How to Register a Business in BC: A Complete Guide
Starting a business in British Columbia? Before you begin selling products or offering services, it’s important to understand which registrations you need and how to complete them correctly.
If you want to register a business in BC, the process depends on your business structure and the name you plan to use. Some sole proprietors can operate under their own legal name without provincial registration, while businesses using a separate name generally need to reserve that name and register with BC Registries. Incorporating a company involves a different process.
This guide explains how to register your business name, choose the right structure, understand government fees, complete your registration and handle the next steps so you can start operating with confidence.
How Do You Register a Business in BC?
To register a business in British Columbia, first choose your business structure and determine whether you need to register a business name. If you are registering a sole proprietorship or general partnership under a business name, you generally need to obtain name approval and then submit your registration through BC Registries.
Here are the basic steps:
Choose your business structure.
Decide whether you need to register a business name.
Submit a business name request if required.
Obtain and organize your registration documents.
Check your tax, licence and permit requirements.
If you plan to incorporate, you will follow the incorporation process instead.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
Before you register your business in BC, decide how you want it to be legally structured. This decision affects ownership, liability, taxes, paperwork and future growth.
The three most common for-profit business structures in British Columbia are sole proprietorships, general partnerships and corporations.
A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one individual. It is often suitable for freelancers, independent contractors, consultants and people starting a small business on their own.
Advantages:
Generally simpler to establish and manage.
The owner makes the business decisions.
Business income is generally reported on the owner's personal income tax return.
Things to consider:
The owner is personally responsible for business debts and obligations.
The business is not a separate legal entity from its owner.
Registering a business name does not provide the same name protection as incorporation.
For example, if you offer photography services independently, you might register a sole proprietorship under a name such as Coastal Light Photography.
A general partnership is a business operated by two or more partners.
It may suit people who want to start a business together, such as two consultants, tradespeople or retail business owners.
Advantages:
Partners can contribute different skills, resources and capital.
Responsibilities can be shared.
The structure is generally simpler than incorporating a company.
Things to consider:
Partners can be personally responsible for partnership debts and obligations.
One partner's actions may create legal or financial consequences for the partnership and other partners.
A written partnership agreement can help clarify contributions, responsibilities, profit sharing and how disputes or departures will be handled.
Consider getting legal advice before entering into a partnership, particularly when substantial money or business assets are involved.
A corporation is a separate legal entity from its shareholders. Incorporation may be appropriate if you want to grow your business, bring in shareholders, pursue certain contracts or establish a more formal ownership structure.
Advantages:
The corporation generally has its own legal identity.
Share ownership can help structure investments and ownership changes.
A corporation may offer limited liability, although personal guarantees and certain legal obligations can still create personal exposure.
Things to consider:
Incorporation and ongoing administration are generally more involved.
A corporation has separate tax and recordkeeping obligations.
The best structure depends on your circumstances, not simply your expected income.
If you want to incorporate in BC, the process differs from registering a sole proprietorship or general partnership.
Which business structure is right for you?
Feature | Corporation | ||
Owners | One | Two or more | One or more shareholders |
Separate legal entity | No | No | Yes |
Personal liability | Generally unlimited | Generally unlimited for general partners | Generally limited, with exceptions |
Administration | Generally simpler | Generally simpler than incorporation | More formal requirements |
Income tax | Generally reported by owner | Generally allocated to partners | Corporation generally files its own tax return |
Best suited to | Individuals operating independently | People operating a business together | Businesses needing a separate legal entity |
There is no single best structure for every business. If you are unsure, speak with an accountant or lawyer before registering.
Step 2: Decide Whether You Need to Register a Business Name in BC
One of the most important parts of the registration process is understanding the difference between operating under your own legal name and operating under a separate business name.
Do you have to register a sole proprietorship in BC?
Not always.
According to the Government of British Columbia, a sole proprietor operating under their own personal legal name does not need to request a business name or register the sole proprietorship with the province.
For example:
Operating as: Jane Smith, using her own legal name — provincial business-name registration is generally not required.
Operating as: Jane Smith Consulting — name approval and provincial registration are generally required.
Operating as: Mountain View Creative — name approval and provincial registration are generally required.
Even if provincial registration is not required, you may still need a municipal business licence, industry permits, tax accounts or other approvals.
If you want to use a business name that differs from your legal name, it is important to complete the required steps before operating under that name.
Do you need to register a business name if you incorporate?
A corporation follows a different process.
