Start Your All Other Legal Services Firm in Burnaby Today
This page walks you through launching an All Other Legal Services practice in Burnaby (NAICS 541199). You'll find a practical, 6-step requirements overview, a snapshot of necessary permits and licenses, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline so you can plan with confidence. Whether you’re solo or building a small team, this guide keeps things simple and actionable.
This guide highlights six key requirements, plus the permits you’ll likely need, reliable cost ranges, and a clear start-to-finish timeline. You’ll learn how to choose your business structure, register in British Columbia, obtain a Business Number and GST/HST accounts, secure professional liability insurance, establish compliant client intake and privacy practices, and set up a Burnaby-friendly office and a strong online presence.
Burnaby offers a growing, affordable base for professional services, with easy access to Vancouver's markets, supportive small-business programs, and strong local networks. This city’s vibe supports steady referrals and great growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This government-issued ID is legally required to run most business activities in Canada, and you cannot legally operate without it. A BN unlocks your ability to handle federal and provincial tax accounts (like GST/HST, payroll), and other programs, so securing it early keeps you compliant and helps you avoid penalties.
Mandatory operational requirements involve health, safety, privacy practices, and any necessary permits. If you hire staff or have a workspace, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage to protect workers and meet workplace safety laws. You’ll also need to protect personal information you collect from clients and employees by complying with PIPEDA, including a proper privacy policy and data-handling practices. If your city or industry requires specific permits or licenses, obtain those before opening.
Business registration and tax numbers include BC Business Name Registration for sole proprietorships or partnerships that operate under a trade name, in addition to your BN. You’ll also typically register for GST/HST if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold or if you expect to exceed it. If you hire employees, you must set up Payroll Deductions through the CRA, and remit payroll taxes accordingly.
Next steps: map out which accounts you need and apply step by step. Start with BN registration, then decide on a business name registration if needed, then register for GST/HST and payroll as applicable, and ensure WorkSafeBC coverage and privacy policies are in place. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple checklist for Burnaby and guide you through each item so you’re confident you’re compliant without feeling overwhelmed.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other legal services in Burnaby:
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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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Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) Compliance RequiredProfessional services that collect, use, or disclose personal information must comply with PIPEDA federal privacy law. Includes consent requirements, security safeguards, and breach notification obligations. No registration required - compliance law. Follow PIPEDA's 10 fair information principles when handling personal data: accountability, identify purposes, consent, limit collection/use/retention, accuracy, safeguards, openness, individual access, challenging compliance. Appoint someone responsible for privacy. Penalties: up to $10M or 3% global revenue under proposed Bill C-27. Contact: Office of the Privacy Commissioner 1-800-282-1376.
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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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other legal services:
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Cohort-based program supporting Quebec companies operating primarily in immersive/interactive digital content (VR/AR/MR, interactive scenographies, installations). Selected cohorts share a total funding envelope. First cohort (2024): 17 companies shared $7.5M; second cohort (2025): 11 companies shared $3.725M (~$340K–$440K per company). Video games, animation, VFX, and traditional formats are not eligible.
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Non-repayable project or composite (multi-year) grants for arts sector innovation, development, and support activities. Project grants normally up to $50,000; composite grants up to $50,000/year for multi-year periods. Exceptional projects may receive up to $100,000. Rolling intake — no fixed deadlines.
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The HIPP provided up to $200,000 over 9 months for Stage 1 proof-of-concept, with Stage 2 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses over up to 3 years (minimum 25% applicant cost-share). Eligible applicants included Alberta post-secondary institutions, government entities, health delivery agents, and for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The program …
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Invest Nova Scotia Payroll Rebate is a negotiated incentive for knowledge-based companies creating at least 20 net new full-time positions in Nova Scotia. The rebate is 5–10% of eligible gross payroll, disbursed annually over a set period (typically up to 5 years), after audited confirmation of job creation. Eligible …
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