Launch Your Nail Salons in Burnaby with a Simple Plan
This page lays out a practical, step-by-step path to launching a Nail Salon in Burnaby (NAICS 812113). You’ll find a clear overview of the six requirements, the permits you’ll need, and a realistic view of costs and timing. Use it as a friendly roadmap to move from idea to opening day with confidence.
Six essential requirements guide your setup: register your business and get tax IDs, pick a location that fits Burnaby’s salon zoning, secure a city business license, pass health and safety inspections and meet cosmetic service standards, align with fire code and occupancy rules, and set up proper waste disposal and environmental compliance. Alongside these, you’ll learn about the necessary permits—from city approvals to health authority clearances—plus typical costs and a realistic timeline from planning through your opening week. For budgeting, many new nail salons plan CAD 10,000–60,000 upfront for leasehold improvements, equipment, and initial supplies, with ongoing costs afterward to stay compliant.
Burnaby’s growth and close proximity to Vancouver create a strong backdrop for a nail salon. A supportive small-business climate, clear permitting paths, and a steady stream of local customers can make your launch smoother and your growth achievable.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nail salon in Burnaby is Fraser Health Personal Service Establishment Permit. This permit is legally required to provide personal services in British Columbia, and you cannot operate a salon without it. It ensures your space meets hygiene, sanitation, and safety standards, and operating without it can lead to fines, shutdowns, or other enforcement actions. In short, this permit is non-negotiable and foundational to your business.
Beyond the PSP, your day-to-day operations must meet health and safety obligations. Secure WorkSafeBC coverage for yourself and any staff, and maintain strong hygiene practices in your salon—clean work areas, proper instrument sterilization, safe waste disposal, and staff training on client safety and infection control. These steps help you pass inspections, protect clients and employees, and uphold a trusted reputation.
From a business registration and tax perspective, you’ll need to handle several numbers and registrations. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and register your business name with BC if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Consider GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold (or if you choose to register voluntarily). If you have employees, you’ll also need payroll deductions registration. These registrations keep you compliant and ready to grow.
Next steps: map out a timeline and confirm the exact requirements with Fraser Health and WorkSafeBC, then complete the registrations. Start with the Fraser Health Personal Service Establishment guidelines, then handle your BC name registration and BN, and finally set up GST/HST and payroll. You’ve got this—with these practical steps in place, you’ll be on solid footing to launch confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nail salons in Burnaby:
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Fraser Health Personal Service Establishment Permit RequiredPersonal service establishments must obtain health operating permit from Fraser Health. Register with Fraser Health for personal service establishments: 1. Contact Fraser Health Environmental Health (604-587-4600) 2. Submit application for PSE permit before opening 3. Services covered: tattooing, piercing, esthetics, body modification 4. Follow BC Guidelines for Personal Service Establishments 5. Pass health inspection for sanitation, sterilization, infection control 6. Operators trained in bloodborne pathogen safety 7. Display permit and maintain client records Info: fraserhealth.ca
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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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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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