Launch Your Surrey Employment Placement Agency Today: A Practical Guide
This page is your practical, friendly roadmap to launching an employment placement agency in Surrey (NAICS 561311). We’ll walk you through the seven requirements, the permits you may need, and the real startup costs and timelines you can expect. Find clear, actionable steps for setting up, registering your business, securing essential insurance, and getting ready to connect local employers with qualified job seekers.
From this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the seven requirements cover, what licenses or registrations might apply, and how to budget for startup costs. We share a realistic timeline—from filing to your first placements—plus a simple checklist and rough cost ranges for office space, software, marketing, and insurance. Use these milestones to pace your progress and stay on track while you build a Surrey operation.
Surrey’s diverse employers and strong economy make it a great fit for an agency focused on local placement. With clear steps and local support, you can launch confidently and grow.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally hire staff, withhold taxes, or file government returns without it—it's non-negotiable. You’ll also need a BC Business Licence to operate locally and, if you’re setting up as a sole proprietor or partnership, a BC Business Name Registration to lock in your business name and stay compliant.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety and permits are essential in every staffing operation. You must have WorkSafeBC coverage and be properly registered as an employer, so your workers are protected and you meet provincial rules. In addition, you’ll need to handle privacy and payroll obligations: PIPEDA compliance helps you manage personal information responsibly, and Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA ensures you can correctly withhold and report income tax, CPP, and EI.
Business Registration & Tax: Along with BN and local licensing, make sure your BC Business Name Registration aligns with your chosen structure (sole proprietorship or partnership). If your business revenue crosses the threshold, you’ll need GST/HST registration with the CRA. These registrations work together so you can bill clients correctly, collect the right taxes, and keep payroll and employee records compliant.
Encouragement: Start with a simple 90-day plan to tackle these steps—confirm your structure, secure BN, apply for a Surrey business licence, register your business name, and set up GST/HST, payroll, and privacy procedures. If you’d like, I can help map out a practical checklist and timeline tailored to your Surrey setup, so you can move forward confidently without getting overwhelmed.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a employment placement agencies in Surrey:
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
PIPEDA Compliance (Administrative Services) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Administrative services handling personal information (employment agencies, credit bureaus, investigation services, document preparation) must comply with federal privacy law including consent, security, and breach notification. PIPEDA compliance for administrative services. Privacy policy. Consent management. Data minimization. Breach notification. Contact OPC: 1-800-282-1376.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your employment placement agencies:
-
Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
-
Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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: