Coming March 2025, a new way to manage and search B.C. companies

Last updated on November 1, 2024

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​In March 2025, B.C. corporate filings and search will move to the new BC Registry application, removing them from the BC OnLine and Corporate Online applications.

Annual report reminders in the Business Registry coming soon for select users

What is changing?

In preparation for the move to the Business Registry in March 2025, BC Registries is now emailing select B.C. businesses to invite them to file their annual report in the new system. The annual report reminder email will contain information and a link that will assist the user in creating an account and filing their annual report. 

The details from the annual report will then be copied back to the existing Corporate Online application, ensuring users continue to have access to their business information while the Business Registry is under construction. 

B.C. business filings are moving to the Business Registry

What is changing?

In March 2025, incorporation filings and filings to keep businesses up to date (e.g. annual reports) will be moving to the Business Registry in the BC Registries application, replacing Corporate Online used by businesses today.

Annual Reports: 

  • Officer information will no longer be collected. Any previous officer information will not be moved from Corporate Online during this transition. 
  • Until the transition, you can continue to maintain your officer information through the annual report filing in Corporate Online or BC OnLine applications. 
  • Once Corporate Online has moved, you will need to maintain officer information in your internal company records. 

How and when do I transition to the Business Registry? 

  • Set up your BC Services Card app now to avoid delays later when it is time to transition to the new Business Registry. 
  • Make sure you have a valid email address listed on your current Corporate Online or BC OnLine account so that we can send you important information about upcoming changes.
  • BC Registries will keep you updated about the transition over the coming months.

Who is impacted?

All companies incorporated under the B.C. Business Corporations Act, which includes:

  • Limited companies
  • Unlimited liability companies
  • Community contribution companies

Other business types:

  • B.C. benefit companies are available in the Business Registry.
  • Extra provincial companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, etc., will move to the Business Registry in later phases. 
  • Societies will continue to be available through Societies Online.

Searching for B.C. businesses

What is changing?

In March 2025, searching for B.C. corporations will move to the Business Search in the BC Registry application, including limited, unlimited liability, and community contribution companies.

Today, the Business Search already includes access to information for cooperative associations, benefit companies, sole proprietorships and general partnerships. 

How will I search?

  • Searching for businesses in the Business Search requires a Premium BC Registry account. Learn more
  • Searching extra provincial companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, societies, etc., will remain in the current Corporate Search
  • View the Search Index to know where to search for businesses (105KB PDF)

A new Business Transparency Registry filing coming soon

What is changing?

Since October 1, 2020, most private B.C. companies need to maintain an internal transparency register.  Learn how to create a transparency register.

In 2025, companies will have to file this information online in the Business Registry. More details will follow in the coming months.

If you need help with the internal transparency registry, contact the Policy & Legislation team at FCSP@gov.bc.ca.

Who is impacted?

Private B.C. companies:

  • Limited companies
  • Unlimited liability companies
  • Community contribution companies
  • Benefit companies

Additional information

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Is there anything I need to do right now?

  • Set up your BC Services Card app to be ready for the transition of your business to the Business Registry
  • Make sure you have a valid email address listed on your current Corporate Online or BC OnLine account so that we can send you important information about the upcoming changes
  • If you get an invitation to file your annual report in the Business Registry, follow the instructions in the reminder email
 

Why do I need to set up a new account for my existing B.C. company?

The Corporate Online application used today is being replaced with the Business Registry. To access it, you will need to create a BC Registries account.

 

Is the annual report filing in the Business Registry the same as it is in Corporate Online?

There are two changes to the new annual report filing in the new system:

  • You will need to include information about your Annual General Meeting (AGM). There are three options to choose from:
    • The date the AGM was held, or
    • That the AGM will be held, or
    • The date the AGM was waived or deemed to have been held
  • You will no longer need to add or update officer information online and you will have to ensure that your internal records include your up to date officer information
 

Are filings in the Business Registry available in French?

The new annual report filing in the Business Registry is available in English and French. All other filings are currently available in English only.

 

Can I access the new annual report filing on my cell phone or tablet?

Yes, you can access the annual report filing on any mobile device.

 

What if I manage multiple corporations?

More information will be posted soon

 

New login method for the BC Registry application is more secure.

The BC Registry application has advanced security standards, requiring users to log in using their BC Services Card app, which removes the need for a username and password. This protects your identity and makes sure no one else can access services as you.

 

What will happen to business access codes?

Access codes will not be used in the Business Registry. Once your business is linked to your account on the Business Registry, you can access it at any time.

 

What will happen to Address Change BC?

Address Change BC will only be available for residential use. Changes to business addresses will need to be made in the Business Registry and directly with other government agencies, if required. ​

 

Do you use automation, robotics, or screen scraping software to access search in BC OnLine or Corporate Online?

It is recommended to develop application programming interfaces (API) to replace the robotic process automation or screen scraping tools that may be currently used for high volume corporate registry transactions, as those tools will no longer work when Corporate Online is shut down. Further information can be found on the BC Registries API Gateway. 

 

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

You can email us at bcreg.engagement@gov.bc.ca.