Launch an Assisted Living Facility in Surrey: Quick Start Guide
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting an assisted living facility for seniors in Surrey under NAICS 623312. Get a clear overview, actionable checklists, and realistic expectations to move from concept to opening. You'll find a concise requirements snapshot, what permits and registrations you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a solid timeline to become compliant and ready for residents.
We’ll cover the six essential requirements before opening: licensing and regulatory compliance; facility standards and resident safety; zoning and site planning; building permits and inspections; staffing, training, and background checks; and budgeting for startup costs and ongoing operations. Learn where to apply for licenses, what permits Surrey expects, rough cost ranges for setup and insurance, and a practical timeline from planning to your first resident move-in.
Surrey’s growing senior community, supportive local programs, and easy access to Vancouver’s healthcare network make this a smart place to launch an aging-services business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an assisted living facility in Surrey is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and is legally required to run the business in British Columbia. You cannot legally operate without a BN, and it unlocks essential accounts for taxes, payroll, and other registrations. This requirement is non-negotiable.
Next, there are the mandatory operational requirements that cover health, safety, and permits. You’ll need a valid WorkSafeBC coverage for your workplace to protect staff and residents. In addition, you’ll need the appropriate permits and local licensing: a Surrey business licence to operate legally in the city, and, if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, BC Business Name Registration to identify your business name with authorities. These items ensure you meet licensing, safety, and local governance standards.
For business registration and tax, you should align your BN with other registrations. Register a BC Business Name if you’re not incorporated, secure GST/HST registration if your revenue meets or exceeds the threshold (or if you choose to register voluntarily), and set up Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. Collectively, these accounts link to your BN and keep payroll, taxes, and supplier dealings compliant and smooth.
You’re on the right track, and taking these steps now will put you on solid footing. Next steps: contact the CRA to confirm your BN needs; check Surrey’s municipal licensing requirements and apply for a Business Licence; decide whether you need BC Business Name Registration based on your business structure; plan for GST/HST and payroll registrations as your staffing and revenue grow; and enroll with WorkSafeBC. If you want, I can help you build a simple timeline and checklist tailored to Surrey’s requirements.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a assisted living facilities for the elderly 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 assisted living facilities for the elderly:
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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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SUAP provides contribution funding for a wide range of projects including substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Individual project awards have ranged from approximately $1.6 million to $6.3 million in recent announcements. Eligible recipients include not-for-profit health organizations, universities, Indigenous organizations, and other levels of government. For-profit organizations …
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CIHR Catalyst Grants are short-term seed grants (up to 1 year) designed as a first step toward larger, longer-term research projects. The Digital Health stream specifically targets early and mid-career researchers and Indigenous Health researchers working on digital health technologies. Application deadline: March 17, 2026. Total pool: $1,000,000 (approximately 10 …
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