Launch Your Surrey Landscaping Services: Permits, Costs, and Timeline
This page helps aspiring landscapers start a legitimate Landscaping Services business in Surrey (NAICS 561730). It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of the six essential requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, realistic startup costs, and a clear timeline from idea to launch. Whether you’re turning a love of outdoor spaces into a full-time business or expanding an existing crew, you’ll find practical guidance to get moving with confidence.
You’ll learn what to prepare: how to register, obtain a Surrey business license, and set up insurance and tax accounts. We outline the six requirements in plain language, plus the permits you may need for residential landscaping work, equipment storage, and waste disposal. You’ll also see typical startup costs—tools, a vehicle, insurance, and marketing—and a practical timeline from registration to your first paid projects.
Surrey’s growing neighborhoods and demand for well-maintained outdoor spaces make it a strong fit for a new landscaping service. With clear steps and a realistic pace, you can launch confidently and start building a local, steady client base.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a landscaping business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal registration with the Canada Revenue Agency that you need to manage taxes and accounts for your business. You cannot properly run the business or open tax accounts without a BN, and it's the foundation that ties together GST/HST, payroll, and any business banking. This is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Surrey requires a valid Business Licence to operate within the city. For health and safety, if you have employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, and follow safety rules for landscaping work. Group these together as essential permits and protections you need before taking on jobs. This ensures you’re compliant from day one.
Business Registration & Tax: If you plan to use a name other than your own for the business, register a BC Business Name (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership). You will also need to obtain a BN from the CRA to handle GST/HST registration and payroll deductions. GST/HST Registration is required if you sell taxable services or exceed the small supplier threshold, while Payroll Deductions Registration is necessary if you hire staff. BC Business Name Registration is typically required if you operate under a name other than your legal name.
Encouragement: Next steps: check Surrey's licensing portal, prepare your business name, apply for BN, consider GST/HST and payroll needs, and set up WorkSafeBC. If you want, I can help you map out a simple 4-week checklist. Taking these steps early saves you time and avoids penalties.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a landscaping services in Surrey:
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 landscaping services:
-
Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
-
Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: