Thinking about incorporating a business in British Columbia? Incorporating means your business becomes a separate legal entity, offering protection and potential tax advantages. For entrepreneurs in BC, understanding how to structure and launch a corporation under the Business Corporations Act is key to starting on solid ground.
What it Means to Incorporate & Why do it?
When you choose to incorporate your business in BC, you are creating a company that is distinct from its shareholders and directors. This separate entity can hold assets, enter into contracts, take on debt or be sued in its own name. The process begins with defining your business structure, reserving a name, creating your articles and incorporation agreement, and finally filing the incorporation application. For example, you must choose whether the company uses a numbered name (such as “0123456 B.C. Ltd.”) or a unique word name, and if you choose the latter, you must reserve and approve it before incorporation.
Incorporating offers benefits like the continuity of the business beyond individual owners, the ability to raise capital, and a clearer governance structure. But it also brings additional responsibilities: the company must maintain corporate records (articles, minutes, shareholder registers), file annual reports and ensure compliance with the registry. One major point: while many provinces require a certain portion of directors to be resident Canadians, BC is more flexible and may allow non‑resident directors, making it relatively accessible.
Notable Steps to Incorporating a Business in BC
First, identify your business structure and whether incorporation suits your goals. Incorporation can provide limited liability for owners, helping protect personal assets against business liabilities.
Next comes the name approval step. In BC, you must submit a name request through BC Registries and Online Services. That reservation lasts 56 days, during which you must file your incorporation application.
Then you prepare the articles of incorporation, which set out the rules for how the company will operate, along with an incorporation agreement, signed by the incorporators (who typically become the first shareholders or directors), outlining share allocation and rights.
Finally, you file the incorporation application, pay the fee (for most companies around CAD $350) and receive your certificate of incorporation and notice of articles.
Contact us Today About Incorporation!
Incorporating a business in BC is a significant step that brings legal recognition, liability protection and potential growth advantages. But it also requires thoughtful planning, compliance with statutory obligations and upkeep of formal records. If your business is ready to evolve and you commit to meeting those governance demands, incorporation can position you for long-term stability and credibility. Contact us today to get started!
FAQ
How much does it cost to incorporate a business in BC?
The basic filing fee for incorporation in British Columbia is about CAD $350 for most companies.
Can I skip reserving a business name and just use a numbered company?
Yes. One option is to use a numbered company name (e.g., “0123456 B.C. Ltd.”), which bypasses the name‑approval process.
What are the ongoing obligations after I incorporate my company in BC?
After incorporation, you must maintain corporate records (such as minutes, share registers), file an annual report and keep your registered office address up to date
