Register Company in British Columbia

Register Company in British Colombia

• The process to register company in British Colombia is a hassle-free process if you understand the process. Tetra Consultants can assist you with British Colombia company registration so that you can invest more time in other important business areas that might need your concern. 

• The British Colombia government offers resources and support to businesses and entrepreneurs, including guides and information on starting, growing, and managing a business. 

• British Colombia welcomes many entrepreneurs and investors from around the world to discover the many business opportunities across all regions of the province. The Entrepreneur Immigration program is a “temporary to permanent” immigration pathway that allows entrepreneurs to initially come to British Colombia as temporary residents and then apply to stay permanently once they have successfully started a business. 

• You can depend on our team of experts to provide you with a smooth experience in setting up your new company with the Registrar of Companies. We will ensure that your firm will be operational within the required time frame.

Our service package includes:

• Register company in British Colombia
• The company secretary and registered local address
• Corporate bank account opening services
• Accounting and tax obligations
• Financial and business license applications

Benefits of registering a company in British Colombia

There are many benefits of registering a company in British Colombia which are as follows:

Access to dynamic market

• Registering your business in British Colombia, enables businesses and investors to tap into a dynamic market and access lucrative business opportunities. The strategic location of British Colombia on the west coast of Canada provides easy access to global markets. Moreover, the province serves as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, connecting many international routes and investing opportunities. 

• With a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including ports and airports, British Columbia enables the efficient movement of goods and establishes strong connections with major markets around the world.

Supportive business environment

• British Columbia offers a supportive business environment characterized by progressive policies, transparent regulations, and strong legal frameworks. The province is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, providing resources, funding programs, and business support services to facilitate business growth.

• Registering a business in British Columbia ensures compliance with local laws and regulations, offering entrepreneurs and investors a stable and secure foundation for their ventures. 

Thriving Economy and business opportunities

• British Columbia boasts a thriving economy, making it an attractive place for business growth and prosperity. The province is known for its diverse industries, including technology, natural resources, tourism, and international trade. 
• Registering a business in British Columbia enables many entrepreneurs and businesses to tap into this dynamic market, access lucrative business opportunities, and benefit from the province’s robust economic growth. 

No residency requirements for directors

• Many Canadian corporate statutes mention the requirement that a certain percentage of the board of directors be comprised of Canadian residents. However, under British Colombia, there are no residency requirements for directors. A foreign parent may establish a British Columbia corporate subsidiary with a board comprised entirely of directors from the foreign parent’s home jurisdiction. 

• This is a significant advantage when the foreign parent has no personnel or contacts in Canada who would make appropriate board appointees. It also avoids a foreign parent having to appoint a Canadian resident nominee, such as a lawyer, who will very likely require an indemnity and may not be available to sign authorizing resolutions when required.

Ability to Waive the Production and Publication of Financial Statements for Private Companies

• British Colombia allows shareholders to resolve unanimously to waive the production and publication of financial statements, provided that those shareholders holding non-voting shares (if any) also vote in favor of such resolution. A resolution waiving the preparation of financial statements can be passed even after the date on which the financial statements are required but cannot be given generally.

Can a foreigner register company in British Colombia?

• There are no restrictions on foreign investments. The entity must file an Extraprovincial Registration form, which is filed through the Corporate Online portal. The form requires information about the foreign entity, such as its name, jurisdiction of formation, and proof of existence certified by its authority. 

• Prior to the electronic filing, if your parent jurisdiction resides outside Canada, you will be required to file proof of existence and be certified by the foreign entity’s home jurisdiction. 

• Being from a foreign state, you will be able to register your company without the requirement of a resident director. When you get to engage with Tetra Consultants, we will be able to provide you with specific and comprehensive information on the registration process and requirements particular to the proposed state of incorporation. We will fully understand your business before recommending the most optimum business entity.

How much time does it take to register company in British Colombia and for a corporate bank account opening?

