Incorporate a Business in British Columbia

Current government costs, name approval, required documents, timelines, and post-incorporation obligations for incorporating in British Columbia in 2026.

Incorporating a business in British Columbia creates a legal entity that is separate from its shareholders. For a growing business, this can provide limited liability, continuity, greater ownership flexibility, and additional options for raising capital. Incorporation also brings new responsibilities, including maintaining corporate records, filing an annual report, and submitting a separate corporate income tax return.

The process starts with deciding whether B.C. or federal incorporation is right for the business. You then choose a named or numbered company, establish the directors, offices, and share structure, prepare the required corporate documents, and file the Incorporation Application.

This guide explains how to incorporate in B.C. in 2026, including current government costs, name approval, required documents, timelines, and post-incorporation obligations.

Last reviewed: September 2026.

● Quick Answer: How Do You Incorporate a Business in BC?

To incorporate a standard company in British Columbia, choose a named or numbered company, establish the company’s directors, and B.C. registered and record offices and authorized share structure, prepare the Articles and Incorporation Agreement, and file an Incorporation Application with BC Registries.

A named B.C. company normally requires a $30 Name Request, while a numbered company can skip that step. The government incorporation filing fee is $350, making the minimum government cost $380 for a named company or $350 for a numbered company. An approved name is reserved for 56 days.

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Named or numbered companies, filed and documented properly.

BC Incorporation at a Glance

Requirement	2026 Details
Governing legislation	Business Corporations Act (British Columbia)
Government incorporation fee	$350
Name Request	$30 for a named company
Numbered company	Name Request not required
Name reservation	56 days after approval
Estimated name processing	About 5 business days, subject to change
Priority service	Additional $100
Minimum directors	1
Canadian-resident director required	No
Registered office	B.C. delivery address required
Records office	B.C. delivery address required
Annual report fee	$43.39
Annual report deadline	Within 2 months after the incorporation anniversary

BC Registries states that processing times are estimates and may change. Its processing times page currently lists names and searches at about five business days, while priority service is available for an additional $100.

Should You Incorporate Your Business in BC?

A corporation has its own legal identity. It can own assets, enter contracts, borrow money, and incur obligations separately from its shareholders.

For shareholders, liability is generally limited to their investment and other commitments to the company. However, incorporation does not protect a person from every possible liability. Personal guarantees, statutory director liabilities, and an individual’s own actions can still create personal exposure.

Incorporation may be worth considering when a business:

Is generating consistent income
Has meaningful business or liability risk
Plans to add shareholders or investors
Wants greater continuity beyond the original owner
Expects to retain earnings in the business
Needs a more flexible ownership structure
Plans significant long-term growth

A corporation also costs more to maintain than a sole proprietorship. Corporate tax returns, annual registry filings, bookkeeping, and corporate records all create additional administrative obligations.

For a small or early-stage business with limited risk and simpler tax needs, a B.C. sole proprietorship may still be more practical.

Sole Proprietorship vs. Corporation in BC

Factor	Sole Proprietorship	B.C. Corporation
Legal identity	The owner and business are the same.	Separate legal entity
Liability	The owner is generally personally responsible.	Shareholder liability is generally limited.
Income tax	Business income reported personally	The corporation files a T2 return
Ownership	One individual	One or more shareholders
Continuity	Closely connected to owner	The corporation continues independently.
Corporate records	Not required in the same way	Corporate records required
B.C. annual corporate report	No	Yes

Incorporation should not be treated as an automatic tax-saving strategy. A corporation can create tax-planning opportunities in some circumstances, but the outcome depends on income, withdrawals, ownership, and other factors. An accountant or tax professional can help determine whether incorporation makes financial sense for a particular situation.

BC Provincial vs. Federal Incorporation

A business operating in British Columbia can incorporate provincially under the Business Corporations Act or federally under the Canada Business Corporations Act.

Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on where the company expects to operate, its naming requirements, directors, and long-term plans.

Factor	B.C. Corporation	Federal Corporation
Governing law	B.C. Business Corporations Act	Canada Business Corporations Act
Registry	BC Registries	Corporations Canada
Standard online incorporation fee	$350	$200
Named corporation	B.C. Name Request required	Federal name approval process
Numbered corporation	Available	Available
Director residency	No Canadian residency requirement	Ordinarily, at least 25% must be resident Canadians.
Registered office	Must be in B.C.	Must be in the province or territory stated in the articles
Extra-provincial registration	May be required outside B.C.	May still be required in provinces where the business operates
Annual corporate filing	B.C. annual report	Federal annual return
Typical fit	Primarily B.C.-focused operations	Businesses choosing a federal structure or national corporate name

B.C. requires at least one director but does not impose a Canadian-residency requirement. Federal corporations ordinarily require at least 25% of their directors to be resident Canadians, or at least one resident Canadian where the corporation has fewer than four directors.

