontario and federal filings, BC uses its own name approval system — not NUANS. If the name is available and approved, you receive a Name Reservation Number valid for 56 days.
Alternatively, form a numbered company (e.g., "1234567 B.C. Ltd.") and skip the name approval step entirely — numbered companies are issued immediately.
Step 2 — Prepare and File the Notice of Articles
In BC, the incorporation document is called the Notice of Articles (not Articles of Incorporation, as in other jurisdictions). It includes your company name, registered and records office addresses, directors, and share structure.
File online through BC Registry Services. The government fee is $350 CAD. Upon approval (typically 1–3 business days), you receive a Certificate of Incorporation and a BC Company Number.
Step 3 — Create a Memorandum of Association (optional)
Under the BC BCA, a Memorandum of Association is an optional internal document that outlines the founding shareholders and their initial share subscriptions. Most BC incorporations file a Memorandum at formation to clearly document the initial capitalization. SimplyfyBiz prepares this document as part of the incorporation package.
Step 4 — Apply for a CRA Business Number
After incorporation, register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for a Business Number (BN). This 9-digit number is required for corporate tax filing and is the root identifier for all CRA program accounts (HST/GST, payroll, import/export). Registration is free through CRA My Business Account.
Step 5 — Register for HST/GST if Applicable
BC has no provincial sales tax (PST) on many business services, but you must register for GST (5%) with CRA once your taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 CAD in a 12-month period. Many BC businesses register voluntarily at incorporation to claim input tax credits immediately.
Note: BC does have PST on tangible personal property and some services. Businesses selling goods or specific services must register separately for PST with the BC Ministry of Finance.
BC Incorporation Costs at a Glance (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| BC government filing fee | $350 CAD |
| Name reservation (if named company) | Included in BC Registry process |
| CRA Business Number | Free |
| SimplyfyBiz service fee (Starter) | $499 CAD |
| Annual BC Annual Report (ongoing) | $43.39 CAD/year |
All government fees listed are approximate and subject to change without notice. Always verify the current fee directly with BC Registry Services or Corporations Canada before filing. These fees are separate from SimplyfyBiz service fees. See our pricing →
Annual Compliance After Incorporating in BC
Once incorporated, a BC company has these recurring obligations:
- Annual Report: Filed annually with BC Registry, due within 2 months of the anniversary of incorporation. Fee: $43.39 CAD. Failure to file leads to dissolution.
- Corporate tax (T2): File a T2 corporate tax return with CRA each year, due 6 months after fiscal year end.
- Minute book maintenance: Keep records of director and shareholder resolutions, share register, and any changes to the Notice of Articles.
- HST/GST returns: If registered, file quarterly or annually depending on your revenue level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a BC address to incorporate provincially in BC?
Yes. A BC company must have both a registered office and a records office at a physical BC address (not a PO box). If you don't have a BC address, you can use a registered agent service. SimplyfyBiz can help you arrange a BC registered address as part of our service.
Can a non-Canadian resident incorporate in BC?
Yes. The BC Business Corporations Act has no Canadian residency requirement for directors or incorporators. Non-residents can incorporate in BC and hold 100% of the shares. This is one reason BC is popular for international entrepreneurs structuring Canadian operations.
How long does it take to incorporate in BC?
Online filings through BC Registry typically process in 1–3 business days. SimplyfyBiz handles preparation and submission for you, and most BC incorporations are completed within 3–5 business days end-to-end.
What is "B.C. Ltd." vs "B.C. Inc." vs "B.C. Corp."?
All three are valid corporate suffixes for BC companies and are legally equivalent. "Inc.", "Ltd.", "Corp.", "Incorporated", and "Limited" are all acceptable. The choice is purely cosmetic — it has no legal difference. Choose whichever fits your brand.