• Tetra Consultants will provide you with a complete and seamless process to register company in British Columbia within 2 weeks. After receiving all the due diligence documents of the directors and the shareholders, our team will assist you with the availability of the preferred company name and also prepare incorporation documents on your behalf. 

• Throughout the whole process, our team ensures that you do not need to travel to the state where registration is taking place. This is done to ensure that no hassle is caused to our clients. 

• After Tetra Consultants has completed the registration process you can expect to receive the documents of your new company including the certificate of formation, Memorandum, and Articles of Association as well as a register of directors and shareholders.

• Within 4 weeks of registration, Tetra Consultants can assist you with the opening of a bank account with a bank as preferred by the clients. Our team of experts will present on behalf of you for complying with the bank account. 

Types of business entities to consider when you register company in British Colombia

There are different business models available in British Colombia, such as: 

Sole proprietorship

• A sole proprietorship is one of the most common and easiest forms of business structure. This business structure is owned and operated by a single person. There is no legal distinction between the owner and the company which results in unlimited liability for the owner. Thus, making the owner personally responsible for all the debts and obligations of the business. 

• The tax charged on such businesses is taxed as an individual income of the business. The corporate tax rate in British Columbia is 11%, but sole proprietors don’t pay corporate income tax on their business’s profits. 

• The British Colombia government has to collect and remit two types of taxes including the Goods and Service Tax (GST) and the Provincial Sales Tax (PST).  The GST is a federal tax of 5% on the sale of most goods and services in Canada. As a small business owner, you must register for the GST and collect it from your customers if your annual taxable supplies exceed CAD $30,000. The PST is a provincial sales tax of 7% in British Columbia and applies to the sale of most goods and services in the province. 

• Even a foreigner can set up a sole proprietorship company in British Colombia, Canada. British Columbia allows you to legally operate your business under a new or additional name other than your name. Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that non-residents of Canada can incorporate in British Columbia without any restrictions on directors and without the need for a personal visit. 

Partnership

• Partnerships are easy to form and can be established with a simple verbal agreement, but many partnerships are legally bound by a written agreement. A partnership carried on in British Colombia needs to file Form T5013 and a statement of partnership income. 

• In this business structure, each partner contributes to all aspects of the business, including money, property, labor, or skills. There are different kinds of partnerships which include general partnerships and limited partnerships. 

• In general partnerships, each partner is responsible for the debts and obligations of the business. On the other hand, limited partnerships could be an easier process to set up and maintain. The partners do have a limited liability which is much more suitable. 

• This business structure can be suitable for foreigners to set up in British Columbia. It is important to remember that partnerships can be incorporated without any major restrictions on directors and shareholders.

Corporation 

• A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owner. This business structure is owned by its shareholders who elect the board of directors to manage the corporation. These shareholders are not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the corporation. 

• Corporations in British Columbia are subjected to Canadian corporate income tax on worldwide income. The general corporate income tax rate in British Columbia is 12% and the lower small business rate applies to Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs) with active business income eligible for the federal small business deduction. The lower small business rate is applied to those businesses having income up to CAD $500,000. 

• Non-resident corporations are subject to CIT on income derived from carrying on a business in Canada and on capital gains arising upon the disposition of taxable Canadian property.

• To register a corporation in British Columbia, a minimum of one shareholder is required. Along with this, there is no minimum requirement for the local director. However, the corporation must have at least one director, who must be 18 years or older and can be of any nationality. 

• Additionally, corporations are required to incorporate themselves with a unique name that must be distinct from other existing businesses names. 

• Tetra Consultants can assist you with fully understanding the steps and requirements to open a business in British Columbia. Our experts will guide you through the incorporation procedure and also for setting up a bank account in British Columbia.

• By systematically following the downlisted steps, you can expect to register a business with the British Columbia authority within 2 weeks.  

Step 1- Name approval

• The primary step that a foreign entity is required to take is to reserve a business name for their company in British Columbia.  The name registration is required to be a foreign entity’s name in its current jurisdiction. 

