Fulfilling Legal Obligations

There is no name protection for either sole proprietorships or partnerships. However, with the exception of the circumstances outlined above, name approval from the BC Government is still required prior to registration. 

Incorporated businesses, societies, and cooperatives are guaranteed the exclusive use of their name. This name must be distinct and follow the rules outlined here in order to receive approval.

Platform used to register a sole proprietorship or partnership business in BC. Also used to incorporate benefit companies and cooperatives. Requires a BC Registries account.

Platform used to incorporate a society in BC. Requires a Basic BCeID account.

Platform used to incorporate provincially (except as noted above). Requires setting up a Customer Profile ID. 

Platform used to incorporate federally. Requires an ISED Account.

A one-stop-shop for regulatory requirements that apply to Canadian businesses. Answer a few questions to quickly and easily find out which licences and permits might be relevant to your business.

Allows certain types of businesses to operate across local government boundaries. They are also known as "inter-community business licences" or "inter-municipal business licences." There are currently 17 of them in BC, including Metro West which covers Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Delta, and New Westminster.

If your business involves a regulated profession in BC (e.g., accounting firm, architectural consultant), specific certification and licencing requirements may also apply.

A plain-language guide that will help you to determine what types of sales tax, if any, you will be required to collect at point-of-sale.

Everything a business owner might need to know when it comes to income tax, GST/HST, payroll deductions, business numbers, customs rates, and much more.

A guide explaining the basics of provincial sales tax (PST) for anyone starting or operating a business in BC. Even if you're not required to register to collect and remit PST, it still applies to goods and services you purchase for your business.

Use this helpful checklist to find out which tax obligations will apply to your business. 

A free and convenient online tax application in BC that provide 24/7 secure access to register and manage your account, file returns, and make payments.

Small business owners and self-employed individuals can request a free, personalized visit from a CRA liaison officer. They can help you to understand your tax obligations and provide recommendations on how to strengthen your bookkeeping system.

Unless exempt, all BC employers must register for workers compensation coverage through WorkSafeBC.

Provides free advice, assistance, representation, and educational seminars to employers, potential employers, and employer associations concerning workers’ compensation issues.

Tips for finding and managing workers, accessing funding to hire or train employees, creating an inclusive workplace, and more.

Helpful information regarding payroll, wages, and other resources for recruiting, training, and managing employees.

Emergency planning, risk management, insurance, legal issues, security and privacy and fraud.

Information on how business insurance rates are set, the types of policies that are typically available, and other helpful information on protecting your business from risk. 

A fillable template to help you plan and prepare for emergencies that could interrupt operations. Includes sections on critical business functions, communication procedures, essential records, and emergency contacts.

In order to start a business in BC, you must be legally entitled to work as a self-employed person in Canada. Check with the IRCC to ensure that you have the correct working status to work on your business in Canada.

Non-citizens are subject to the Investment Canada Act and must submit a Notification or Application for Review.

Residency requirements apply to federally incorporated businesses, so it’s important to keep this in mind when choosing a business structure.

Guide aimed primarily at non-Canadians looking for general information about laws, regulations and taxes that apply to starting and operating a business in BC.