The cost to register or incorporate a business in BC depends mainly on the business structure you choose and whether you need an approved business name. A sole proprietorship or general partnership costs less to register than a corporation, while incorporation creates a separate legal entity and adds filing responsibilities.
For 2026, the core provincial fees range from $40 to register a sole proprietorship or general partnership to $380 to form a named BC limited company. These amounts do not include optional services, professional fees, municipal licences or other expenses that may apply to your business.
Quick Answer
In 2026, registering a sole proprietorship or general partnership in BC costs $40, plus a $30 Name Request when required. A numbered BC corporation costs $350 to incorporate, while a named BC corporation generally costs $380. BC corporations must also file an annual report, which currently carries a $43.39 filing fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in BC in 2026?
For most entrepreneurs comparing business structures, there are four BC government fees to know:
- $30 for a Name Request
- $40 to register a sole proprietorship or general partnership
- $350 to incorporate a standard BC limited company
- $43.39 to file a BC corporation’s annual report
The Government of British Columbia’s current BC Registry Services fee schedule confirms these amounts.
BC Business Registration and Incorporation Fees at a Glance
| Business structure | Name Request | Registration or incorporation | Core government cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship using the owner’s personal name* | $0 | $0 | $0* |
| Sole proprietorship using a business name | $30 | $40 | $70 |
| General partnership using a business name | $30 | $40 | $70 |
| Numbered BC corporation | $0 | $350 | $350 |
| Named BC corporation | $30 | $350 | $380 |
*BC states that a sole proprietor doing business under their personal name does not need to request a business name or register the business with the province. Municipal licences, permits and tax requirements can still apply.
The figures above are core provincial government fees. They differ from the service fee charged by a lawyer, accountant, registry agent, or private filing provider.
Certain electronic registry transactions can also carry an additional operator fee. BC legislation allows a $1.50 operator fee, plus applicable tax, on transactions marked as subject to that charge.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Register a Business in BC?
The lowest provincial registration cost can be $0 for an individual operating a sole proprietorship strictly under their personal name.
Current BC guidance states that a sole proprietorship doing business under the proprietor’s personal name does not need to request a business name or register the business with the province.
If you want to operate under a separate business name, the typical core government cost becomes:
$30 Name Request + $40 registration = $70
This makes a sole proprietorship one of the least expensive ways to establish a registered business in BC.
The cheapest filing option is not automatically the right structure, however. A sole proprietorship does not create a legal entity separate from its owner. Incorporation costs more but creates a separate corporation with different ownership, liability, tax, and compliance considerations.
Therefore, weigh cost alongside how the business will operate and grow.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Sole Proprietorship in BC?
The government fee to register a sole proprietorship in BC is $40.
If the business will use an approved business name, a $30 Name Request is also required.
The typical calculation is:
$30 Name Request + $40 registration = $70
BC Registry Services confirms a $30 name approval fee and $40 registration fee, for a $70 total where both steps are required.
| Sole proprietorship fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| BC Name Request | $30 |
| Registration | $40 |
| Core government total | $70 |
A sole proprietorship has one owner. The owner is self-employed, conducts the business operations, and assumes the business’s liabilities.
If this structure fits your plans, you can review BC Business Register’s BC sole proprietorship registration service.
Does the $40 Sole Proprietorship Fee Include Name Approval?
No. The $40 registration fee does not include the $30 Name Request.
They are separate charges.
If you need an approved business name, the usual core provincial total is $70.
An approved BC business name is generally reserved for 56 days, so register the business before the reservation expires. Read the BC government’s business name guidance.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a General Partnership in BC?
A standard general partnership using an approved business name generally has $70 in core BC government fees:
$30 Name Request + $40 General Partnership Registration = $70
The Partnership Act sets the registration-statement filing fee for a sole proprietorship or general partnership at $40 and the business-name reservation fee at $30.
A general partnership is operated by two or more parties. BC guidance states that partners in a general partnership are responsible for the business, including its debts.
Because the owners share responsibilities, decisions, and financial interests, partners may also choose to obtain a written partnership agreement or professional advice. Those costs are separate from the government registration fee.
Businesses ready to complete this filing can review BC Business Register’s general partnership registration service.
How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate a Business in BC?
The basic BC government fee to incorporate a standard BC limited company is $350.
If you want the corporation to have an approved custom name, add the $30 Name Request fee.
That creates two common cost scenarios:
- Numbered BC corporation: $350
- Named BC corporation: $350 + $30 = $380
The current BC Registry fee schedule confirms a $350 basic incorporation fee and $30 name approval fee for a named BC limited company.
