Register a sole proprietorship or partnership in B.C.
How do I register a business in British Columbia?
For a B.C. sole proprietorship or general partnership, reserve a name and register through BC Registries. If you operate under your own name, B.C. says provincial name reservation and registration are not required.
Where to begin
- Confirm the structure; incorporation and other partnership types use different routes.
- Reserve a business name if required.
- Register online through the BC Business Registry or at Service BC.
Before you open the official service
- The selected structure
- The approved name-request number, where required
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
Registration does not replace a municipal business licence or other obligations.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Practical questions
What does this route cost?
Standard provincial fees are CAD30 for name reservation and CAD40 for sole-proprietor or general-partnership registration when both are required.
- Priority name service is an additional CAD100. Other partnership types and optional services have different fees.
How long can this route take?
Complete registration within 56 days after the name is approved.
- Otherwise, another name request is needed. Check the registry’s current processing times; approval is not immediate by default.
Official sources
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.