Federal online incorporation currently costs $200, while an online federal annual return costs $12. A federally approved word name gives the corporation the right to use that corporate name across Canada, but incorporation does not replace trademark protection or extra-provincial registration requirements.

Businesses considering the federal route can review the MD Legals Federal Incorporation Package.

How to Incorporate a Business in British Columbia: Step by Step

Step 1: Choose Between BC and Federal Incorporation

Start by deciding which jurisdiction is appropriate.

A provincial B.C. corporation is often suitable when the company’s main operations will be in British Columbia. Federal incorporation may be considered where a federal corporate structure or broader use of an approved corporate word name is important.

A federal corporation may still have to register extra-provincially in British Columbia or other provinces where it carries on business.

Step 2: Choose a Named or Numbered BC Company

A B.C. company can use either an approved word name or its incorporation number as its legal corporate name.

A named company could be: Pacific Horizon Consulting Ltd.

A numbered company could be: 1234567 B.C. Ltd.

A named company normally requires name approval before incorporation. A numbered company does not, which eliminates the name-approval stage and the $30 Name Request fee.

A numbered corporation can also register a separate operating or trade name where appropriate, although that operating name does not replace the corporation’s legal name.

Step 3: Request Approval for a BC Business Name

If you want a named corporation, submit a Name Request to BC Registries.

The current government fee is $30. Up to three proposed names may be submitted in priority order. Only one name is approved under a single request.

Once approved, the name remains reserved for 56 days. Complete the incorporation during that period. If the reservation expires, another Name Request and fee are generally required.

BC Registries also offers priority name processing for an additional $100, with a stated service target of approximately one to two business days. Regular processing times vary and should be checked when filing.

For the current government process, see B.C.’s official business name approval guidance.

Step 4: Determine Your Directors, Offices and Share Structure

A standard B.C. company must have at least one director, and the director must be an individual. British Columbia does not require directors to reside in Canada.

The corporation must also have a registered office and a records office.

The delivery addresses for both must be physical locations in British Columbia that are accessible to the public between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on business days for delivery of records. A delivery address cannot simply be a post office box.

If a business does not have a suitable address, MD Legals offers a registered office address service.

The company must also establish its authorized share structure, including the classes of shares it is authorized to issue and any rights or restrictions attached to those shares.

A simple, owner-operated corporation may need only a straightforward structure. Businesses involving investors, multiple shareholders, holding companies, or succession planning may require more careful structuring.

Step 5: Prepare the Articles and Incorporation Agreement

Before incorporation, the company must establish its Articles and complete an Incorporation Agreement.

The Articles contain the rules governing the company. A B.C. company can use the standard Table 1 Articles or adopt customized provisions where appropriate.

The Incorporation Agreement must be signed by every incorporator. It records each incorporator’s agreement to take one or more shares and states the number and class of shares being taken.

The Incorporation Agreement is not filed online with BC Registries. It must instead be retained with the corporation’s records.

Step 6: File the Incorporation Application

The Incorporation Application creates the company once it is accepted and the incorporation takes effect.

Information required for the filing includes:

Name reservation number, if applicable
Effective date and time
Incorporator names and addresses
Director names and addresses
Registered office addresses
Records office addresses
Authorized share structure
Any applicable translation of the company name

The standard B.C. incorporation filing fee is $350. A future-effective-date filing is available for an additional $100.

For current government fees, see BC Registries’ official forms and fee schedule.

Step 7: Receive the BC Incorporation Documents

Once the application is processed, BC Registries provides the company’s official incorporation documents, including:

Certificate of Incorporation
Certified copy of the Incorporation Application
Certified copy of the Notice of Articles
Cover sheet containing the incorporation number and Business Number

Keep these documents with the company’s corporate records.

The Articles and signed Incorporation Agreement should also be retained, but they are internal corporate documents rather than documents issued by the registrar.

Step 8: Complete the Post-Incorporation Setup

Creating the corporation is only the first stage of operating it properly.