A corporation differs from a sole proprietorship or general partnership because it is a separate legal entity. It can own assets, enter contracts, and incur obligations in its own name.
Incorporation also creates additional record-keeping and ongoing filing requirements.
If a corporation fits your plans, compare BC Business Register’s BC incorporation services.
Named vs. Numbered BC Corporation: Which Costs Less?
A numbered BC corporation costs $30 less to establish because it does not require a custom business-name reservation.
| Type of corporation | Name Request | Incorporation | Core government cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numbered BC corporation | $0 | $350 | $350 |
| Named BC corporation | $30 | $350 | $380 |
A numbered corporation receives a legal name based on the incorporation number assigned by BC Registry Services, such as 1234567 B.C. Ltd.
A named corporation uses a custom name that must be approved and reserved first.
Is a Numbered Corporation Better Because It Costs Less?
Not necessarily.
The difference in core government fees is only $30.
A numbered corporation may work well when the legal corporate name has little public-facing importance. A named corporation may be more useful when the legal name will appear regularly on contracts, invoices, customer communications, or other business records.
A numbered company can also operate under a separate business name if it meets the appropriate trade-name registration requirements.
The choice should therefore be based mainly on how you intend to use the company, not the $30 difference.
What Is the Total Cost of a Named BC Corporation?
A standard named BC limited company currently has $380 in core government formation fees:
| Government filing | Fee |
|---|---|
| BC Name Request | $30 |
| BC incorporation | $350 |
| Core government total | $380 |
That $380 should not be confused with the total price of an incorporation package offered by a private provider.
A third-party service may charge separately for filing assistance, document preparation, corporate records, legal services, accounting support, or optional products.
BC Business Register is a private business registration and filing service. Its service charges are separate from applicable government fees.
This distinction is important when comparing incorporation prices online. A package costing $500, $700, or another amount does not mean the BC government’s incorporation fee itself is that amount.
Are There Annual Fees After Incorporating in BC?
Yes. A BC company must file an annual report each year.
The current BC annual report filing fee is $43.39.
A corporation must file the annual report within two months after each anniversary of the date on which the company was recognized. That means the report isn’t due on the anniversary date itself.
For example, if a company was incorporated on September 15, the annual report filing period begins after its September 15 anniversary and extends for two months.
You can confirm the requirement in the Government of British Columbia’s annual report guidance for incorporated companies.
Businesses that want filing assistance can also use BC Business Register’s BC corporate annual return service.
Is the BC Annual Report the Same as a Corporate Tax Return?
No.
A BC annual report is a corporate registry filing that keeps your corporation’s information current with BC Registry Services.
A T2 Corporation Income Tax Return is a federal tax return administered by the Canada Revenue Agency.
Filing one does not replace the other.
What Does a BC Corporation Cost in the First Year?
For most standard BC corporations, you pay the initial formation cost when the corporation is created. The first annual report isn’t due until after the corporation’s first anniversary.
| Cost stage | Numbered corporation | Named corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation filing | $350 | $350 |
| Name Request | $0 | $30 |
| Initial core government cost | $350 | $380 |
| Annual report after first anniversary | $43.39 | $43.39 |
This distinction matters because adding the annual-report fee to the incorporation fee and calling the entire amount a “first-day incorporation cost” would be misleading.
A named BC company generally pays $380 in core government formation fees, while the annual-report obligation comes later.
What Are the Ongoing Costs of a BC Corporation?
The main recurring BC Registry filing cost for a standard corporation is the annual report, currently $43.39.
Other recurring expenses depend on how the business operates.
They may include:
- Accounting and tax preparation
- Bookkeeping
- Municipal business-licence renewals
- Payroll administration
- Corporate-record maintenance
- Registered-office or address services
- Industry-specific permits
- Professional legal services
There is therefore no single accurate “annual cost of a BC corporation” that applies to every company.
For someone asking only about the standard recurring BC corporate registry filing, the key figure is:
BC annual report filing fee: $43.39
What Other Costs Should You Budget for When Starting a Business in BC?
The registration or incorporation filing is only one part of the total cost of opening and running a business.
| Possible cost | Included in the BC registration fee? | What affects it? |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal business licence | No | Municipality and business activity |
| Accounting | No | Structure and financial complexity |
| Legal services | No | Ownership and corporate requirements |
| Corporate records or minute book | No | Provider and record-keeping approach |
| CRA program accounts | No | Business activities and tax obligations |
| Payroll administration | No | Whether the business has employees |
| PST requirements | No | Goods or services sold |
| Priority Registry service | No | Optional faster processing where available |
| Future-dated filing | No | Whether a future effective date is requested |
Municipal Business Licences
Provincial registration or incorporation does not automatically provide every licence a business may need.
