Incorporate a company
in British Columbia
Incorporating your business in British Columbia is an important legal step that affects liability, tax planning, and how your business operates long-term.
I help entrepreneurs, professionals, and service-based business owners incorporate properly in British Columbia. Whether you’re setting up an operating company, a holding company, or a professional corporation, I ensure your company is structured clearly and compliantly from the start.
Why Incorporate Your Business in British Columbia
Incorporating your business creates a legal entity that is separate from you personally. When done properly, incorporation can provide meaningful legal and practical benefits for your business.
Common reasons business owners choose to incorporate include:Incorporating your business is a smart legal step towards separating your personal liability your business, protecting your assets, gaining tax advantages, and building credibility.
Limited Personal Liability
In most cases, incorporating your business helps separate your personal assets from your business obligations. This can reduce personal risk if the business faces a legal claim or financial issue.
Tax Planning Flexibility
An incorporated business may have access to tax planning strategies that are not available to sole proprietors. While tax advice comes from your accountant, proper legal structure is what allows those strategies to work as intended.
Professional Credibility
Incorporation can signal stability and professionalism to clients, lenders, and business partners—particularly for service-based businesses and regulated professionals.
Long-Term Business Continuity
A corporation continues to exist even if ownership or management changes. This can make future growth, succession, or sale of the business more straightforward.
Choosing the Right Corporate Structure
The right company setup depends on how your business operates now and how you plan to grow:
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Operating Company (OpCo)
An operating company is the entity that runs your day-to-day business. This is the most common structure for service-based businesses and professionals. Incorporating an Opco provides a legal foundation for contracts, hiring, and ongoing operations.
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Holding Company (HoldCo)
A holding company typically owns shares in an operating company or holds other assets. Holdcos are often used to support asset protection and long-term tax or investment planning. Whether a Holdco makes sense depends on your goals and overall structure.
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Professional Corporations
Certain professionals may be eligible to incorporate as a professional corporation. These entities have additional legal and regulatory requirements, including restrictions on ownership and governance. I help ensure professional corporations are set up correctly and in compliance with applicable rules.
What My Incorporation Services Include:
My incorporation services are designed to be clear, efficient and thorough.
Each incorporation typically includes:
A consultation to understand your business and goals
Guidance on entity type and share structure (in consultation with your accountant if you are working with one)
Name Search
Preparation and filing of incorporation documents
Creation and organization of your corporate records so you are compliant from day one
If your business requires additional support—such as contracts, a shareholder agreement, employment agreements, or ongoing corporate maintenance, we can discuss that
as part of the process.
When It May Be Time to Incorporate
Incorporation may be worth considering if:
Your business is generating consistent revenue and you are making more than you need to live on
You are taking on higher-value clients or contracts
You are hiring employees or contractors
You want clearer separation between personal and business risk
You are planning for growth or long-term structure
If you are unsure whether now is the right time, you can check out this blog or book a free consultation with me to help clarify if incorporating makes sense for you.
“Not only was Jaime friendly and easy to work with but she made the process super straight forward and seamless. It really took the stress of incorporating off my plate! I would highly recommend her if you're looking for legal help!” - Stacie, Enroute Accounting
FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to incorporate in BC?
1
It is possible to file incorporation documents yourself. However, incorporation is more than a filing—it involves legal structure, governance, and future planning. Working with a lawyer helps ensure the company is set up correctly from the start.
How long does it take to incorporate a business in British Columbia?
2
Incorporation filings can often be completed quickly once information is finalized. Timing can vary depending on name search results, complexity and whether additional approvals or structures are required. I offer rush services if you need to incorporate ASAP.
Can my corporation be changed later?
3
Some changes are possible, but restructuring later can be more complex and costly. Starting with a clear legal structure helps reduce the need for future corrections.
How much does incorporating a company cost?
4
Nobody likes surprises when it comes to legal fees. I offer a flat fee for all incorporation services that includes all registration fees. On our initial call, I will advise you of the fee for incorporation based on the type of company you require.
Next Steps
If you are ready to incorporate your business—or want clarity on whether incorporation makes sense for you—the next step is a conversation.
Book an incorporation consultation to discuss your business, your goals, and the right structure moving forward.