After incorporation, formally issue shares, record ownership, create required corporate registers, review tax accounts, and establish a system for future filings.

For owners who prefer assistance with the filing process, MD Legals offers a B.C. Incorporation Package with incorporation support and optional related services. Its current B.C. offering also lists optional corporate records, WorkSafeBC, CRA program accounts, and registered-address services.

What Documents Should a BC Corporation Keep?

After incorporation, distinguish between documents issued by BC Registries and internal records maintained by the corporation.

Record	Purpose
Certificate of Incorporation	Confirms the company’s incorporation
Incorporation Application	Records information filed with the registry
Notice of Articles	Contains key registered corporate information
Articles	Sets the internal rules of the company
Incorporation Agreement	Records the incorporators’ agreement to form the company
Central securities register	Records issued shares and ownership
Transparency register	Identifies significant individuals where required
Resolutions and meeting records	Documents corporate decisions

A corporation minute book can organize the corporation’s governing documents, registers, resolutions, and other records.

How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate in BC in 2026?

The minimum government cost depends on whether the business uses an approved name or a numbered corporation.

Government Cost	Named BC Company	Numbered BC Company
Name Request	$30	$0
Incorporation filing	$350	$350
Minimum government total	$380	$350

Additional government fees may apply:

Additional Service	Government Fee
Priority service	$100 additional
Future-dated filing	$100 additional
Annual report	$43.39

These are government fees only. They do not include fees charged by lawyers, accountants, incorporation providers, or other professional services. The B.C. government currently lists a $350 incorporation filing fee, a $30 Name Request fee, and a $43.39 annual report fee.

How Long Does It Take to Incorporate in BC?

The overall timeline depends largely on whether the company is named or numbered.

Named Corporation

A named company must complete the Name Request process before incorporation.

BC Registries’ published processing information currently lists names and searches at approximately five business days but expressly notes that processing times are estimates and can change. Priority processing is available for an additional fee.

Once the name is approved, the incorporation documents can be completed, and the Incorporation Application filed.

Numbered Corporation

A numbered company does not need a Name Request. This removes the name-approval stage and can shorten the overall setup process.

MD Legals currently advertises expedited options for its B.C. incorporation service. Those service times are MD Legals’ own service offering and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of general government processing times.

Can a Non-Resident Incorporate a Company in British Columbia?

Yes. British Columbia does not require the directors of an ordinary B.C. company to be Canadian residents.

A B.C. company must have at least one director, but that individual can live outside British Columbia and outside Canada.

Non-resident ownership can still create separate tax, immigration, banking, and cross-border issues. The absence of a director-residency requirement does not mean that every foreign owner will have identical tax or operational requirements.

What Is the BC Transparency Register?

Private companies incorporated in British Columbia are generally required to create and maintain a transparency register identifying their significant individuals, subject to statutory exclusions.

A person may be a significant individual if they directly or indirectly have an interest or right in 25% or more of the company’s issued shares or voting rights, or if they have certain rights or abilities to elect, appoint, or remove a majority of the directors. Joint interests and people acting in concert can also affect the analysis.

The company keeps the transparency register at its records office. It is an internal corporate record and is not filed as part of the ordinary incorporation application.

Complex arrangements involving trusts, holding companies, or indirect ownership may require professional advice to determine who must be listed.

First 10 Things to Do After Incorporating in BC

Keep the incorporation documents together. Retain the Certificate of Incorporation, Incorporation Application, Notice of Articles, Articles and Incorporation Agreement.
Set up the corporate records. Organize the company’s registers, resolutions, and other required records.
Issue the initial shares. The company’s ownership should be formally documented.
Update the central securities register. Record the shareholders and shares issued to them.
Create the transparency register where required. Identify and record the company’s significant individuals.
Confirm the CRA accounts. A corporation incorporated in B.C. automatically receives a federal Business Number and a corporation income tax program account.
Determine whether GST/HST registration is required. Most businesses stop being small suppliers once they exceed the applicable $30,000 threshold under CRA rules. Eligible small suppliers may generally register voluntarily.
Review B.C. PST requirements. PST registration depends on the goods, software, and services the company provides. B.C.’s PST rules are also changing for certain professional services effective October 1, 2026, so current rules should be checked before registration.
Check payroll and WorkSafeBC requirements. Businesses hiring workers in B.C. generally must register for WorkSafeBC insurance coverage.
Check licences and permits. Incorporation creates the corporation, but it does not replace municipal or industry-specific business licences.