Municipal business-licence requirements depend on the location and type of operation. Because fees vary by municipality, no single province-wide amount can accurately be added to every BC startup budget.
Accounting and Legal Costs
Accounting and legal expenses vary widely.
A simple sole proprietorship may need relatively little professional assistance, while a corporation with multiple shareholders, customized share rights, investors or more advanced tax planning may require additional support.
These professional fees are separate from BC Registry filing fees.
Corporate Records and Supplies
BC corporations must maintain corporate records. Depending on how the company manages those records, owners may choose physical or digital corporate supplies such as a minute book, share certificates, or corporate seal.
These items are not part of the $350 government incorporation fee.
BC Business Register provides corporate supplies for BC companies that need them after incorporation.
CRA Business Number and Program Accounts
Businesses may need a Business Number and CRA program accounts, such as GST/HST or payroll, depending on their activities.
Since July 14, 2026, CRA Business Registration Online is accessed through a CRA account. You can use the service to register for a Business Number and add program accounts. Review the current CRA Business Registration Online requirements.
A fee charged by a private service provider to assist with CRA account setup is not a government business-incorporation fee.
BC Business Register also offers a separate CRA account setup service.
Priority and Future-Dated Filings
BC legislation currently lists $100 for priority service when offered and $100 for an eligible future-dated filing. These are optional or situation-specific fees, not part of the standard incorporation cost for every company.
For a business Name Request specifically, BC states that priority service costs an additional $100 and is intended for faster name processing.
Is It Cheaper to Register or Incorporate a Business in BC?
Yes. Registering a sole proprietorship or general partnership is cheaper upfront than incorporating a BC company.
| Comparison | Sole proprietorship | General partnership | BC corporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical core setup cost using a business name | $70 | $70 | $350 numbered or $380 named |
| Separate legal entity | No | No | Yes |
| BC corporate annual report | No | No | Yes |
| Ownership | One owner | Two or more partners | Shareholder(s) |
| Administrative requirements | Lower | Lower to moderate | Higher |
From a government filing-cost perspective:
- Named sole proprietorship: typically $70
- Named general partnership: typically $70
- Numbered BC corporation: $350
- Named BC corporation: $380
But lower filing costs do not necessarily mean a structure is better for a particular business.
A sole proprietor assumes the liabilities of the business. General partners are responsible for the partnership and its debts. A corporation operates as a separate legal entity and has a different ownership and compliance structure.
Factors such as liability, ownership, taxation, financing, and future investors may therefore matter more than the initial registration cost.
Sole Proprietorship vs. Corporation in BC: Which Costs More?
A corporation costs substantially more to establish than a standard registered sole proprietorship.
A sole proprietorship using an approved business name generally costs $70 in core provincial fees.
Compared with that:
- A numbered BC corporation costs $350, or $280 more.
- A named BC corporation costs $380, or $310 more.
Those comparisons cover only the initial core government fees.
They do not include accounting, tax preparation, legal work, licences, record keeping, or filing-provider charges.
If you are still comparing structures, the Government of British Columbia provides an independent business structure comparison guide.
Is Federal or BC Incorporation Cheaper?
Federal incorporation has a lower initial incorporation fee, but that does not always mean it is cheaper overall for a company operating in British Columbia.
Corporations Canada currently charges $200 for online federal incorporation. Its online incorporation process includes a corporate-name search when a word name is used, so you don’t need to order a separate NUANS report beforehand for that online filing. Check current Corporations Canada incorporation fees.
By comparison:
| Incorporation option | Core initial fee |
|---|---|
| Federal online incorporation | $200 |
| Numbered BC corporation | $350 |
| Named BC corporation | $380 |
However, a federal corporation operating in British Columbia may also need to register as an extraprovincial company in BC.
The current BC fee for an extraprovincial registration statement is $350.
Where both filings apply, a simple example becomes:
$200 federal incorporation + $350 BC extraprovincial registration = $550 in core filing fees
That amount is higher than the $350 or $380 core formation cost for a BC corporation.
Federal incorporation may still make sense for businesses with broader national objectives, so don’t base the decision only on the first filing fee.
For businesses considering that route, see BC Business Register’s federal incorporation services.
Which Business Structure Makes Sense for You?
Cost is one factor, but the structure should also match the way the business will operate.
| Situation | Structure that may be considered | Main cost consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Individual starting a small service business | Sole proprietorship | Lower setup cost and simpler structure |
| Two or more people starting together | General partnership | Lower setup cost but shared responsibilities |
| Founder planning for shareholders or investors | Corporation | Higher setup cost with corporate ownership structure |
| Business wanting a distinct legal company name | Named corporation | $30 more than numbered incorporation |
| Company that does not need a custom legal name | Numbered corporation | Avoids the $30 Name Request |
These are general examples, not individualized legal or tax advice.
