Start a Hotel or Motel in Surrey: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking about opening a hotel or motel in Surrey? This page gives a practical roadmap for NAICS 721110, from early planning to grand opening. You’ll get a clear overview of the seven requirements you must meet to operate legally in Surrey, including business registrations, zoning and land-use approvals, and the necessary permits. We also outline typical costs and a realistic timeline so you can budget with confidence and avoid surprises.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what it takes to start: the seven requirements—1) business registration, 2) zoning and land-use approvals, 3) building and fire safety, 4) health and occupancy permits, 5) accessibility standards and signage, 6) insurance and financing, 7) ongoing compliance and inspections. We’ll outline where to apply, what inspectors look for, typical costs, and a practical timeline to move from concept to opening.
Surrey is a growing hub for travelers, with solid demand for midscale and budget lodging and easy access to Vancouver. That makes Surrey a smart backdrop for a hotel or motel project, with timelines and costs that can fit a realistic plan.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a hotel in Surrey is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This governs how you treat staff—pay, hours, overtime, leaves, and record-keeping—and is legally required to hire and run your team properly. You cannot legally operate a hotel without meeting these standards, and non-compliance can lead to penalties, fines, or shutdowns. Think of this as the non-negotiable foundation for any staff-related practices.
Beyond staffing rules, you’ll need to cover mandatory operational basics. Health and safety are essential, so ensure you’re registered with WorkSafeBC and have a proper safety program and training in place for all employees. You’ll also need the appropriate permits and licensing to open and run a hotel in Surrey, starting with a valid City of Surrey business licence. Keeping clear policies and procedures in place for daily operations, guest safety, and emergency responses will help you stay compliant and protect both guests and staff.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency as your core company identifier. If you operate under a name other than your own, you must complete BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. Prepare for tax registrations such as GST/HST (if your revenue meets the threshold or you choose to register voluntarily) and Payroll Deductions Registration for employee withholdings. These numbers tie together your payroll, taxes, and reporting, enabling smooth financial management.
If you’re ready to proceed, take it step by step: confirm Surrey’s licensing requirements, set up your BN and any required business-name registration, decide your business structure, and determine GST/HST and payroll needs. With a clear plan and the right registrations in place, you’ll move from startup to compliant, confident operation. You’ve got this—start with the essentials and build your compliance calendar from there.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a hotels (except casino hotels) and motels in Surrey:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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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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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.
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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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your hotels (except casino hotels) and motels:
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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Provided up to $25,000 per business to Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. Administered by ITAC through provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations under a $10 million allocation from the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (Budget 2022). All four rounds are completed, with approximately $8.1 million distributed to approximately 330 businesses. …
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The $108M Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funded tourism businesses, associations, Indigenous tourism organizations, post-secondary institutions, and governments to create or improve tourism offerings, invest in digitization, extend seasons, and promote active outdoor experiences. Businesses received interest-free repayable contributions up to $250,000; not-for-profits received non-repayable contributions. Applications are no longer being …
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