If you incorporate a named BC company, you generally need to obtain approval for the proposed corporate name before incorporation. An approved business name for a sole proprietorship does not guarantee that the same name will be approved for a corporation later.
You may also be able to incorporate using a numbered company name, subject to the applicable requirements.
Step 3: Choose and Get Approval for Your Business Name
If you need a business name, the next step is to request approval through BC Registries.
How do I register a business name in BC?
The usual process is to submit a name request, wait for approval and then complete the appropriate business registration.
When preparing your name request:
Choose a name that clearly identifies your business.
Research existing business names and trademarks.
Prepare up to three name choices in order of preference.
Submit your request through the official BC Registries service.
Wait for the result before proceeding with registration.
Your second and third choices are considered if the earlier choices cannot be approved. Submitting three choices does not mean you receive approval for all three.
What makes a good BC business name?
A good business name should be distinctive, appropriate for your business and easy for customers to recognize.
Before submitting your request, consider the following:
Distinctiveness: Does your proposed name stand out from existing businesses?
Clarity: Does it give customers a reasonable idea of what you do?
Availability: Is it already being used by another business?
Trademarks: Could it conflict with an existing trademark?
Future growth: Will the name still work if your business expands?
For example, if you plan to offer bookkeeping services today but may eventually provide broader business consulting, consider whether your chosen name will still fit as your services evolve.
Does BC business name approval protect your name?
No. This is an important distinction.
Name approval is part of the provincial registration process, but registering a sole proprietorship or general partnership does not provide the same exclusive name protection associated with an incorporated company.
Name approval also does not automatically give you trademark rights.
If protecting your brand is important, research existing trademarks and consider whether trademark registration is appropriate for your business.
How long is a BC business name reserved?
An approved name request is generally reserved for 56 days.
You must complete the relevant registration or incorporation within that period. If the reservation expires before you finish, you may need to submit another name request and pay the applicable fee again.
Do not wait until the last minute to complete your registration.
Step 4: Register Your Business Through BC Registries
Once your name has been approved, you can proceed with the appropriate registration.
For a sole proprietorship or general partnership, the registration is completed through BC Registries and Online Services.
What information do you need?
Before beginning, gather the information required for your application. Depending on your business structure, this may include:
Your approved business name and name request number.
The legal name and contact details of the proprietor or partners.
The business mailing address and other required address information.
A description of your business activities.
The details of the person completing the application.
Payment for the applicable registration fee.
The information required may differ depending on your structure and circumstances.
Can you register your business in BC if you live in another province?
Yes. You do not necessarily need to live in British Columbia to register a business there.
However, registering in BC does not automatically satisfy every legal requirement that may apply where you live or conduct business. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to consider registrations, licences or tax obligations in other jurisdictions.
If you live outside Canada, additional requirements may apply to your business structure, tax situation or immigration status. Seek qualified advice where necessary.
Step 5: Understand the Cost to Register a Business in BC
The cost depends on the type of business you are registering and the services you need.
For a standard named sole proprietorship or general partnership, the BC government fee schedule lists the following fees.
Registration item | Government fee |
Business name request | $31.50 |
Sole proprietorship registration | $41.50 |
General partnership registration | $41.50 |
Total government fee | $73 |
These are government fees for the standard name-request and registration steps. Additional charges may apply depending on the service or payment method.
If you need priority processing for your name request, the BC government lists an additional $100 priority service fee for name approval in approximately one to two business days.
Other potential costs include:
Professional assistance with the registration.
Municipal business licences.
Industry-specific permits.
Accounting or legal advice.
Trademark searches or registration.
Insurance and other business startup expenses.
Is it free to register a business name in BC?
No. If you are registering a separate name for a sole proprietorship or general partnership, the standard name request and registration fees generally total $73.
However, a sole proprietor operating under their own legal name generally does not need provincial business-name registration.
Remember that the cost of registering a business name is not the same as the total cost of starting and operating a business.
Step 6: Understand Your Business Number and Tax Obligations
Registering your business with BC Registries and registering for tax accounts are related, but they are not the same thing.
What is a Business Number?
A Business Number (BN) is a standard identifier used by the Canada Revenue Agency and other government programs.
When you register or incorporate a business in BC, you may receive a BN through the provincial registration process. The precise requirements depend on the business structure and type of registration.
An unincorporated business does not necessarily need a BN immediately. A BN is required when the business needs certain CRA program accounts, such as GST/PST or payroll.
If you already have a BN for the same business or legal entity, you should not register for another one unnecessarily.
Do you need to register for GST/PST?
Not every business must register for GST/PST immediately.
Many businesses are considered small suppliers when their taxable revenues are at or below the applicable $30,000 threshold, subject to the CRA's rules for calculating revenue and determining when registration becomes mandatory.
You may also choose to register voluntarily in some circumstances.
Because the timing and requirements depend on your business activities and revenue, review the current CRA GST/PST registration guidance before making a decision.
What about payroll?
If you hire employees, you may need a CRA payroll program account and must comply with applicable payroll withholding and remittance obligations.
Other obligations may include provincial employment standards, WorkSafeBC registration and industry-specific requirements.
Do not assume that completing a provincial business registration automatically establishes every tax or employment account you need.
Step 7: Check Whether You Need a Business Licence or Permit
Registering your business name is only one part of getting ready to operate.
Depending on your location and business activities, you may need licences or permits from municipal, provincial or federal authorities.
For example:
A home-based business may need a municipal business licence or home-occupation approval.
A restaurant or food service business may require a health operating permit.
A construction or renovation business may need specific trade or building-related approvals.
A business selling regulated products may require additional permits.
The requirements depend on the municipality, industry and activities involved.
Use the official BC government permits and licences guide and BizPaL to identify potential requirements.
Check with your local government before opening your doors or beginning regulated activities.
Step 8: Complete Your Post-Registration Checklist
Once your business is registered, take a few more steps to prepare for day-to-day operations.
Use this checklist to help organize your next steps.
Download and save your registration documents.
Confirm your Business Number and any required CRA program accounts.
Determine whether GST/PST registration is required.
Apply for any necessary municipal licences and industry permits.
Open a business bank account if appropriate for your structure and banking needs.
Set up bookkeeping and recordkeeping systems.
Arrange appropriate business insurance.
Review your contracts and customer terms.
Register for WorkSafeBC coverage if required.
Establish a process for keeping business information up to date.
Your checklist will vary depending on the nature of your business.
Does a BC business registration expire?
A standard BC sole proprietorship or general partnership registration does not have the same annual-report filing requirement that applies to a BC corporation. However, you must keep your information accurate and complete any required filings when circumstances change.
Do not confuse the 56-day name reservation period with the validity of a completed business registration. The name reservation expires if you do not complete the registration in time; that does not mean a completed registration automatically expires after 56 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Business in BC
A little preparation can prevent delays and unnecessary expenses.
1. Choosing a name before researching it
A name that looks available in a quick online search may still be rejected or conflict with an existing trademark.
Research existing business names and trademarks before submitting your request.
2. Missing the name reservation deadline
Your approved name is generally reserved for 56 days. Plan to complete your registration within that window.
3. Assuming registration protects your brand
A registered sole proprietorship does not receive the same name protection as an incorporated company. Name approval is not the same as trademark registration.
4. Selecting the wrong business structure
A sole proprietorship cannot simply be treated as a corporation. If your business needs change, you may need to complete a new registration or incorporation process.
Think about ownership, liability and long-term plans before choosing your structure.
5. Forgetting about licences and permits
A completed registration does not necessarily authorize you to operate in every location or industry. Check the requirements that apply to your business.
6. Confusing a BN with a GST/PST account
A BN is an identifier. A GST/PST account is a separate CRA program account associated with a BN. Make sure you understand which accounts you actually need.
7. Treating a business name as a personal asset
If you register a business name and later want to sell your business, bring in a partner or incorporate, the process may be more complicated than expected. Consider how the name and other business assets should be handled as your business grows.
How Launch A Business Can Help
Starting a business involves more than filling out a form. Choosing the correct structure, understanding name approval and completing the right registration steps can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Launch A Business helps Canadian entrepreneurs with business registration, incorporation and ongoing corporate services.
We can help you understand your registration options and navigate the applicable process.
If you are planning to register a business in BC, Launch A Business is here to help!
Our role is to assist with business registration and related filing services, not to provide legal or tax advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified lawyer or accountant.
Final Thoughts
Registering a business in BC can be straightforward when you understand which structure you need, whether your business name requires approval and what steps must be completed before you start operating.
Before submitting your application, double-check your proposed name, confirm the current government fees and make sure you understand any tax, licensing and permit requirements that apply to your business.
With the right preparation, you can complete the registration process with greater confidence and focus on building your business.
Ready to get started? We're ready to help! Launch your British Columbia business today!
