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BC PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

1-Hour Service Available

Only $199 + Government Fee

We’re an official intermediary for the Province of British Columbia

Fast. Simple. Transparent. No Hidden Fees.

BC Incorporation Packages

Key Requirements to Register a BC Professional Corporation

Doctors
Physicians
Dentists
Lawyers
Accountants (CPAs)
Chiropractors
Veterinarians
Engineers
Pharmacists, etc

Before incorporation, you need a Certificate of Authorization or similar approval from your regulatory college (e.g., College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia).
The BC Professional Corporation must follow the strict naming rules: The name must include the professional’s name + must state the profession, must end with “Professional Corporation” or “Société professionnelle”. Example: Dr. John Smith Medical Professional Corporation.
When incorporating a Professional Corporation in BC, you are getting a limited liability (to a point). A PC protects you from business debts and lawsuits—but not from professional liability or malpractice. You still need your professional liability insurance.

Choosing Your Corporate Structure

BC Standard Corporation vs Professional Corporation

Here are the key differences between a Standard BC Corporation and a BC Professional Corporation:

Features

Standard Corporation

Professional Corporation

Who Can Incorporate

Anyone (individuals or groups) can incorporate

Only licensed professionals (e.g., doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, etc.) registered with a regulatory body in British Columbia.

Business Activities

Can engage in any lawful business activities.

Can only provide services related to the specific profession of the shareholders.

Name Requirements

Can use a business name or be numbered (e.g., 1234567 B.C. Ltd.).

Must include the professional’s surname, professional designation, and "Inc." or "Corporation" — subject to regulatory approval.

Ownership Rules

Shares can be held by anyone (individuals or corporations).

Voting shares must be owned by licensed professionals in that field. Some professions allow non-voting shares for family members (varies by regulator).

Regulatory Oversight

Governed only by the BC Business Corporations Act.

Must comply with both the BC Business Corporations Act and the rules of the relevant professional body (e.g., College of Physicians and Surgeons of

Start Your Incorporation Now

Just 3 Simple Steps

Fill out the online form

Kick things off by completing our easy step-by-step form. You can place your order using a credit card, PayPal, or e-transfer—whichever is most convenient.

We handle the filing

Once your payment is confirmed, our experienced registry agent reviews everything and files your BC corporation documents with the appropriate BC government office. No need to worry about red tape or delays.

Receive your incorporation documents

BC Professional Corporation Registration doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ll receive your official Certificate and Articles of Incorporation right in your inbox—often in just a few business hours.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Learn how to incorporate your BC professional Corporation from this informative video:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Professional Corporation in BC?

A Professional Corporation (PC) in BC is a type of corporation formed by licensed professionals—such as doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, engineers, and others—who want to operate their practice through a legal business entity. PCs are governed by the Business Corporations Act and must also meet the regulations of the professional’s governing body.

Who can incorporate a Professional Corporation in BC?

Only members of regulated professions can form a Professional Corporation in BC.

Common examples include:
Physicians
Dentists
Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs)
Lawyers
Engineers
Chiropractors
Optometrists
You must hold a valid license and be in good standing with your regulatory college or association.

What are the benefits of incorporating a Professional Corporation?

– Reduce corporate tax rates applicable to active business income
– Liability protection for corporate obligations (other than professional malpractice)
– Income Deferral and Investment Opportunities
– Professional image and consistency

Can I incorporate a Professional Corporation in BC online?

Yes, you can incorporate online by completing a simple form on Canada Incorporation Agency website, it will take around 15 minutes. After completing the payment, we will send you a confirmation email, and our agent will contact you to confirm all the order details. We will incorporate your company and email the Certificate and Articles of incorporation to you.

What are the key differences between a regular and a professional corporation?

Unlike regular BC corporations, ownership is restricted—only licensed members of the same profession can be shareholders, directors, or officers. You also have to include your professional designation and “Professional Corporation” in the name (e.g., “Dr. A. Smith Medicine Professional Corporation”).

Can I use a creative or branded name?

Not really. Your corporation’s name must follow strict rules set by your regulatory body. Typically, it needs to include: Your surname (and sometimes first name or initials); your professional designation; the words “Professional Corporation”. So “Bright Smiles Dental Studio Inc.” won’t cut it—but “Dr. Jane Doe Dentistry Professional Corporation” will.

Do I need approval before incorporating?

Yes! Before filing your Articles of Incorporation, you need a Certificate of Authorization (or equivalent) from your regulatory college. Without that, your incorporation will get rejected faster than a cold-call sales pitch.

Can a professional corporation shield me from liability?

Only partially. A PC protects you from general business liabilities (like leases and debts), but not from professional malpractice. For that, you’ll still need professional liability insurance.

How much does it cost to incorporate a professional corporation?

The government fees are around 300 CAD, you will also need to pay the service fees if you choose to incorporate through the agency.

Do I need a lawyer to incorporate a not-for-profit in BC?

It’s not required, but it’s a good idea. Canada Incorporation Agency has a team of professional lawyers and filing agents that can help you out with the paperwork for your Professional Corporation. Bylaws, governance, and CRA compliance can get complicated.

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