Launch Your All Other Insurance Related Activities in Surrey Today
This page gives a practical, step-by-step guide to starting an All Other Insurance Related Activities business in Surrey (NAICS 524298). It provides a clear seven-requirement roadmap, details on permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from registration to first client.
Discover exactly what you'll need to do: the seven requirements, how to register your business in British Columbia, apply for any licenses or city permits in Surrey, and secure essential coverage and tools. We'll break down fees you can expect (registration, licenses, and insurance-related costs), plus ongoing expenses, and map out a typical 2–8 week timeline to go from idea to opening.
Why Surrey works: Surrey’s growing economy, affordable setup, and proximity to Vancouver create a strong base for insurance-related services. With supportive local resources and a thriving business community, you can move quickly through approvals and start serving clients sooner. Whether you're a solo advisor or building a small team, Surrey offers ample opportunity.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal government identifier you need to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency for taxes, payroll, and other program accounts. You cannot legally operate your insurance-related activities without a BN, and securing it is non-negotiable before you begin serving clients.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to the BN, you’ll need a Surrey business licence to operate locally. If you plan to use a trade name, BC Business Name Registration is required for sole proprietorships or partnerships. You’ll also have to comply with anti-money-laundering rules by registering with FINTRAC and ensure workers’ safety through WorkSafeBC coverage and registration. These items keep daily operations legal and safe.
Business Registration & Tax: For ongoing compliance, register your business name if you operate under a specific name, and set up tax accounts. GST/HST Registration with the CRA is required if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold or if you choose to register voluntarily. If you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA is necessary to handle withholdings and remittances. Your BN ties these accounts together, but separate registrations are still essential to keep your business compliant.
Encouragement and next steps: Start by listing which registrations apply to your Surrey-insurance activities, then tackle them one by one. Gather the needed documents, apply for the BN, secure a Surrey business licence, register your BC business name if needed, and set up FINTRAC, WorkSafeBC, GST/HST, and payroll registrations as applicable. If you’re unsure, contact local resources like Small Business BC or Surrey’s business licensing office for guidance and support.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other insurance related activities in Surrey:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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FINTRAC Registration (Anti-Money Laundering) RequiredFinancial services must register with FINTRAC and implement anti-money laundering and terrorist financing compliance programs. Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). Mandatory for: MSBs, casinos, real estate, securities, accountants, BC notaries. Register online. Compliance program required. Suspicious transaction reporting. Large cash reporting ($10K+). Keep records 5 years. Contact FINTRAC: 1-866-346-8722.
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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