Launch a Funeral Home in Burnaby: Step-by-Step Guide
This page offers a practical, step-by-step path to opening a funeral home or funeral services business in Burnaby under NAICS 812210. You’ll get a clear overview of the six essential requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to plan around.
This page lays out the six requirements you must meet before opening: 1) business registration; 2) provincial licensure for funeral services; 3) facility standards (layout, accessibility, sanitation); 4) equipment standards (caskets, refrigeration, and cremation equipment where applicable); 5) staffing and training; and 6) compliance with health, safety, and environmental rules. You’ll also learn about permits specific to funeral work, such as cremation or burial approvals, and best practices for waste handling. We’ll break down typical startup costs—facility setup, equipment, vehicles, registrations, and operating capital—and share a realistic timeline from filing to first service.
Burnaby’s growing, diverse community and proximity to Vancouver make it a strong place to launch funeral services, with a supportive business ecosystem, reliable suppliers, and meaningful opportunities to serve families with care and dignity.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a funeral home or funeral services in Burnaby is BC Funeral Director/Embalmer Licence. This licence is legally required by provincial regulation to perform embalming, arrange funeral services, and oversee day-to-day operations; you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable—without this credential, you may not offer the core services.
Mandatory operational requirements focus on health, safety, and essential permits. A key requirement is WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for your staff, which protects workers and keeps you in line with BC safety rules. In practice, this means implementing safe workplace practices, proper handling of remains, and keeping facilities up to standard so both staff and families are served in a respectful and safe environment.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also need essential business identifiers. Register your BC Business Name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to manage federal tax accounts (and payroll). If your revenue reaches certain thresholds, register for GST/HST. Finally, set up payroll deductions registration so you can correctly withhold and remit employee taxes.
Encouragement: Getting these pieces in place builds a solid, compliant foundation. Start with securing the BC Funeral Director/Embalmer Licence, then tackle the business registrations and tax numbers. If helpful, consult a local business advisor or regulatory liaison to guide you through the applications and timelines. With clear steps and support, you’ll be on a firm path to legally and smoothly launching your funeral home in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a funeral homes and funeral services in Burnaby:
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BC Funeral Director/Embalmer Licence RequiredLicence for funeral directors and embalmers in British Columbia issued by Consumer Protection BC under the Cemetery and Funeral Services Act Apply through Consumer Protection BC. Licence fee: $249. Renewal: $182-249. Must complete accredited funeral service education and apprenticeship. Funeral provider licence: $706. Criminal record check required. Continuing education mandatory. Contact: Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963.
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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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