• The name reservation can be done online or offline through the Service British Columbia Centre office which will then provide you with the Name Approval Request(NAR) form which will be submitted to the Corporate Registry. 

• The registration of the business can not be processed until the name has been approved and searched. This makes it an important step for businesses. Tetra Consultants can help you with the reservation of your preferred business name through our business services. 

Step 2 – Extraprovincial registration

• Filing of the Extraprovincial Registration form is compulsory for foreign entities who wish to register a business in British Columbia. The submission of the form is done through the Corporate Online portal or by submitting a paper registration statement Form 33 to the corporate registry. 

• This form requires information regarding the foreign entity, such as its name, jurisdiction of formation, and proof of existence certified by its jurisdiction. A foreign entity must apply for name approval and reservation before registering in BC as an extraprovincial company. 

• Tetra Consultants have an experienced team of members who are highly skilled and qualified. We can assist you with Extraprovincial Registration with our business services. 

Step 3 – Business registration

• After complying with the business requirements, you can register company in British Columbia through British Columbia Corporate Online. Tetra Consultants can provide you with the most convenient way to register your business in the province. You can also register your business offline in the Service BC Office. 

• Tetra Consultants can provide you with seamless and hassle-free incorporation to open a business in British Columbia. Our team of experts can be of great help for you to register a business in British Columbia. 

Step 4 – Complying with tax requirements

• Businesses incorporated in British Columbia are subjected to Canadian corporate income tax (CIT) on worldwide income. The general corporate income tax rate in British Columbia is 12%, and the lower small business rate applies to Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs) with active business income eligible for the federal small business deduction. 

• Tetra Consultants can provide you with tax services and can also assist you while complying with various accounting and tax obligations required by a company through our accounting and tax obligations services. Our experts are highly qualified and experienced in providing tax obligation services. 

Step 5 – Corporate bank account opening

• After registering your company with the British Columbia Corporate Registry, incorporated businesses are required to open a corporate bank account in a reputed bank present in British Columbia. 
• Tetra Consultants can assist you with opening a corporate bank account with a reputable bank within 4 weeks. It is to be noted that during the opening of the corporate bank account, the client might need to visit and have a meeting with bank staff at least once for verification. 

What are the minimum requirements to register company in British Columbia? 

Appointment of a director

• There is no requirement for Canadian residents to be appointed as a director.

• There must be at least one director for every British Columbia company. 

• The director must be an individual that is a corporation or legal entity cannot be a director.

• The director must not be in a bankrupt status. 

• Non-Canadian residents can register a business in British Columbia. 

• The director must be above 18 years of age.

Appointment of shareholders

• According to the Business Corporations Act of the British Columbia province, a minimum of one shareholder is required for a corporation. 

• The shareholder can be either an individual or a legal entity, without nationality limitation

• There is no specified maximum number of shareholders required.

General requirements

• With Corporate Registry the company is required to reserve a unique name. 

• Articles of Incorporation are required to be filed with the Corporate registry. 

• Might have a shareholder agreement outlining the rights and responsibilities of shareholders. 

• Obtain a Business Number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Specific compliance requirements

• Registration of Goods and Service Tax (GST)

• Registration of provincial sales tax (PST)

• Registration of Extra-provincial company 

• Registered companies are required to file an annual report each year within two months after registering the company. 

What are the documents required to register company in British Columbia?

There are various documents required to register a business in British Columbia. Downlisted are the generalized documents that may vary depending on the business activity and operations. 

• NUANS name approval report
• Extra-provincial registration form or registration form 33
• Proof of the existence of the foreign entity, certified by the home jurisdiction
• Statement of registration of the company
• Documents mentioning the registered address
• Incorporation agreement signed by each incorporator
• Articles of Incorporation

What are the tax and accounting obligations of a company registered in British Columbia?

• Accounting and tax considerations are important aspects of the businesses that require more focus. By outsourcing your Finland accounting and tax obligations to Tetra Consultants, you can be confident that you will be in the best hands. Our team of consultants will ensure that your firm’s financial statements, corporate tax returns, and audits are timely and completed without the need for you to travel.

