Launch Corporate, Subsidiary, and Regional Offices in Burnaby
This page guides you to launching a Corporate, Subsidiary, and Regional Managing Office in Burnaby under NAICS 551114. It offers a practical, step‑by‑step overview of the five essential requirements, the permits from BC and Burnaby, typical start‑up costs, and a realistic timeline from decision to day‑one operations.
What you’ll learn: the five requirements to get up and running. Decide your corporate structure, complete name checks, file Articles of Incorporation with BC’s Corporate Registry, obtain a Burnaby business license, and set up registrations (CRA business number, GST/PST, payroll) plus a local office lease. Typical costs include CAD 350 for incorporation, CAD 100–400 for the license, and professional services or deposits as needed. Timeline is usually 4–8 weeks, depending on lease speed and approvals.
Burnaby is a strategic base for corporate offices—close to Vancouver, with strong talent pools and a growing business community. With the five requirements and the right permits in place, you can launch confidently and position your organization for growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a corporate, subsidiary, and regional managing office in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal registration with the Canada Revenue Agency that you’ll use to handle taxes, payroll, and dealings with government programs. You cannot legally operate without a BN, and you should secure it before you start invoicing clients, hiring staff, or filing returns. This is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits. Health and safety come first. Ensure WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for all employees, and put a basic safety plan in place with training and routine reporting. Depending on your activities, you may also need local or industry-specific permits or licenses; keep a running check on these requirements and renewals to avoid gaps in compliance.
Business Registration & Tax. In BC you’ll need BC Business Name Registration if you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership under a name other than your legal one. Corporate entities typically use their registered corporate name, but you may still register a BC business name for branding purposes if needed. Your BN serves as the central ID that ties together GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA. GST/HST registration is used to collect and remit taxes on taxable sales, and Payroll Deductions Registration covers withholding and remittance of income tax, CPP, and EI for employees.
Encouragement: Next steps and encouragement. Start by confirming your chosen business structure and name, then file the BN and any applicable BC name registrations. Plan for GST/HST and payroll registrations, and set up WorkSafeBC coverage as part of your onboarding process. If you’d like, I can outline a tailored registrations checklist and a practical timeline to keep you on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a corporate, subsidiary, and regional managing offices 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.
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