Launch a Surrey All Other Personal Services Business Today
This page provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap for launching an All Other Personal Services business in Surrey, BC (NAICS 812990). You’ll get a concise requirements overview—six essential steps—from registering your business and obtaining a Surrey license to choosing a location and setting up a compliant operation. Learn what documents to gather, which permits you may need, and how costs and timelines typically shape your first month in business.
In this guide you’ll learn the six-step path to launch: how to register your business (sole proprietor or corporation), how to secure the City of Surrey business license, GST/HST registration basics, and any zoning or health/safety permits that apply to personal service providers. We’ll outline typical startup costs (licenses, insurance, basic equipment) and present a realistic timeline from application to first client.
Why Surrey makes sense for this type of business? The city has a growing demand for personal services, a welcoming small-business ecosystem, and convenient access to the Greater Vancouver market. With six clear steps and practical support, you can confidently start and grow your All Other Personal Services business right here.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is the official government identifier you’ll use for taxes, payroll, and other registrations, and it’s non-negotiable—you generally cannot legally run a business in Canada without one. A BN streamlines dealings with federal agencies and makes it possible to handle GST/HST, payroll, and workers’ compensation properly from day one.
Next come the operational permits and safety steps. You’ll need a Surrey Business Licence to operate in the city, and if you use a name other than your own, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. If you employ people, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage in place to protect workers; even with contractors, confirm you’re meeting local safety rules.
On the tax and registration side, your BN is the hub. You’ll register for GST/HST if your revenue hits the threshold or you choose to register voluntarily, and you’ll handle payroll deductions through the CRA if you have employees. If you’re operating as a named business (not your own legal name), BC Business Name Registration ties everything together under the BN.
Ready to move forward? Start by securing your BN, then apply for the Surrey Business Licence and BC Name registration if needed. Consider GST/HST and payroll plans early, and set up WorkSafeBC coverage once you hire. If you’d like, I can map out a simple checklist with deadlines tailored to your exact business plan. We can also adjust timing to fit your start date and workload.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other personal services 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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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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