CRA, GST/HST, PST and Payroll After Incorporation

A B.C. corporation automatically receives a CRA Business Number and a corporation income tax program account through information sharing between the provincial registry and the Canada Revenue Agency.

Other accounts depend on how the company operates.

GST/HST

For most businesses, the small-supplier threshold is $30,000 in taxable supplies, subject to the CRA’s rules for a single quarter and consecutive calendar quarters.

A qualifying small supplier generally does not have to register but may choose to register voluntarily.

Businesses that need assistance setting up the account can use MD Legals’ GST registration service.

BC PST

PST is separate from GST/HST. A B.C. business may have to register when it sells or leases taxable goods, provides taxable software, or supplies services that fall within the provincial PST rules.

Because B.C. announced additional PST changes effective October 1, 2026, businesses should verify whether their specific products or services are taxable before registering or collecting PST.

Payroll

A corporation needs a payroll program account when its remuneration and withholding obligations require one. Incorporation alone does not mean every company must open a payroll account immediately.

BC Corporation Annual Requirements

After incorporation, a corporation remains responsible for both corporate registry filings and tax filings.

Requirement	General Deadline/Frequency	Filed With
B.C. Annual Report	Every year, within 2 months after the incorporation anniversary	BC Registries
T2 Corporation Income Tax Return	Within 6 months after tax year-end	CRA
Corporate records	Maintain continuously	Company
Transparency register	Maintain and update as required.	Company
GST/HST returns	According to the assigned reporting period	CRA
Payroll filings/remittances	According to applicable payroll obligations	CRA

BC Annual Report

A B.C. company must file an annual report every year within two months after its incorporation anniversary. The current government fee is $43.39.

MD Legals also provides corporate annual filing support for businesses that prefer help with filing.

T2 Corporation Income Tax Return

The annual report and the corporate tax return are different filings.

The B.C. annual report is filed with the provincial registry. The T2 Corporation Income Tax Return is filed with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Resident corporations generally have to file a T2 return for every tax year, even when no tax is payable, subject to limited exceptions. A corporation’s T2 return is generally due within six months after the end of its tax year.

For the federal rules, see CRA’s T2 Corporation Income Tax Guide.

Common BC Incorporation Mistakes

Using the Wrong Provincial Terminology

B.C. incorporation uses Articles, an Incorporation Agreement, an Incorporation Application and a Notice of Articles. Using terminology from another jurisdiction can create unnecessary confusion.

Missing the 56-Day Name Reservation

A successful Name Request does not reserve a corporate name indefinitely. Incorporation must be completed before the 56-day reservation expires if the company wants to use that approved name.

Choosing a Share Structure Without Considering Future Plans

A basic share structure may suit a single-owner corporation but may become restrictive if the company later adds shareholders, investors, or more complex ownership arrangements.

Failing to Document Share Ownership

Authorizing a class of shares is not the same as properly issuing shares. Document actual ownership and reflect it in the central securities register.

Forgetting the Transparency Register

Private B.C. companies subject to the rules must identify their significant individuals and maintain the required register.

Confusing the Annual Report With the T2

The annual report keeps the corporation’s B.C. registry information current. The T2 reports corporate income tax information to the CRA. Filing one does not satisfy the other.

Treating Incorporation as a Business Licence

Incorporation creates the legal company. It does not automatically authorize every business activity or replace municipal licences and other permits.

Assuming the Corporate Name Is a Trademark

Name approval and trademark registration serve different purposes. An incorporated name does not automatically create registered trademark rights.

Mixing Personal and Corporate Finances

A corporation is a separate legal entity. Maintaining separate banking and accounting records helps preserve that separation and improves financial record-keeping.

Ignoring Extra-Provincial Registration

Operating beyond B.C. may trigger registration requirements in other provinces or territories. Federal incorporation can also require provincial registration where the company carries on business.

DIY BC Incorporation vs. Using a Professional Service

You can incorporate a straightforward B.C. company without hiring a lawyer or incorporation provider.

The better option depends on the complexity of the business.

Option	Advantages	Limitations	Often Suitable For
DIY through BC Registries	Lowest service cost and direct control	Owner prepares and reviews the filing	Straightforward owner-managed corporations
Incorporation service	Administrative assistance and optional setup services	Additional service cost	Owners who prefer guided filing support
Lawyer/custom advice	Tailored legal structuring	Typically higher professional cost	Complex shares, investors, or ownership structures

Professional legal or tax advice is particularly worth considering where the company involves multiple shareholders, customized share rights, investor financing, holding-company arrangements, trusts, reorganizations, or shareholder agreements.

