Launch Surrey's All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services Today
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step path to launching an All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services business in Surrey (NAICS 561599). You’ll find a concise requirements overview, the permits and licenses you may need from the City of Surrey and provincial authorities, and a realistic look at startup costs and timelines to help you plan confidently.
Key things you’ll learn include the six essential requirements, how to register your business, and how to obtain a Surrey business license and any insurance or bonding you might need. We break down typical costs—software, website, marketing, and ongoing fees—and map out a practical timeline from initial setup to launch, so you know when to act.
Why Surrey? The city’s growing population and proximity to Vancouver create strong demand for travel planning and reservations services, while a supportive small-business community helps you get started faster. With clear steps and local context, you can turn your travel-arrangement service into a thriving Surrey business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a travel arrangement and reservation service in Surrey, BC is the Business Number (BN) Registration. Your BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and is the key identifier you’ll use to interact with the government on taxes, payroll, and other programs. Having a BN helps you line up essential registrations as your business grows, and it lays the groundwork for staying compliant from day one.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that cover health, safety, and permits. You’ll need a City of Surrey business licence to legally operate within the municipality. In addition, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage to protect workers and meet provincial workplace safety rules. If you’re operating under a name different from your own, you’ll also need BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership to publicly use that name.
For business registrations and tax, your BN ties everything together. You’ll likely need GST/HST Registration to collect tax on your services, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These registrations are part of the standard provincial and federal framework you access through your BN, so getting the BN early streamlines the rest of the process and helps you stay compliant as you grow.
Getting started can feel like a lot, but take it step by step. Start with confirming your business structure and whether you need a BC name registration, then apply for a BN with the CRA. Next, obtain the Surrey business licence, set up WorkSafeBC coverage, and register for GST/HST and payroll deductions as needed. With these essentials in place, you’ll be on solid footing to launch and grow your travel services in Surrey.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other travel arrangement and reservation 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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other travel arrangement and reservation services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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