Launch a Nail Salon in Surrey: Your Practical Step-by-Step Plan
This page guides you to start a nail salon in Surrey under NAICS 812113 with a clear, friendly roadmap. You’ll get a concise overview of the seven essential requirements to open: permits, licenses, registrations, zoning approval, insurance, health and safety compliance, and startup costs—and a realistic timeline to move from idea to opening.
You’ll learn exactly what those seven requirements involve, including which licenses and permits you’ll need, how to handle registrations, insurance, and safety standards for nail services, and practical space and equipment basics. We’ll outline a practical 4- to 8-week timeline and give budgeting tips so you can plan confidently, forecast costs, and stay on track.
Surrey’s diverse communities, high shopping density, and welcoming small-business climate make it a smart place to launch a nail salon. With the right plan, you can tap into steady demand and grow a trusted local brand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nail salon in Surrey is Fraser Health Personal Service Establishment Permit. This health permit is legally required to run a personal care business, so you cannot legally operate without it. Securing this permit should be your first step, and it is non-negotiable.
Beyond the permit, you’ll need mandatory operational elements that cover health, safety, and local licensing. This includes ensuring you have WorkSafeBC coverage for yourself and any employees, which keeps your workplace safe and compliant. You’ll also need a Surrey Municipal Business Licence to operate legally in the city. If you’re running under a business name (instead of your personal name), you’ll typically register that BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. These steps help you stay compliant and ready to serve clients.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll want a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle taxes, payroll, and any GST/HST obligations. If you’re using a registered business name, complete BC Business Name Registration as well. Depending on your revenue, GST/HST registration may be required, and you’ll also handle payroll deductions if you have employees. These registrations ensure you’re meeting both provincial and federal requirements.
Next steps: start by confirming and applying for the Fraser Health permit, then contact Surrey’s licensing team to secure your municipal licence. Set up your BN, complete any required BC name registration, and check whether you need GST/HST and payroll registrations. Gather documents, set a realistic timeline, and you’ll be on solid footing to open a successful nail salon in Surrey. You’ve got this.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nail salons in Surrey:
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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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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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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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