Start Your Victoria Barber Shop: Master 7 Key Requirements
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to starting a barber shop in Victoria, BC (NAICS 812111). You’ll find a clear overview of the 7 requirements you must meet, plus a straightforward look at the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to opening day. No fluff—just actionable basics.
Here you’ll learn exactly what it takes to launch a barber shop: the licenses and approvals, how to handle zoning and occupancy, the insurance you’ll want, and how to budget for essentials like equipment, lease fit-out, and ongoing supplies. We outline the 7 requirements, sketch rough cost ranges, and map out a practical timeline so you know what to expect at each stage.
Victoria’s welcoming communities, walkable neighborhoods, and growing service scene make it a great place to launch a barber shop. The city also offers supportive resources for new businesses, a steady flow of locals and visitors, and opportunities to build loyal customers with a standout local brand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a barber shop in Victoria is Island Health Personal Service Establishment Permit. This permit is legally required to run any personal-service business, and you cannot operate without it. It’s non-negotiable and must be secured before opening. To prepare, expect an Island Health inspection and ensure your shop meets sanitation, equipment, and hygiene standards—clean surfaces, properly sanitized tools, safe waste handling, and clear customer flow.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, Safety, Permits. In addition to the PSE permit, you need to address workplace safety and compliance. Secure WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect your staff and meet employer obligations. Maintain sound health and safety practices in the shop—keep facilities clean, sanitize tools between clients, manage waste properly, and provide a safe, welcoming space for customers. You’ll likely also need a City of Victoria Business Licence to operate within the municipality.
Business Registration & Tax. Set up your business in the system: register for a federal Business Number (BN). If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, register a BC Business Name. For taxes, register for GST/HST if your annual taxable revenue exceeds the threshold (currently $30,000). If you hire employees, set up Payroll D deductions Registration to handle income tax, CPP, and EI.
Encouragement: You’re off to a solid start by prioritizing health, safety, and proper registrations. A practical next step is to tackle the Island Health permit first, then line up WorkSafeBC, BN, BC Business Name, and GST/HST planning. If you’d like, I can turn this into a simple 60-day action plan with concrete steps and timelines to keep you on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a barber shops in Victoria:
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Island Health Personal Service Establishment Permit RequiredPersonal service establishments must obtain health operating permit from Island Health. Register with Island Health for personal service establishments: 1. Contact Island Health Environmental Health (250-370-8699) 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: islandhealth.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 Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria 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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