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

One account type for all BC Registry services

Historically, BC Registries accounts have been divided into two categories: Basic and Premium. To streamline services, BC Registries has decided to transition to a single account type.

Previously, payment options were limited and tied to the account type. Moving forward, payment options will be expanded based on the product type.

B.C. Corporations update

Update on migration to the new Business Registry

In March, BC Registries will add additional common filings on the Business Registry to support new businesses.

Existing corporations created in Corporate Online will continue to use BC OnLine, Corporate Online and Search applications.

Taking an incremental release for delivering digital services, BC Registries have been actively meeting with internal and external parties and will onboard their businesses as early adopters starting in April. 

These groups will use the Business Registry, to test the new system and provide feedback, allowing us to adjust and make improvements before all other people and businesses onboard later. 

These changes will continue to support BC Registry’s initiative to update aging technology, enhance security, and make it easier to complete transactions. 

Officer Information - What's new

Collection of Officer Information will continue to be recorded as optional, as needed, in the Corporate Online system and eventually in the new modernized Business Registry. 

Previously, BC Registries announced changes to the processes for the collection of officer information for corporations. 

Since announced, feedback was received from some partners and interested parties stating officer information is important and needed to be kept on file with the Registry. As a result, officer information will continue to be recorded as optional, as needed, in the Corporate Online system and eventually in the new modernized Business Registry.

Data and feedback is important for us, and as needs evolve, it is important that we sometimes revisit decisions so that we continue to provide quality services that meet those needs. 

Update your email address in Corporate Online now

BC Registries and Digital Services is moving to email as the default method to deliver most business correspondence.

Update your email address immediately to prevent any delay in service when the Corporate Online application is replaced by the new Business Registry application. 

An email address is needed:

• to modernize and move your business data and information from the Corporate Online application to the new Business Registry application
• to ensure you receive other important Registry documents
• to receive reminders to file your Annual Reports
• Keep up to date on changes that will impact your B.C. business

Follow these steps in our Add an Email to Corporate Online Quick Guide to add or update your email in Corporate Online.

Annual reports can now be filed in the Business Registry 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 into the existing Corporate Online application, ensuring users can still access their business information while the Business Registry is under development.

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.

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?

Searching for B.C. corporations including limited, unlimited liability, and community contribution companies will move to the Business Search in the BC Registry application at a later time.

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 cooperative associations, benefit companies, sole proprietorships and partnerships in the Business Search requires a Premium BC Registry account. Learn more.
• Searching for limited and unlimited liability companies, community contribution companies, partnerships, societies, and others will remain in 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