How to Register a Business in BC: Secrets for Smooth Sailing

By Maurice | January 17, 2025

Starting a business in British Columbia (BC) can be an exciting venture, offering numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs across various industries. Whether you’re looking to launch a small local café, open an online retail shop, or start a consulting firm, the process of registering your business is a crucial first step. Registering your business not only ensures legal recognition but also sets the foundation for complying with provincial regulations and allows you to operate smoothly within the legal framework of BC.

The registration process in BC can vary depending on your business structure, such as whether you are a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation. Understanding the steps involved, including choosing your business name, registering with BC Registry Services, and securing necessary permits, will help you navigate the process efficiently.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to register your business in BC—from selecting your business structure to obtaining the necessary licenses and opening a business bank account. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the registration steps and how to set your business up for success.

1. Choose a Business Structure

Before registering your business, you need to decide on a business structure. This decision will impact your personal liability, taxes, and business operations. The three most common business structures in BC are sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common business structure, especially for small businesses. Sole proprietorships are often chosen by freelancers, consultants, and small business owners who work alone or with minimal staff. In this structure, you are the sole owner of the business, and there is no legal distinction between you and your business.

Pros: Low setup cost, complete control over the business, straightforward tax reporting.
Cons: You are personally liable for all debts and legal obligations of the business, limited ability to raise capital.

Partnership

A partnership involves two or more individuals or entities sharing ownership of the business. Partnerships are easy to set up and allow for shared decision-making and resources.

Pros: Easy to establish, shared responsibilities and resources, potential for greater capital investment.
Cons: Partners are personally liable for business debts, disagreements between partners can arise, profits must be shared.

In a general partnership, each partner has equal responsibility for the business’s liabilities. A limited partnership (LP) includes both general partners (who manage the business) and limited partners (who contribute capital but have limited liability).

Corporation

A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners, offering the most protection in terms of liability. Corporations are also ideal for businesses that plan to grow, expand, or raise funds from investors. In a corporation, shareholders own the business, and the company itself is responsible for its debts and legal obligations.

Pros: Limited liability for shareholders, potential tax benefits, easier to raise capital.
Cons: More complex and expensive to set up, subject to more regulatory requirements.

2. Choose Your Business Name

Choosing a business name is an important step that requires careful consideration. Your business name should reflect your brand, be easy to remember, and be legally available for use.

Name Availability Search

To start your business in British Columbia, you need to submit a Name Approval Request. This can be done online through BC Registry Services. You’ll need to provide several name options in case your first choice is unavailable.

When selecting a name, consider these tips:

Make it unique and memorable
Ensure it reflects your business
Avoid names that are too similar to existing businesses

Keep in mind that certain words may require additional approval or documentation. Once you submit your request, it will be reviewed to ensure it meets provincial guidelines.

Name Reservation Process

After submitting your Name Approval Request, you’ll receive a response within a few business days. If approved, you’ll get a Name Request Number (NR number). This number reserves your chosen name for 56 calendar days.

During this time, you must complete your business registration. If you need more time, you can request an extension. Remember, your name reservation doesn’t guarantee automatic registration of your business.

To finalize your name selection:

Pay the required fee
Receive your NR number
Use the NR number to register your business within 56 days

By following these steps, you’ll secure a unique and approved name for your new BC business.

3. Register with the BC Registry Services

Once you’ve selected your business structure and name, you can proceed with registration through the BC Registry Services.

Online Registration Process

The BC Registry Services offers an online portal where you can register your business, whether you’re a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation. The portal guides you through the process, and you’ll need to provide specific details depending on your business structure.

For sole proprietorships and partnerships, the process is simple and quick, requiring minimal documentation. Corporations, on the other hand, have a more detailed registration process that involves submitting articles of incorporation.

Corporation Registration: If you’re incorporating, you’ll need to file your articles of incorporation and other relevant documents through the portal.
Sole Proprietorship and Partnership: These types of businesses can be registered through the BC Services online portal or with a private service provider.

Fees for Registration

Registration fees depend on the business structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships are generally cheaper to register, with fees starting at around $30. Incorporating a business in BC costs significantly more, typically ranging from $350 to $400. Be sure to check current fees on the BC Registry Services website for the most accurate information.

4. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

Once your business is registered, you may need additional licenses or permits to operate legally in BC. The type of licenses you need depends on your business’s nature, location, and industry.

Municipal Business License

You’ll need to obtain a business license from your local municipality to operate legally. The process typically involves submitting an application and paying a fee.

