Start Your Vancouver Amusement Arcade: A Practical How-To Guide
This Vancouver guide gives you a practical, step-by-step path to launching an amusement arcade (NAICS 713120). It covers six essential requirements—from business registration and site selection to licenses, safety permits, insurance, and equipment contracts. You’ll get a concise overview of what’s needed, the permits you’ll likely encounter, rough start-up costs, and a realistic timeline to open your doors.
How it works: you’ll learn the six key steps in plain language and what to expect at each stage. You’ll discover zoning checks and choosing a venue, applying for a Vancouver business license and any city permits, electrical and safety inspections, selecting and maintaining arcade machines, and locking in supplier contracts and insurance. We’ll also cover rough cost ranges and a practical opening timeline so you know what to budget and when you’ll be ready to roll.
Why Vancouver is a great fit: the city’s lively entertainment scene, strong foot traffic, and clear licensing pathways make an arcade a natural draw. With the right location, a smart mix of games, and solid partnerships, your Vancouver arcade can thrive in a bustling urban hub.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an amusement arcade in Vancouver is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal registration through the Canada Revenue Agency, and you cannot legally open or run your arcade without a BN. It’s the foundation that lets you handle taxes and programs (like GST/HST and payroll) and it serves as the unique reference for every government interaction. This requirement is non-negotiable and must be in place before you start operations.
Beyond the BN, there are essential operational steps to keep you compliant and safe. A City of Vancouver business licence is required to operate within the city limits. If you use a name other than your own, you’ll also need BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. On the safety side, WorkSafeBC coverage is mandatory if you have employees, ensuring workplace safety and access to necessary compensation.
For business registration and tax, plan the administrative pieces that go with growth. Use the BN to connect with provincial and federal registrations as needed. If your revenues reach the federal GST threshold, you’ll need GST registration (note that British Columbia does not use HST). If you hire staff, you’ll also handle Payroll Deductions registrations. WorkSafeBC coverage ties into the ongoing safety and compliance requirements. These steps ensure you’re paying the right taxes, reporting properly, and protecting your team.
Starting out is exciting—clear filings and licences keep you on solid footing. Next steps: gather your ownership and contact details, choose your business name (or confirm using your legal name), apply for the BN, then obtain the City of Vancouver business licence and BC Name Registration if needed. Check GST thresholds, plan for payroll registrations if you hire, and set up WorkSafeBC coverage. If you’re unsure, a quick chat with a local business advisor can help map your exact steps.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a amusement arcades in Vancouver:
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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 Vancouver. Apply to City of Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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 amusement arcades:
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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 Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Nova Scotia Creative Industries Fund provides project-based grants of up to $30,000, covering up to 50% of eligible costs, to creative and cultural businesses and non-profit organizations seeking to grow their export markets. The program targets sectors including fashion and design, screen, music, performing arts, production and fine craft, …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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SSDIC operates through three streams: Stream One funds Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and the Aboriginal Sport Circle; Stream Two supports Indigenous governments and not-for-profit Indigenous organizations; Stream Three focuses on Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples. The 2024-2026 cycle invested $24.2M across 119 Indigenous-led projects. New funding available for 2026-27 …
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