Skip to the main content
Guidepost
START A BUSINESS

How to Start a Business in British Columbia (2026)

This page is the free British Columbia guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.

Facts checked October 2026 · See what changed · How we check

Registration, tax accounts, and structure comparison: everything you need to get your British Columbia business set up legally.

Free, on this page

British Columbia business setup guide

Download free invoice template
  1. 1

    Business Structures in British Columbia

    Open this section ↓

    Sole Proprietorship

    Registration: Register business name with BC Registry Services if using a name other than your own
    Liability: Unlimited personal liability
    Tax: Personal income; T1 Schedule T2125
    Best for: Low-risk freelancers, consultants

    Partnership

    Registration: Register partnership name; partnership agreement recommended
    Liability: Unlimited personal liability (general partners)
    Tax: Pass-through to partners
    Best for: Two or more founders, low risk

    BC Corporation

    Registration: Incorporate online via BC Registry (bcregistry.gov.bc.ca)
    Liability: Limited liability
    Tax: Corporate tax + small business deduction
    Best for: Growth businesses, liability protection needed

    Federal Corporation

    Registration: Incorporate via Corporations Canada; then register to do business in BC
    Liability: Limited liability; national
    Tax: Corporate tax, must also register provincially
    Best for: Multi-province operations
    ↑ Close this section
  2. 2

    Registration Details: British Columbia

    Open this section ↓

    Provincial Registry

    BC Registries & Online Services (Corporate Online)

    Official registry →

    Sole Proprietorship / Trade Name

    Registration required for trade names: $40 for sole proprietor / partnership name

    If operating under your own legal name, no registration required. Any trade name requires registration.

    Register here →

    Provincial Corporation

    Filing fee: $350 for incorporation

    BC corporations must have at least one director. Annual report required. A registered BC address is required.

    Incorporate provincially →

    Federal Corporation (optional)

    Filing fee: $200

    Federal corporations can operate nationwide but must also register in each province where they carry on business. The incorporation document is Form 1: Articles of Incorporation (CBCA), filed with Corporations Canada (ISED) together with the Initial Registered Office Address and the Notice of Directors.

    Incorporate federally (Corporations Canada / ISED) →
    ↑ Close this section
  3. 3

    Tax Registration in British Columbia

    Open this section ↓

    CRA Business Number (BN)

    Register for a CRA Business Number at canada.ca or by calling CRA. Required for GST/HST, payroll, and other accounts.

    If registering by paper rather than online, use Form RC1 (Request for a Business Number and Certain Program Accounts); available at canada.ca.

    GST / HST / QST

    Same as federal: register when annual taxable revenues exceed $30,000.

    Payroll

    Register payroll account with CRA when hiring employees. Deduct CPP, EI, and income tax.

    ↑ Close this section
  4. 4

    Business Name Search and Reservation

    Open this section ↓
    System: BC Name Request (NR): own system, not NUANS
    Fee: $30

    The BC Name Request (NR) reservation costs $30 and is valid for 56 days. BC uses its own name-approval system, not NUANS.

    ↑ Close this section
  5. 5

    Provincial Sales Tax in British Columbia

    Open this section ↓
    Type: PST: 7%
    Separate registration: Yes, provincial

    BC has a 7% PST separate from federal GST. If you sell taxable goods or services in BC, you must register for PST through eTaxBC.

    Register for PST →
    ↑ Close this section
  6. 6

    Annual Filing and Renewal in British Columbia

    Corporations file an Annual Report each year ($43.39).Open this section ↓

    Corporations file an Annual Report each year ($43.39). Sole proprietorships have no annual renewal fee.

    Fee: $43.39

    Official source →
    ↑ Close this section
  7. 7

    Step-by-Step: Starting Your British Columbia Business

    Open this section ↓
    1. 1

      Choose your structure.

    2. 2

      Register your business name or incorporate.

    3. 3

      Register for CRA Business Number.

    4. 4

      Register for GST/HST if over $30,000.

    5. 5

      Register for BC PST (7%) if selling taxable goods or services in BC.

    6. 6

      Open a business bank account.

    7. 7

      Check if a municipal business licence is required.

    8. 8

      Register for payroll if hiring.

    9. 9

      Set up bookkeeping.

    British Columbia-specific things to know

    • •BC has a provincial Sales Tax (PST) of 7% separate from GST. Register if you sell taxable goods or services in BC.
    • •BC uses its own Name Request (NR) system, not NUANS. The NR reservation is valid for 56 days.
    • •BC corporations file an Annual Report each year.
    • •WorkSafeBC registration is required for most employers. Register before your first hire at worksafebc.com.
    ↑ Close this section
  8. 8

    Common Questions

    Do I need to incorporate to start a business in British Columbia?Open this section ↓

    Do I need to incorporate to start a business in British Columbia?

    No. You can operate as a sole proprietor with just a registered business name. Incorporation makes sense if you need liability protection, plan to grow, or want the tax advantages of the small business deduction.

    Do I need to charge GST/HST right away?

    You must register for GST/HST once your taxable revenues in any single quarter or over the past four quarters exceed $30,000. You can register voluntarily before that; it lets you claim input tax credits on your business expenses.

    What's the difference between a provincial and federal corporation?

    A provincial corporation is incorporated under British Columbia's laws and gets name protection only in British Columbia. A federal corporation is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and gets national name protection, but must also register in any province where it carries on business. For most small businesses, a provincial corporation is sufficient and simpler.

    Do I need a business bank account?

    It's not legally required for sole proprietors, but strongly recommended. Mixing personal and business finances makes accounting and tax filing significantly harder, and looks unprofessional to clients. Corporations are legally required to maintain separate accounts.

    Official sources

    Facts checked October 2026. Fees marked "as of 2026" should be confirmed at the official source before relying on them.

    Already incorporated? Corporation compliance calendar: every yearly filing date, with the official rule beside each.

    Start a business in other provinces

    OntarioAlbertaManitobaSaskatchewanNova ScotiaNew BrunswickPrince Edward IslandNewfoundland & LabradorQuebec

    Coming soon

    The Business Compliance Pass: coming

    Your renewal and filing calendar, alerts when rules change, and reminders before deadlines.

    One email when it opens. No marketing, unsubscribe anytime.

    ↑ Close this section

Done for you

Business Setup Package$14

  • Structure comparison guide
  • Registration checklist
  • Tax registration steps
  • First-year compliance calendar
Get it: $14

See a full sample (PDF)

Registration steps + compliance calendar for your province

Instant download · 30-day money-back guarantee

Business Setup Package
Business Setup PackageBritish Columbia

Built by Nathan, nine years in the Canadian Army, paperwork done the hard way first.

Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.