FREE Business Registration in British Columbia - BC Incorporation at No Cost

Complete British Columbia company registration, CRA number, legal docs, and growth tools.

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British Columbia Incorporation vs Federal Incorporation

Not sure whether to incorporate federally or provincially in British Columbia? We’ll explain the differences, costs, and requirements of each option to help you decide which type of incorporation fits your business best.

British Columbia Incorporation

Federal Incorporation

Operates within British Columbia only
Can operate across Canada
Slightly lower filing fees
Slightly higher federal filing fees
Registered through BC Corporate Registry
Registered through Corporations Canada
Business name protected only in British Columbia
Business name protected nationwide
Ideal for local service businesses or small corporations
Ideal for national brands and startups with multi-province plans
Annual filing with BC Corporate Registry only
Annual filing with Corporations Canada and one province
Faster, simpler setup process
Requires an extra step to register federally and then in British Columbia

British Columbia Incorporation vs Sole Proprietorship

Not sure if you should incorporate or register a sole proprietor in British Columbia? Explore the benefits, costs, and legal protections of each option to determine which structure best fits your business goals.

British Columbia Incorporation

Sole Proprietorship

Costs more to start
Easiest to start and cheapest
Separate legal entity (corporation owns assets, signs contracts)
No separate legal entity — you = the business
Limited personal liability — protects your personal assets
Unlimited personal liability — you’re responsible for debts/lawsuits
Corporate Income taxed only
All profits taxed as personal income
Easier to get investors, loans, or sell shares
Harder to raise money or add partners
Best for growing businesses or when risk/liability increases
Perfect for freelancers, consultants, small local businesses
Official name protection under British Columbia Business Registry
Name protection limited to British Columbia & type
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about incorporating your business in British Columbia — from costs and registration timelines to tax benefits and ongoing requirements.
Is it better to incorporate or be a sole proprietor in British Columbia?

If you’re testing a small business idea, a sole proprietorship in BC is the easiest and cheapest way to get started.If you want to protect your personal assets, build credibility, or plan to grow, incorporation provides limited liability, tax advantages, and a more professional structure.

What is the tax difference between incorporation and sole proprietorship in BC?

Sole proprietors in British Columbia pay personal income tax (up to around 53%), while incorporated businesses pay lower corporate tax rates and personal tax only when taking income. Incorporation usually saves money once profits exceed $70,000 annually.

How much does it cost to incorporate in British Columbia?

Start Right Now makes incorporating in British Columbia affordable. Our service fee is just $99, plus the government filing fee. For a full breakdown of costs, please visit our Pricing Page.

How long does it take to incorporate a business in British Columbia?

You can usually complete your incorporation online in one to two business days, provided your business name is approved and all documents are ready. Name approval can extend the timeline slightly.

What are the benefits of incorporating in BC?

Incorporating in BC offers limited personal liability, lower tax rates, increased credibility, and easier access to financing. It also allows business owners to defer personal income tax and retain earnings inside the corporation.

Should I incorporate federally or provincially in British Columbia?

If you plan to operate primarily within BC, provincial incorporation is usually sufficient.Choose federal incorporation if you plan to expand across multiple provinces or want your business name protected nationwide.

What are the annual requirements after incorporating in BC?

Corporations must file an annual report with the BC Corporate Registry, keep financial records up to date, and ensure registered office information is accurate. Annual filings help maintain your corporation’s active status.

How can Start Right Now help me incorporate in British Columbia?

Start Right Now handles every step — from name search and NUANS reports to government filing and setup. We make it easy to incorporate provincially in BC or federally across Canada, all online in minutes.

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