Launch Your International Affairs Venture in Burnaby Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step path to starting an International Affairs business in Burnaby under NAICS 928120. It provides a clear overview of the regulatory steps, typical permits, and a realistic timeline so you can plan with confidence. You’ll find a concise overview of the seven requirements you must meet, plus where to apply, what documents you’ll need, and what to expect at each stage.
What you’ll learn: the seven requirements you must satisfy, the permits that commonly apply in Burnaby (business license, provincial registrations, and any location-specific approvals), and estimated startup costs and a practical timeline from incorporation to launch. We’ll also share practical tips to streamline applications, prepare for inspections, and stay compliant as you build your international network.
Why Burnaby works for this: Burnaby sits in the heart of Metro Vancouver, offering strong connections to government offices and regional clients, plus a supportive, cost-effective small-business ecosystem. This city-friendly regulatory environment and the NAICS 928120 framework can help you move from planning to operation more quickly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is the official ID you get from the Canada Revenue Agency to work with taxes, payroll, and government programs. You cannot legally run a business without a BN, and it is non-negotiable—you will need it before you can do anything official with the federal government or file taxes.
Mandatory operational requirements include health, safety, and program eligibility. In BC, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration is required to keep your workplace safe and compliant. If you intend to work on government-related projects, you may also need security clearance and screening, and you must meet Government Program Administration Standards for those engagements.
Business registration and taxes: You’ll need BC Business Name Registration if you operate under a name other than your own, or as a sole proprietorship/partnership. For revenue above a threshold, GST/HST registration is required (you can also register voluntarily to reclaim input taxes). Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA is needed when you hire employees, to handle income tax, EI, and CPP deductions.
Next steps: Start by obtaining your BN from the CRA, then decide on your business name and register it with BC if needed. Check whether you must register for GST/HST and payroll deductions based on your plans, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. If government work is in your sights, prepare for security clearances and program standards. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation. If you’d like, I can tailor this to your exact business type and forecasted revenue.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a international affairs 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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Security Clearance and Screening ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government personnel in security-sensitive positions must undergo security clearance, background checks, and maintain confidentiality protocols. Federal security clearance and screening. CSIS background checks. Reliability status, Secret, Top Secret levels. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Government Program Administration Standards ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government program administrators must comply with accountability frameworks, performance reporting, audit requirements, and service delivery standards. Government program administration standards for federal contractors. Service standards. Reporting requirements. Performance measurement. 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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