• Moreover, outsourcing your requirement from Tetra Consultants helps you reduce the overhead costs and also ensures you timely reporting and filing of the necessary documents. Before we start our engagement, our team of experts will assist you with various compliance and regulatory requirements are present along with the timely compliance of such requirements. Hence, we will ensure to complete all the compliance requirements before the due date to ensure that the stipulated timeline is met. 

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

• To register a business in British Columbia, corporations are required to maintain a permanent establishment within British Columbia. Moreover, registered businesses are required to file a corporate income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency. The tax return is required to be filed by each registered business even if there is no tax payable. 

• For businesses registered by non-Canadian entities, the corporate income tax is subjected to the income derived from operating a business in Canada and on the capital gain aroused from taxable Canadian Property.  

Business Number (BN)

• An individual who open a business in British Columbia is subjected to obtain a business number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This business number enables the agency to track down the tax obligations of the business. 

• Moreover, this number serves as a standard identifier for businesses and legal entities. A Business Number is also used to interact with other federal, provincial, and municipal governments in Canada 

Financial statement preparation

• A registered business in British Columbia is obligated to prepare annual financial statements that include a balance sheet, income statement, and statement of changes in financial positions. 

• The statements are required to follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Moreover, these statements are also presented before shareholders a minimum of 21 days prior to the annual meeting. 

Why register company in British Columbia?

Political

• The strong political structure and institutions support growth and development. The government stability also allows businesses to expand regionally as well as internationally. 

• The stable political environment is able to attract investors and businesses which leads to growth and development in the infrastructure as well as enhances international image.  

• The favorable tax policies and the preferable competition regulation in the province maintain competitiveness by controlling its costs of doing business. 

Economy

• British Columbia faces moderate inflation which helps to flourish the businesses. A moderate inflation rate will also help the business grow and work positively towards increasing consumer confidence, and consumer spending trends. 

• The economic condition of the province and the country can enhance the working of the businesses incorporated in British Columbia province. 

• The availability of skilled labor and resources empowers the British Columbia economy and makes it more competitive than other provinces. 

Social

• The demographic trends and the cultural values of the province help create an impact on demand for products and services. With higher portion of the young population empowers the province with a competitive advantage of a young skilled workforce. 

• The young population with skills and talent adds breadth and depth to the talent pool of the province making it an attractive location for investors and businesses to operate their businesses from British Columbia. 

Technological

• The strong and well-developed technological advancements in the province create better opportunities for many industries to operate their business in British Columbia. The high rate of innovation across all industries provides companies with progressive technologies and a competitive advantage over those operating businesses outside the British Columbia province. 

• The adoption of such advanced technologies can help businesses to exponentially grow and expand their reach to global markets easily. 

Environmental

• The abundance of natural resources in the province impacts the operations of the businesses. The regulations provide restrictions on the extraction of natural resources which adversely affects the mining industries in the province. 

• Along with such laws, the company’s social attitude towards environmental sustainability also has a huge impact on the company’s reputation. Thus, the survival of a company in this province depends on its attitude towards environmentally friendly company policies and social contribution towards the environment.  

Legal

• The legal framework might seem complex and difficult to understand but it is quite easy to understand once you get to work with those laws and regulations. For many businesses operating in the province some substantial laws such as anti-competitive laws enacted and enforced by the competition bureau for the protection of customers from unfair trade practices. These legal frameworks can be seen around the laws enacted which a company must care about. 

• The legal framework thus affects the working of the businesses because of the strict laws present. 

Looking to register company in British Columbia?

• Tetra Consultants is a one-stop solution for all your business needs. Our team of experts can be of great help to your business as our comprehensive service package provides seamless and hassle-free registration of a company in British Columbia. 

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FAQs

How can I register a business in British Columbia?

A foreigner can open a business in British Columbia?

How much tax do businesses pay in British Columbia?

Do I need to obtain a business license in British Columbia to operate a business?