Start a Beauty Salon in Burnaby: Your Step-by-Step Guide
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step roadmap to starting a beauty salon in Burnaby. It breaks down the six essential requirements you’ll face, from business registration and health standards to local permits. You’ll find realistic startup cost ranges, recommended service models, and a clear timeline so you know when to expect licensing, build-out, and your grand opening. It’s all tailored to NAICS 812112 so you stay compliant from day one.
Key learnings include understanding the six requirements in detail, securing the appropriate professional licenses for beauty salons, meeting health and safety standards, choosing a compliant space, estimating equipment, furniture, and lease costs, setting up simple bookkeeping, and structuring timelines and milestones. We also outline how to file permits, assess local inspections, and what fees to expect at each stage.
Why Burnaby? The city combines vibrant neighborhoods with a growing demand for personal care, plus local support programs for new shops. With organized planning and a 6-step checklist, you can launch confidently, attract clients, and build a sustainable salon that fits your budget and style.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a beauty salon in Burnaby is Fraser Health Personal Service Establishment Permit. This permit is legally required to run a personal care establishment and you cannot operate without it. It shows you meet health, sanitation, and safety standards for client services, and authorities will not allow you to open or continue trading without this certification. Treat it as non-negotiable from day one.
Beyond the permit, you must uphold mandatory health and safety practices. Keep your facility clean and hygienic, follow infection control guidelines, and ensure proper waste disposal. A critical component of compliance is WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect your team and meet BC occupational health and safety laws. Regular inspections and adherence to safe-work practices are part of keeping the business running smoothly.
On the business side, set up the standard registrations and tax accounts. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the federal government, register your BC Business Name if you’re not operating under your legal name, and handle GST/HST registration for applicable taxation. If you have staff, you’ll also set up Payroll Deductions registration. These registrations help you manage taxes, reporting, and compliance with both federal and provincial authorities.
Ready to move forward? Gather the necessary documents, confirm your Fraser Health permit, and then file the BN, BC name, GST/HST, and payroll registrations. If you’d like, I can outline concrete steps or point you to the right agencies and contacts to get you set up smoothly and confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a beauty salons in Burnaby:
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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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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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