BC Incorporation Checklist

Before filing, confirm that you have:

☐ Chosen between provincial and federal incorporation
☐ Decided on a named or numbered company
☐ Received name approval if required
☐ Checked that the name reservation is still valid
☐ Identified the incorporator or incorporators
☐ Selected the initial director or directors
☐ Established the registered office
☐ Established the records office
☐ Determined the authorized share structure
☐ Prepared the Articles
☐ Signed the Incorporation Agreement
☐ Prepared the Incorporation Application
☐ Budgeted for applicable government fees
☐ Planned how the initial shares will be issued
☐ Prepared to maintain the central securities register
☐ Determined whether a transparency register is required
☐ Reviewed GST/HST and PST requirements
☐ Reviewed payroll and WorkSafeBC requirements
☐ Checked applicable business licences and permits
☐ Planned for the annual B.C. report and T2 filing

Frequently Asked Questions About Incorporating in BC

How much does it cost to incorporate a company in BC in 2026?

The standard B.C. government incorporation fee is $350. A named corporation normally also requires a $30 Name Request, making the minimum government cost $380. A numbered B.C. company can skip the Name Request, so its minimum government incorporation cost is $350.

Can I incorporate a business in BC online?

Yes. Standard B.C. companies can generally be incorporated electronically through Corporate Online. The filing requires information about the incorporators, directors, registered and records offices, share structure, and, when applicable, the approved corporate name.

How long does it take to incorporate in BC?

A named company must first obtain name approval. BC Registries currently publishes an estimated processing time of about five business days for names and searches, although wait times change. A numbered corporation skips the Name Request stage.

Do I need a lawyer to incorporate in British Columbia?

No. A lawyer is not required for a standard B.C. incorporation. Professional legal or tax advice may help businesses with multiple shareholders, customized share rights, holding-company structures, investors, or complex ownership arrangements.

Can one person incorporate a BC company?

Yes. B.C.’s incorporation rules allow one or more persons to form a company, and an ordinary B.C. company must have at least one director. A single-owner corporation can therefore have one shareholder and one director, provided it meets the other legal requirements.

Can a non-resident be a director of a BC company?

Yes. B.C. does not require directors of an ordinary company to be Canadian residents. The company must still meet its B.C. registered and records office requirements and any applicable tax, banking, or immigration obligations.

Do I need a BC address to incorporate?

The company’s registered and records office delivery addresses must be in British Columbia. They must be physical locations accessible for delivery during the required business hours and cannot simply be post office boxes.

What is the difference between a named and numbered BC corporation?

A named corporation uses an approved corporate word name and normally requires a $30 Name Request. A numbered corporation receives its legal name based on the incorporation number assigned by BC Registries and does not require name approval.

Does a BC corporation need a transparency register?

Private companies incorporated in B.C. generally need to maintain a transparency register identifying their significant individuals, subject to statutory exclusions. The register is kept with the company’s records rather than submitted as part of the ordinary incorporation application.

What does a BC corporation have to file every year?

A B.C. company generally files a provincial annual report within two months of its incorporation anniversary and a T2 corporate income tax return for each tax year. GST/HST, payroll, and other filings may also apply depending on the company’s activities.

How MD Legals Helps With BC Incorporation

MD Legals provides B.C. incorporation services for both named and numbered companies. Its current offering includes incorporation document preparation and filing assistance, with optional services such as corporate records, WorkSafeBC registration, CRA program accounts, and registered-address support.

Ready to Incorporate a Company in British Columbia?

Review the MD Legals B.C. Incorporation Package to choose the filing and additional services that fit the business.

Start Your BC Incorporation →

Final Thoughts

Incorporating in British Columbia involves more than submitting one online form. The important decisions happen before, and immediately after, filing: choosing the right jurisdiction, selecting a named or numbered company, setting up the share structure, preparing the correct B.C. documents, and establishing the records and tax accounts the corporation will need.

For a straightforward business, you can complete the process directly through the provincial registry. More complex ownership, share structures, or expansion plans may justify professional legal, tax, or incorporation assistance.

Whichever route you choose, setting the company up correctly at the beginning can make future corporate filings, ownership changes, and compliance easier to manage.