How to Start a Victoria International Affairs Firm
This page offers a practical, step-by-step path to launching a Victoria, BC-based International Affairs firm under NAICS 928120. You’ll find an eight-requirement roadmap, plus the permits, licenses, costs, and a realistic timeline to get your business up and running. From registration to compliance, we break down exactly what you need to do.
What you’ll learn: the eight essential requirements you must meet, including business registration and name reservation, tax registrations, basic insurance, and any municipal or provincial permits. You’ll also get a clear sense of typical startup costs and a practical 4–12 week timeline. Use our simple checklist to guide you through each step, with links to the right forms and contacts.
Why Victoria? This city blends a pro-business climate with strong government and international networks, making it a smart home for an International Affairs practice. Its manageable size, supportive services, and reasonable cost of living create a welcoming environment to launch and grow your firm in Victoria, BC.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Victoria is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This federal registration with the Canada Revenue Agency is what you need to handle taxes, payroll, and dealings with government programs. Without a BN, you’ll face barriers filing taxes or setting up essential government accounts, and many regulatory processes won’t proceed. It’s the foundational step that connects you to the broader regulatory framework.
Beyond the BN, the practical, day-to-day requirements cover health, safety, and permits. If you anticipate working with government programs or handling sensitive information, you may need Security Clearance and Screening. You’ll also need to align with Government Program Administration Standards when delivering programs funded or run by the government. And as an employer, WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration is mandatory to provide workers’ compensation coverage and follow safety rules for your staff.
On the business registration and tax front, you’ll coordinate several pieces. In Victoria, you’ll likely pursue a City of Victoria Business Licence to legally operate in the municipality, and you may need BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating under a name other than your own. The BN then ties into GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA to handle taxes, payroll, and related filings. These registrations work together to keep your cash flow, reporting, and compliance in good order.
If you’re ready to move forward, start with the BN and then tackle the city licence, name registration (if needed), and tax registrations in sequence. Gather the right documents, identify whether you’ll work with government programs, and map out the steps to register for GST/HST, payroll deductions, and WorkSafeBC. If you’d like, I can tailor a concrete checklist based on your exact business plan and whether you’ll pursue government work.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a international affairs in Victoria:
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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 Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria 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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