British Columbia has one of the fastest-growing small business ecosystems in Canada — but the registration process trips up most first-timers. BC requires a separate Name Approval Request before you can register, your structure choice (sole proprietorship vs. corporation) changes your tax exposure significantly, and most businesses still need a municipal business licence even after provincial registration.
This guide walks you through every step for starting a business in British Columbia in the right order, with current 2026 costs and timelines, so you don’t waste money filing things twice.
Cost & Timeline Table for Starting a Business in British Columbia
| Step | Cost (2026) | Timeline |
| Name Approval Request | $30 CAD | 1–5 business days |
| Sole Proprietorship Registration | $40 CAD | Same day (online) |
| Incorporation (Provincial) | $350 CAD | 2–5 business days |
| Business Licence (varies by city) | $50–$500 CAD | 1–4 weeks |
How to Start a Business in BC?
There are several steps to start a business in BC which are mentioned below:
Research and Planning
Before registering anything, run a name search through the BC Name Request system at bcregistry.ca. BC does not use the federal NUANS database for provincial registrations — it has its own name approval system. This catches most people off guard. Your chosen business name must pass BC’s Name Approval Request (NAR) before you can register, and the $30 fee is non-refundable even if your name is rejected. Choose carefully.
Also, check whether your business activity requires a specific provincial licence before you register. For example, businesses in construction, food service, healthcare, and childcare all have sector-specific requirements from provincial bodies like the BC Ministry of Health or the Homeowner Protection Office.
Choose a Business Structure
1. Sole Proprietorship
Sole Proprietorship costs $40 CAD to register in BC and can be done same-day online. You pay personal income tax on all business income, and you’re personally liable for any business debts. Right for: freelancers, consultants, side businesses under $50K/year revenue.
2. Provincial Incorporation
Provincial Incorporation costs $350 CAD. It creates a separate legal entity, limits your personal liability, and gives you access to the small business corporate tax rate (currently 11% combined federal-provincial in BC vs. personal income rates that can hit 53%). Right for: anyone planning to scale, hire employees, or attract investment.
3. Federal Incorporation
Federal Incorporation costs $200–$250 CAD through Corporations Canada and gives you national name protection — but you’ll still need to register as an extra-provincial corporation in BC for another $350. Only makes sense if you plan to operate in multiple provinces.
Not sure which structure is right for your BC business? Incpass Canada helps you register the right way the first time — from name approval to CRA setup. Get a free consultation →
Register Your Business
- How long does BC name approval take? Standard processing is 2–5 business days. If you need it faster, BC offers priority processing for an additional fee, which can reduce it to same-day or next-day.
- What happens after approval? Your Name Request (NR) number is valid for 56 days. You must complete your registration within that window, or the approval expires, and you’ll pay the $30 fee again.
- What if your name gets rejected? You can submit up to 3 name choices in a single application. If all are rejected, you can resubmit with 3 new choices. Numbered companies (e.g., 1234567 BC Ltd.) skip the name approval entirely — useful if you’re in a hurry.
Acquire Business License
- Business Licenses: Check if your business requires any specific licenses or permits to operate legally in British Columbia.
- Industry-Specific Regulations: Some businesses may need to adhere to industry-specific regulations, such as health and safety standards or environmental regulations.
Understand Taxation and Finances
GST Registration:
If your business revenue exceeds $30,000 CAD in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters, GST registration with CRA is mandatory. Below that threshold, registration is optional — but voluntary registration lets you claim input tax credits on your business expenses, which is often worth doing even for small businesses.
PST in BC:
Unlike most provinces, BC charges a separate Provincial Sales Tax (PST) at 7% on most goods and some services. You need to register for PST through the BC government separately from your CRA registration if you’re selling taxable goods or services in the province. Many new business owners miss this step entirely.
Corporate Tax Rate in BC (2026):
Small business rate is 2% provincial + 9% federal = 11% combined on the first $500,000 of active business income. General rate is 12% provincial + 15% federal = 27% combined.
Hiring Employees
- Employer Obligations: Understand your obligations as an employer, including payroll deductions, employment standards, and workplace safety regulations.
- WorkSafeBC: If hiring employees, you may need to register with WorkSafeBC for workplace insurance coverage.
Set Up Business Operations
- Location: Secure a location for your business operations, whether it’s a physical storefront, office space, or online presence.
- Utilities and Services: Set up necessary utilities and services for your business location.
Marketing and Branding
- Branding: Develop a brand identity, including a logo, website, and marketing materials.
- Marketing Strategy: Create a marketing strategy to promote your business and attract customers.
Starting a company in British Columbia? Incpass Canada can assist you!
Starting a business in BC involves more moving parts than most people expect — name approval, structure choice, municipal licencing, CRA registration, and PST setup all have to happen in the right order.
Incpass Canada handles the entire registration process for you, including your BC Name Request, articles of incorporation, and CRA business number setup.
Ready to get started? Register your BC business with Incpass today.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start a business in BC in 2026?
Minimum costs are $40 CAD for a sole proprietorship or $350 CAD for a provincial incorporation, plus a $30 name approval fee. Add municipal business licence fees ($50–$500 depending on your city) and you’re typically looking at $80–$900 total to get fully registered.
How long does it take to register a business in BC?
Sole proprietorships can be registered online same-day after name approval (2–5 business days). Incorporations typically take 2–5 business days after name approval. Budget 2–3 weeks total from start to finish if you include CRA registration.
Do I need a business licence to operate in BC?
Provincial registration and a municipal business licence are two different things. Most municipalities in BC — including Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby — require their own separate business licence to legally operate within city limits. Check your specific city’s requirements.
Can a non-Canadian resident start a business in BC?
Yes. Non-residents can incorporate in BC, but at least one director must be a Canadian resident for provincial corporations. Federal incorporation requires 25% Canadian-resident directors. Services like Incpass can provide nominee director services if needed.
What’s the difference between a BC incorporation and a federal incorporation?
BC incorporation ($350) limits your name protection and operations to British Columbia. Federal incorporation ($200–$250 via Corporations Canada) gives you national name protection but still requires registering in BC as an extra-provincial company ($350 more). Go federal only if you plan to operate in multiple provinces.