Requirements vary by city, so check with your local government office or website for specific details. You may need to provide information about your business type, location, and estimated revenue. Some municipalities offer online application options, making the process more convenient. Processing times can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on your location and business type.

Provincial Licenses and Permits

Depending on your industry, you might need additional provincial licenses or permits. BC’s BizPaL tool can help you identify which ones apply to your business.

Common provincial requirements include:

Health permits for food-related businesses
Liquor licenses for establishments serving alcohol
Professional licenses for specific trades or services

Application processes and fees vary by license type. Be sure to factor in processing times when planning your business launch.

Federal Licenses and Permits

Some businesses may require federal licenses or permits, especially those operating in regulated industries. You’ll need to register with the Canada Revenue Agency for Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) remittance and payroll deductions.

Other federal requirements might include:

Import/export permits for international trade
Licenses for industries like broadcasting or telecommunications
Special permits for handling controlled substances or firearms

Research your industry’s specific federal regulations to ensure full compliance. Many federal applications can be completed online, streamlining the process for you.

5. Understand Provincial Compliance

Registering your business in British Columbia involves adhering to specific provincial regulations. These rules are designed to protect workers and safeguard personal information. Let’s explore two key areas of compliance you need to address.

Workers Compensation Board Registration

As a business owner in BC, you’re required to register with WorkSafeBC if you have employees. This registration provides workplace injury insurance and supports safe work environments.

You must register within 30 days of hiring your first worker. The process is straightforward and can be completed online. WorkSafeBC calculates your premiums based on your industry and payroll. These premiums fund compensation for injured workers and workplace safety initiatives.

Remember, even if you’re a sole proprietor, you can opt for personal coverage to protect yourself.

Privacy Laws and Regulations

In BC, you’re responsible for protecting personal information collected from customers and employees. The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) governs how businesses handle this data.

Key requirements include:

Obtaining consent before collecting personal information
Using the information only for the purpose it was collected
Keeping the data secure and confidential
Allowing individuals to access their personal information

You should develop a privacy policy that outlines how you collect, use, and protect personal data. This policy should be easily accessible to your customers and employees. Consider appointing a privacy officer to oversee compliance with PIPA. This person can handle privacy-related inquiries and ensure your business practices align with

6. Register for Taxes

As a business owner in BC, you must register for taxes with CRA and the provincial government. This ensures you are compliant with Canadian tax laws.

GST/HST Registration

If your business generates over $30,000 in annual revenue, you will need to register for GST/HST with the CRA. Once registered, you’ll be required to collect and remit GST/HST on the products and services you sell.

Payroll Taxes

If you plan to hire employees, you must also register for payroll taxes with the CRA. This includes Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax deductions.

Provincial Sales Tax (PST)

In addition to GST, some goods and services in BC are subject to PST. You’ll need to register with the BC government for PST collection if you’re selling taxable goods or services.

Import/Export Account

If your business involves importing or exporting goods, you’ll need to register for an import/export account with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

To register, you’ll need your BN and details about your import/export activities. You can register online through the CRA’s Business Registration Online service.

Once registered, you’ll be able to:

Import and export goods
Pay duties and taxes on imports
Claim refunds or drawbacks on eligible goods

7. Open a Bussiness Bank Account

Opening a business bank account is an essential step to keep your personal and business finances separate. This also makes tax filing and accounting easier.

Choosing the Right Bank

Select a bank that offers the best business account services for your needs. Look for accounts that offer low fees, easy access to online banking, and financial products that suit your business type. Many banks offer special deals for new businesses, so shop around to find the best option.

Required Documents for Opening an Account

To open a business account, you’ll generally need:

Proof of business registration
Valid identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
Business number issued by the CRA

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the process, requirements, and options available when registering a business in BC.

The registration process can be completed quickly online. You’ll need to register your business within 56 days of receiving your Name Request Number. Online registrations are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

Registration fees vary depending on your business structure. For sole proprietorships and partnerships, the fee is typically around $40. Corporation registration fees are higher, usually around $350-$400.

You can register a DBA name through the BC Business Registry. This allows you to operate under a different name than your legal business name. The process is similar to registering your main business name.

Visit the BC Registries and Online Services website to register your business online. You’ll need to create an account, submit your business information, and pay the registration fee. The process is straightforward and can be completed in one session.

Resources for Registering a Business in BC

Government Resources

Industry Resources

Other Resources

About the author

Maurice

Maurice (Moe) Muise learned the ins-and-outs of government while an employee of the Government of Canada in Ottawa for 10 years. His current focus is helping small businesses in Canada to identify and maximize funding to grow their business.