Provincial Corporation (British Columbia) (Inc. / Ltd.)
BC Corporation
Constitución de empresa en Canada
The Inc. / Ltd. is best suited for: Non-residents who cannot meet the 25% Canadian-resident director requirement for federal incorporation, Founders operating primarily in British Columbia, Tech startups in the Vancouver ecosystem. A BC-incorporated corporation is subject to the same federal corporate tax rates as a federal corporation (15% general, 9% small business rate on the first CAD 500,000 for CCPCs). The BC provincial corporate tax rate is 12% general and 2% for small businesses. Combined general rate: 27%. Combined small business rate: 11%. CCPC status and the small business deduction apply regardless of whether the corporation is incorporated federally or provincially, provided the CCPC criteria are met.
- Non-residents who cannot meet the 25% Canadian-resident director requirement for federal incorporation
- Founders operating primarily in British Columbia
- Tech startups in the Vancouver ecosystem
Datos clave
Proceso de constitución paso a paso
Reserve a name or use a numbered company
Conduct a BC name approval request through BC Registry Services. A name reservation costs CAD 31.50 and is valid for 56 days. Alternatively, incorporate as a numbered company and add a trade name later.
Prepare and file the Incorporation Application
File the Incorporation Application along with the Notice of Articles through BC Registry Services online portal. The filing fee is CAD 350. Provide details of directors, registered office, and share structure. No minimum Canadian-resident director requirement exists in BC.
Receive Certificate of Incorporation
BC Registry Services issues the Certificate of Incorporation and the incorporation number. The company is now legally formed under the BC Business Corporations Act (BCBCA).
Post-incorporation compliance
Apply for a federal Business Number (BN) with CRA, register for GST/HST if applicable, register extra-provincially if operating in other provinces, open a bank account, and file annual reports with BC Registry Services.
Documentos requeridos
- BC name approval request or numbered company election
- Incorporation Application and Notice of Articles
- Consent to act as director from each director
- Registered and records office address in British Columbia
- Identification documents for directors
Resumen de costos
Tratamiento fiscal
A BC-incorporated corporation is subject to the same federal corporate tax rates as a federal corporation (15% general, 9% small business rate on the first CAD 500,000 for CCPCs). The BC provincial corporate tax rate is 12% general and 2% for small businesses. Combined general rate: 27%. Combined small business rate: 11%. CCPC status and the small business deduction apply regardless of whether the corporation is incorporated federally or provincially, provided the CCPC criteria are met.
Ventajas y desventajas
- No Canadian-resident director requirement — fully accessible to non-residents
- Fast online incorporation through BC Registry Services
- BC's 12% provincial corporate tax rate combines with the 15% federal rate for a 27% combined rate — competitive within Canada
- Access to Vancouver's deep tech ecosystem and talent pool
- Simpler than federal incorporation for companies operating primarily in one province
- Name protection is limited to British Columbia only — must register extra-provincially to operate in other provinces
- Governed by the BCBCA, which differs in some respects from the CBCA — legal advice should reflect the correct statute
- Extra-provincial registration required for operations outside BC adds cost and complexity
- Less immediately recognisable to international counterparties compared to a federal corporation
Otras estructuras en Canada
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ComenzarThis content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.