Launch Surrey Legal Counsel and Prosecution Services Today
This page guides you through starting a Legal Counsel and Prosecution practice in Surrey (NAICS 922130). You’ll get a clear, practical path from registration to daily operations, with a detailed overview of the 11 requirements you’ll need to meet, plus the permits, estimated costs, and a realistic timeline to open your doors.
What you’ll learn: a step-by-step rundown of each requirement, the permits and licenses you must obtain, typical start-up costs (office, insurance, licensing, and compliance), and a practical timeline from plan to launch. We’ll also cover essential considerations like professional credentials, client confidentiality, data security, and ongoing compliance so you’re prepared for success.
Why Surrey works: this city combines solid demand for lawful counsel and prosecution support with a supportive regulatory environment and access to clients in government and private sector. If you’re building a public-interest practice or a private firm serving Surrey communities, you’ll get a clear, actionable blueprint to move forward.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) registration. This is a federal ID you need to handle taxes, payroll, and interactions with government programs, and you cannot legally operate a business in Surrey without it. It is non‑negotiable and should be your first step.
Beyond the BN, there are mandatory operational rules you must follow. These cover health and safety, how you treat employees, and how you manage information and ethics. Specifically, you’ll encounter Public Service Employment Standards, Financial Administration Act Compliance, and rules around Conflict of Interest and Ethics, Access to Information and Privacy, and Official Languages Act Compliance. You’ll also need to keep on top of workplace safety through WorkSafeBC requirements, which apply to most employers and protect workers.
On the practical side, you’ll handle business registration and tax numbers together. If you plan to operate under a name other than your own, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration (for sole proprietorships or partnerships) and, in Surrey, a valid Business Licence to legally operate in the city. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration if your revenue crosses the threshold, plus Payroll Deductions Registration for your employees. Ensuring WorkSafeBC coverage, where applicable, completes the core tax and safety setup.
You’ve got this—take it step by step. Start with the BN and local licensing, then secure your business name registration if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll processes. Use government portals or a quick consult with a small-business adviser to stay organized, and you’ll build a compliant foundation for your Surrey legal counsel or prosecution practice.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a legal counsel and prosecution 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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Public Service Employment Standards ConditionalRequired for public service employment. Government organizations must comply with public service employment standards, merit-based hiring, bilingualism requirements, and accountability frameworks. Public Service Employment Act compliance for federal government. Merit-based hiring. Official languages. Staffing processes. Contact PSC: 1-855-330-3310.
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Financial Administration Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government organizations must follow financial management rules, procurement policies, contracting standards, and audit requirements. Financial Administration Act compliance for federal contractors. Procurement rules. Payment terms. Audit requirements. Conflict of interest. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Conflict of Interest and Ethics ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Public officials and government employees must comply with conflict of interest rules, ethics codes, disclosure requirements, and post-employment restrictions. Conflict of Interest Act for federal government appointees and public office holders. Disclosure requirements. Divestment. Post-employment restrictions. Contact Ethics Commissioner: 613-995-0721.
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Access to Information and Privacy ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government bodies must comply with access to information requests, privacy protection, records management, and transparency obligations. Access to Information and Privacy Act compliance for federal contractors. Records management. ATIP request handling. Privacy breach procedures. Training requirements. Designated coordinator. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Official Languages Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Federal government institutions must provide services in English and French, comply with language-of-work rights, and implement bilingual communications. Official Languages Act compliance for federal institutions and contractors. Bilingual services. Language of work. 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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