Businesses and incorporated companies

Businesses, corporations, cooperative associations and societies need to register, file documents and update records, which are kept as a matter of public record.

Request a name for a business or organization

Businesses and organizations must have their name approved and confirm it's not being used by another corporation.

• Submit a name request
• Find out how to choose the right name

Start or manage a business or organization

Find instructions for starting, maintaining or dissolving an organization or business.

• Incorporated companies
• Sole proprietorships and partnerships
• Cooperative associations
• Business numbers

Start or manage a not-for-profit organization

In B.C., not-for-profit organizations are known as societies. Societies are independent, democratic organizations that follow the Societies Act and their own constitution and bylaws.

Look up business records

• Information about incorporated companies, cooperatives and societies
• Certificate of Status
• ​Certificate of Good Standing
• Letter Under Seal

View the Search Index to know where to search for businesses (105KB PDF)

Register or maintain an out-of-province company or organization

Extraprovincial (out-of-province) companies and organizations need to register. This includes:

• Out-of-province businesses and organizations operating or conducting activities in B.C.
• B.C. businesses or organizations operating or conducting activities outside of the province

Find out about extraprovincial registration for:

• Incorporated companies
• Cooperative associations
• Societies

The New West Partnership Trade Agreement is for companies and organizations in (or doing business in) Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Modernization: Making access to services easy

• Modernization: Making access to online services easy
• Modernization updates
• Modernization resources

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

We can help in over 220 languages and through other accessible options. Call, email or text us, or find a service centre