Launch Your Barber Shops in Regina: A Practical Guide
Thinking about opening barber shops in Regina? This page is your practical starter guide for NAICS 812111. It walks you through the nine essential requirements, the permits you’ll need, and a realistic overview of start-up costs and timelines to move from concept to opening day.
What you’ll learn: a clear, actionable checklist covering the nine requirements, from Regina’s municipal business license and zoning checks to building and signage permits. You’ll also get guidance on health and safety rules, insurance and workers’ compensation, business registration, and GST/HST setup. We break down typical costs—equipment, leasehold improvements, fit-out, signage, and licenses—and outline a dependable timeline so you can plan cash flow and milestones.
Why Regina? The city’s growing neighborhoods and supportive small-business climate, combined with sensible licensing rules and approachable real estate costs, make Regina a smart place to launch barber shops. Use this guide to set a solid foundation and start serving local clients with style.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a barber shop in Regina is Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Commission Hairstylist Certification. This is a legal requirement and you cannot operate without it; it is non-negotiable. Start by connecting with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Commission to enroll in the approved hairstylist program, complete the training, and obtain your official certification before you open, take bookings, or hire staff. Having this credential confirms you’re qualified to provide barbering services to professional standards, and you’ll need it to legally work with clients in Saskatchewan.
Beyond that essential credential, you’ll need to handle health, safety, and permits. You’ll want a current Business Licence to operate in Regina, and plan for workplace safety coverage through Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration so employees are protected if injuries occur. Your business structure matters here too: if you’re starting with a partner you’ll need Partnership Registration, or Saskatchewan Corporation Registration if you form a corporation. Getting these in place helps you stay compliant and ready to run.
On the business ID and tax side, you’ll register your Saskatchewan Business Name (ISC) and obtain a Business Number (BN) from the CRA. The BN is used for GST/HST, payroll deductions, and other tax obligations. Depending on your setup, you’ll also handle GST/HST registration and payroll deductions, plus any necessary corporation or partnership registrations. These steps keep finances orderly and ensure you can smoothly bill clients and pay staff.
Take the next steps now: confirm your certification, register your business name, set up your BN, apply for your business licence, and arrange WCB coverage. With these essentials in place, you’ll be on solid ground to open your barber shop in Regina and grow your business confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a barber shops in Regina:
-
Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina 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 Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
-
Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
-
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).
-
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Commission Hairstylist Certification RequiredHairstylists must be certified through the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. Hairstylist certification through SK Apprenticeship Commission: 1. Hairstyling is a COMPULSORY trade in Saskatchewan 2. Complete approved training program 3. Register as apprentice with SK Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission 4. Complete apprenticeship (on-the-job + technical training) 5. Pass Red Seal certification exam 6. Certificate valid across Canada Apply at saskapprenticeship.ca
-
Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
-
Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: