Launch Your Executive Offices in Burnaby: A Practical Startup Guide
This page gives a clear, practical path to launching an executive offices business in Burnaby under NAICS 921110. Learn what you need to start, what permits and licenses apply, and a straightforward overview of the 10 requirements you’ll navigate to get up and running. We’ll cover the essentials—from registration and zoning checks to lease approvals and safety compliance—so you can plan with confidence.
Peek behind the scenes to what you’ll learn: the 10 requirements, permitting steps, and city approvals needed to set up an executive offices operation in Burnaby. You’ll get a clear view of costs—initial setup, ongoing licensing, insurance, leasehold improvements, and operating fees—and a realistic timeline from first application to opening day. This guide also highlights practical tips for staying compliant with NAICS 921110 and local regulations.
Burnaby’s vibrant business community and close proximity to Vancouver make it a smart fit for executive offices. Ready support from city services helps startups move faster while you build a polished, professional presence in a thriving, accessible market.
Requirements Overview
A foundational starting point for an executive office in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency. The BN is the official ID you’ll use for taxes, payroll, and other government dealings, and most formal operations require this registration. After you have the BN, you’ll typically register a BC business name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, which makes your business name official in the province and helps customers recognize your brand.
Operational and compliance requirements bundle health, safety, and governance. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage to protect workers and meet insurance obligations. You’ll also want to understand key governance and privacy expectations, including Public Service Employment Standards, Conflict of Interest and Ethics, Access to Information and Privacy, and Official Languages Act Compliance where applicable to your activities. These items help your business run in a responsible, compliant way and reduce risk in day-to-day operations.
Business Registration & Tax: With registrations in place, focus on the financial side. If your taxable supplies meet the threshold, you’ll need GST/HST Registration; if you hire employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration. Make sure your BN is linked to these accounts so you can file taxes, remit withholdings, and report accurately. If you registered a BC business name, keep that information up to date to maintain good standing in the province.
Next steps: gather your documents (business details, IDs, lease or address, and any licenses), map out a realistic timeline for each registration, and set up a simple accounting system to stay organized. Consider talking to a local business advisor or accountant who can tailor these requirements to your Burnaby office and help you move from plan to compliant, smoothly run operations. You’ve got a solid foundation—take it one step at a time and you’ll be ready to operate confi
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a executive 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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Public Service Employment Standards ConditionalRequired for public service employment. Government organizations must comply with public service employment standards, merit-based hiring, bilingualism requirements, and accountability frameworks. Public Service Employment Act compliance for federal government. Merit-based hiring. Official languages. Staffing processes. Contact PSC: 1-855-330-3310.
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Financial Administration Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government organizations must follow financial management rules, procurement policies, contracting standards, and audit requirements. Financial Administration Act compliance for federal contractors. Procurement rules. Payment terms. Audit requirements. Conflict of interest. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Conflict of Interest and Ethics ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Public officials and government employees must comply with conflict of interest rules, ethics codes, disclosure requirements, and post-employment restrictions. Conflict of Interest Act for federal government appointees and public office holders. Disclosure requirements. Divestment. Post-employment restrictions. Contact Ethics Commissioner: 613-995-0721.
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Access to Information and Privacy ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government bodies must comply with access to information requests, privacy protection, records management, and transparency obligations. Access to Information and Privacy Act compliance for federal contractors. Records management. ATIP request handling. Privacy breach procedures. Training requirements. Designated coordinator. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Official Languages Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Federal government institutions must provide services in English and French, comply with language-of-work rights, and implement bilingual communications. Official Languages Act compliance for federal institutions and contractors. Bilingual services. Language of work. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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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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