Launch Your Burnaby Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair Shop
This page helps you start an Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance business in Burnaby (NAICS 811121). It provides a practical, no-nonsense look at what’s required to launch, from the five startup requirements to the permits and costs you’ll encounter. You’ll find actionable steps and a clear path from idea to opening day, plus a simple timeline to keep you on track.
You’ll learn the five essential requirements you must meet to operate legally in Burnaby, plus the permits and registrations you’ll need for an automotive body, paint, and interior repair shop. We break down startup costs into major categories—facility setup, equipment, licenses, insurance, and initial supplies—and offer a realistic timeline from lease signing to a first day in business. Practical tips help you avoid surprises.
Burnaby’s location near Vancouver, plus strong demand for auto repairs and access to skilled trades, makes it a smart choice for this business. With smart planning, a Burnaby shop can attract local motorists and fleet work while keeping costs in check.
Requirements Overview
Starting an automotive body, paint, and interior repair business in Burnaby requires several registrations to operate legally. At the foundation are the Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency and registering your BC business name if you’re not using your personal name. These core items are the launching pad for everything else you’ll need, including tax accounts and safety registrations. Getting these in place early helps you avoid delays and keeps you compliant as you grow.
Operationally, you’ll want to group health and safety together with regulatory permits. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration are mandatory, and you’ll need to maintain proper safety practices, provide protective gear, and train staff. Prepare a simple safety plan, keep records of training and incidents, and ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials like solvents and batteries. Even if you start small, establishing these processes now will save you time later and protect both your team and your customers.
On the business and tax side, you’ll manage several registrations tied to your BN. You’ll need BC Business Name Registration if you’re not operating under your own legal name, and you’ll handle GST/HST and Payroll Deductions registrations as your business grows. GST/HST registration is typically required when your annual taxable revenue reaches or exceeds the threshold (or you may choose to register voluntarily to claim input tax credits). Payroll Deductions Registration becomes relevant if you hire employees, allowing you to withhold and remit payroll taxes properly.
Ready to take the next steps? Start by checking the BC corporate registry for your business name and setting up your BN with the CRA. Then review GST/HST and payroll needs based on your staffing plans, and contact WorkSafeBC to register coverage if you’ll have employees. If you’d like, I can map out a simple, date-stamped checklist to keep you on track and ensure nothing falls
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a automotive body, paint, and interior repair and maintenance 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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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 automotive body, paint, and interior repair and maintenance:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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