The Government of British Columbia identifies sole proprietorships, general partnerships, and corporations as three common for-profit business structures and provides additional tools for comparing them.
How Do You Register or Incorporate a Business in BC?
The process depends on the structure you choose, but the cost-related steps are straightforward.
- Choose a business structure. Decide whether the business will operate as a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or corporation.
- Determine whether you need a Name Request. A named corporation and most registered sole proprietorships or partnerships using a business name require name approval. A numbered BC company does not require a custom name reservation.
- Request and reserve the name when required. A standard BC Name Request costs $30. An approved name is generally reserved for 56 days.
- Complete the registration or incorporation. The basic government filing fee is $40 for a sole proprietorship or general partnership registration and $350 for a standard BC limited company incorporation.
- Check other requirements. Depending on the business, this may include municipal licences, CRA program accounts, PST, payroll, WorkSafeBC, or industry-specific permits.
- Maintain required filings. BC corporations must file their annual report within two months after each anniversary of the company’s recognition date.
How Much Should You Budget to Register or Incorporate in BC?
If you are estimating only the core BC government formation fees, the 2026 costs are straightforward:
- Sole proprietorship using a registered business name: $70
- General partnership using a registered business name: $70
- Numbered BC corporation: $350
- Named BC corporation: $380
- BC Corporation annual report: $43.39 after the applicable anniversary
Your total startup and operating costs can be higher if you need municipal licences, accounting, legal assistance, tax setup, corporate supplies, or filing support.
The best structure isn’t simply the one with the lowest government fee. It is the one that fits the business’s ownership, liability, financial, and operational needs.
Ready to Register or Incorporate Your Business in BC?
Knowing the government fees makes it easier to compare your options before you file.
BC Business Register provides online assistance for BC incorporation, sole proprietorship registration, general partnership registration, and ongoing corporate filings. Government fees and private service charges should always be reviewed separately so you understand what you are paying for.
Choose the business structure that fits your plans and review the appropriate filing service before submitting your information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a business in BC in 2026?
A sole proprietorship or general partnership registration costs $40. If you need an approved business name, add the $30 Name Request fee, bringing the typical core government total to $70.
What is the minimum cost to start a business in BC?
A sole proprietor doing business strictly under their personal name may not need provincial name approval or business registration, which can mean $0 in provincial business registration fees. Other licences, permits, and tax requirements may still apply.
How much does it cost to incorporate in BC in 2026?
The basic BC limited company incorporation fee is $350. A named corporation generally requires an additional $30 Name Request, bringing the core government formation cost to $380.
How much does a numbered company cost in BC?
A standard numbered BC corporation costs $350 in core government incorporation fees. You don’t need a separate custom-name request because the company uses the incorporation number assigned to it.
How much does a named corporation cost in BC?
A standard named BC corporation generally costs $380 in core government fees, consisting of the $350 incorporation filing fee and $30 Name Request.
Is the $30 BC Name Request included in the incorporation fee?
No. The $30 Name Request and $350 incorporation filing fee are separate. A standard named BC limited company therefore has $380 in core government formation fees.
Does a BC corporation have an annual fee?
A BC corporation must file an annual report each year. The current annual report filing fee is $43.39. An additional electronic service or operator fee may also apply to some transactions.
When is a BC corporation’s annual report due?
A BC company must generally file its annual report within two months after each anniversary of the date on which the company was recognized.
Do I need a lawyer to incorporate a company in BC?
A lawyer is not required simply to complete a standard incorporation filing. Professional advice may still be useful when a business has multiple shareholders, customized share provisions, a shareholder agreement, tax-planning questions, or other complex requirements.
Is federal incorporation cheaper than BC incorporation?
Federal online incorporation currently costs $200, compared with $350 for a numbered BC corporation or $380 for a named BC corporation. However, a federally incorporated company operating in BC may also need a $350 extraprovincial registration, so the federal incorporation fee alone doesn’t show the full cost.
Can I register a business in BC without incorporating?
Yes. A business can operate as a sole proprietorship or general partnership without incorporating. Registration requirements depend on the ownership structure and the business name you use.
Is it cheaper to register a sole proprietorship or incorporate in BC?
A sole proprietorship is cheaper to establish. A registered sole proprietorship using a business name generally has $70 in core government fees, compared with $350 for a numbered BC corporation or $380 for a named BC corporation.