Launch Your Surrey Barber Shops: Start a Profitable Barbershop Today
This page helps you plan and launch a Surrey barber shop (NAICS 812111). It offers a practical, step-by-step overview with a clear requirements checklist, essential permits, and a realistic timeline from idea to opening day. You'll get a concise overview of the seven requirements you'll tackle, what each permit costs, and how long the process usually takes.
You'll learn the seven requirements you’ll meet, including business registration, local business license, zoning approval, health and safety inspections, signage permits, tax setup, and fire code compliance. We also cover typical costs for licenses and permits, fit-out and equipment, and ongoing expenses. You'll walk away with a practical timeline to aim for—often a few months from lease signing to opening— and a simple checklist to keep you on track.
Surrey's growing population and vibrant small-business scene make it a strong place to launch a barber shop, with easy access to customers, suppliers, and talent.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a barber shop in Surrey is Fraser Health Personal Service Establishment Permit. This permit is legally required and you cannot operate without it. This is non-negotiable and sets the foundation for a compliant, client-safe warm-up to your business, ensuring your shop meets health and sanitation standards for both clients and staff.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to the Fraser Health permit, you’ll need to cover health, safety, and licensing. Secure WorkSafeBC coverage and registration as an employer to protect your team. Obtain a City of Surrey business licence to operate locally, and if you’ll use a business name other than your own, register your BC business name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. These steps keep your shop compliant with local rules and safe for daily operation.
Business Registration & Tax: Set up a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency to handle tax accounts, including GST/HST and payroll deductions. If you’re a sole proprietor or partnership, you’ll also register your BC Business Name. GST/HST registration is required if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold (currently $30,000 per year); you can also register voluntarily if you anticipate meeting the requirement soon.
Encouragement: Getting these steps organized now will save you headaches later. Start with the Fraser Health permit, then secure the Surrey business licence and any required name registration, and finally set up your BN and tax accounts. If you’d like, I can turn this into a simple, action-focused checklist with timelines and direct links to the applications.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a barber shops in Surrey:
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Fraser Health Personal Service Establishment Permit RequiredPersonal service establishments must obtain health operating permit from Fraser Health. Register with Fraser Health for personal service establishments: 1. Contact Fraser Health Environmental Health (604-587-4600) 2. Submit application for PSE permit before opening 3. Services covered: tattooing, piercing, esthetics, body modification 4. Follow BC Guidelines for Personal Service Establishments 5. Pass health inspection for sanitation, sterilization, infection control 6. Operators trained in bloodborne pathogen safety 7. Display permit and maintain client records Info: fraserhealth.ca
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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.
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