How to Register a Business in BC
Step-by-step guide to registering your business in British Columbia — sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
Registering a business in British Columbia is a straightforward process once you know which steps apply to your situation. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, in a partnership, or incorporating, here’s exactly how to do it — and what else you need to set up along the way.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
- Sole proprietorship: quickest and cheapest — register your business name with BC Registry Services for about $40–$60. You operate under your own legal name or a registered “doing business as” (DBA) name.
- General partnership: similar cost, requires a partnership agreement (not legally required but strongly recommended). Each partner reports their share of income personally.
- Incorporation: you can incorporate federally (Canada Business Corporations Act) or provincially (BC Business Corporations Act). Federal is about $200 + $100–$300 annual; provincial is about $350 + $60 annual.
Step 2: Register Your Business Name (Sole Prop & Partnership)
For sole proprietors and partnerships, visit BC Registry Services online at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Search the NUANS database to make sure your proposed name isn’t already taken.
Once your name is approved, you’ll receive a registration certificate with your Business Number (BN) from the CRA — this links your business to all federal and provincial programs.
The whole process takes about 15 minutes online. You’ll get your BN instantly and your registration certificate in 1–2 business days.
Step 3: Incorporate (If Applicable)
Federal incorporation gives you name protection across Canada and is often preferred if you plan to expand outside BC. Provincial incorporation is slightly cheaper and sufficient if you’re staying local.
After incorporating, you’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Incorporation. You must also register extra-provincially in BC if you incorporated federally.
We’ve helped dozens of BC founders incorporate — the trickiest part is usually getting your articles and share structure right on the first try. A small mistake can trigger complications later with the Small Business Deduction or shareholder agreements.
Step 4: Get Your Business Number and CRA Accounts
- Your Business Number (BN) is issued automatically upon registration. Use it to open a business bank account and apply for other program accounts.
- Register for GST/HST if your taxable revenues exceed $30K (or voluntarily — more on that in a separate guide).
- Register for a BC PST number if you sell goods or certain services in BC — it’s separate from GST/HST and requires its own registration.
- If you have employees, register for payroll deductions (source deductions, CPP, EI) through the CRA’s Business Registration Online (BRO) portal.
Step 5: WorkSafeBC and Other Provincial Requirements
WorkSafeBC registration is mandatory if you have employees, even part-time. The registration fee is based on your industry classification and payroll. In 2025, base rates range from about $0.50 to over $15 per $100 of assessable payroll.
Sole proprietors and partners can optionally register for personal optional protection. We’ve seen BC construction contractors hit with significant fines for skipping WorkSafeBC — don’t be one of them.
Depending on your industry, you may also need municipal business licenses, a liquor license, professional regulatory registration, or specific permits. Check with your city or regional district.
We guide BC business owners through the entire registration process — from name search to PST number to WorkSafeBC. One call and we’ll send you a personalized checklist. Contact CloudKeeping to get started.
Key Takeaways
- 1Sole proprietors register a name through BC Registry ($40–$60); incorporations require articles and a Certificate of Incorporation.
- 2Your Business Number (BN) links you to all CRA programs — GST/HST, payroll, import/export accounts.
- 3PST registration is separate from GST/HST and required for most goods sold in BC.
- 4WorkSafeBC is mandatory for employees and carries real penalties — don’t skip it.
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