Start Your International Affairs Business in Surrey Today
This page is your practical starter guide to launching an international affairs business in Surrey under NAICS 928120. You’ll get a clear, actionable overview of what it takes to move from idea to launch—from the eight essential requirements through permits, costs, and a realistic timeline. No jargon, just concrete steps you can follow to get moving fast and confidently.
You’ll learn exactly what the eight requirements cover, which permits you’ll likely need, and how to budget for startup and ongoing costs. We break down a practical timeline—from initial planning to filing and opening—so you know when you’ll be ready to operate. Plus, you’ll get tips on staying compliant and avoiding common delays.
Surrey is a smart base for international work: strong local partners, affordable overhead, and easy access to Vancouver’s trade networks. With the right plan, this city and this field can unlock meaningful opportunities in global affairs without slowing you down.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and serves as the umbrella for your tax accounts, payroll, and government program registrations. You cannot legally run your business without it, file taxes, or participate in government programs. This is non-negotiable—the BN lays the essential groundwork for everything that follows.
Beyond the BN, there are mandatory operational requirements to keep people safe and compliant with rules. Depending on your work, you may encounter Security Clearance and Screening for sensitive roles or contracts, and you should be prepared for Government Program Administration Standards if you participate in government programs. As an employer, you must have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration and maintain a safe, compliant workplace with proper reporting.
On the registration and tax side, plan to complete BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) and secure a Surrey Business Licence to operate in the city. You will likely need GST/HST Registration with the CRA if your revenue meets the threshold, and you should set up Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These steps connect your business to federal and provincial tax systems and ensure you can legally hire staff, bill clients, and file necessary returns.
Next steps: gather your documents, decide your business structure, and start the required registrations. If you’d like, I can map out a simple 30-day plan to get you legally ready to operate in Surrey and begin pursuing international affairs work with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a international affairs in Surrey:
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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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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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