Open ProvincesStarting a business in British Columbia: register a name, GST/HST and licences
Where to register a business name in British Columbia, the steps in order, federal registrations and where to find grants.
Where to register
Business names and incorporations in British Columbia are handled by the BC Registries and Online Services. Registering a sole proprietorship or general partnership is a two-step process: get a name approved (a Name Request), then register in the Business Registry with a BC Registries account. Registration does not protect the name.
Official page: register a business ↗
The steps, in order
- Choose a structure: sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation. It changes your personal liability, your taxes and your paperwork; for anything beyond a very small activity, talk to an accountant or lawyer.
- Check and register the name with the registry above, if your province requires it for your structure.
- Get a federal business number from the CRA if you will have employees, charge GST/HST, or file corporate tax. Your province's registry may obtain it for you.
- Register for GST/HST when you must: generally once your taxable revenue passes $30,000 in a single calendar quarter (then you register within 29 days of that sale) or over four consecutive calendar quarters; you can register earlier by choice. Use our sales tax calculator for the rates in your province.
- Check licences and permits: your municipality, your trade or sector, and workers' compensation if you will have employees.
- Keep your books and pay on time: self-employed people file their income tax by June 15 but still pay by April 30 (see our tax filing guide).
You will also need online accounts for the CRA and your province: see government online accounts. Looking for grants, loans and programs? Use the business programs finder.
Procedures only: fees, forms and waiting times change, so the official page is the authority. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Quebec has its own rules: see AtlasQuébec.
Guides for this province
- Renting in British Columbia: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in British Columbia: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to British Columbia: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in British Columbia: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in British Columbia: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in British Columbia: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in British Columbia: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in British Columbia: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in British Columbia: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in British Columbia: child benefits and family programs
- Documents and ID in British Columbia: birth certificate and change of name
- Starting a business in British Columbia: register a name, GST/HST and licences
- Problems and disputes in British Columbia: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
- Driving and vehicles in British Columbia: switching your licence and what is required
- Photo ID card in British Columbia without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee
- Getting married in British Columbia: marriage licence, fees and documents
- Health card in British Columbia: who qualifies, waiting period and how to register
- When someone dies in British Columbia: death certificate, estate and probate
- Registering a child for school in British Columbia: age, documents and where to sign up
- Child care in British Columbia: fees, finding a space and subsidies
- Immigrating to British Columbia: nominee program, steps and processing times
- Accessible parking permit in British Columbia: how to apply
- Alcohol rules in British Columbia: legal age and where to buy
- Car insurance in British Columbia: what is compulsory and where to buy it
- Cannabis rules in British Columbia: legal age, where to buy and where to use
- Disability income and supports in British Columbia: how to apply
- Prescription drug coverage in British Columbia: public plans and how to enrol
- Emergency preparedness in British Columbia: alerts, evacuation and your 72-hour kit
- Separation, parenting and child support in British Columbia: free help and enforcement
- Help for family violence and victims of crime in British Columbia
- Fishing and hunting licences in British Columbia: where to buy and what you need
- Health advice line (811) in British Columbia: speak to a nurse any time
- Indigenous relations and services in British Columbia: who does what
- Marriage licence fee in British Columbia
- New drivers in British Columbia: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
- Provincial parks and camping reservations in British Columbia
- Probate fees in British Columbia: what an estate pays
- Social assistance in British Columbia: how to apply for income support
- Social housing and rent help in British Columbia: how to apply
- Student loans and grants in British Columbia: where to apply
- Voting in British Columbia: register, check your status and find your election office
- Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in British Columbia