Launch a Surrey Office of Other Holding Companies
This page provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap to starting a Surrey Office of Other Holding Companies (NAICS 551112). You’ll find a clear overview of the six essential requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll encounter, and a realistic cost and timeline to move from idea to a working office in Surrey.
You’ll learn the six key steps: 1) decide on the corporate structure and secure a name; 2) file Articles of Incorporation with BC Registries or federal authorities; 3) obtain a CRA Business Number (and GST/HST registration if needed); 4) set up governance basics—bylaws and minute books; 5) open a corporate bank account and establish bookkeeping and reporting; 6) stay compliant with ongoing filings, annual reports, and tax requirements. Expect government filing fees in the low-to-mid hundreds CAD, plus potential legal or accounting help and any optional licences depending on activities. Timeline ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on processing times.
Surrey’s business climate—and its proximity to Vancouver’s market—offers great opportunities for a holding company office looking to scale, with lower operating costs and strong regional networks.
Requirements Overview
The essential first step is obtaining a Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency. This BN is your gateway to federal tax accounts, payroll, and other government programs, so you can legally operate and manage filings. Without a BN, you’ll run into roadblocks when opening bank accounts or setting up the accounts you’ll need, so this step is non-negotiable and forms the foundation for everything that follows.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements to stay compliant in Surrey. You’ll need a City of Surrey business licence to legally operate from your chosen premises, and you must have WorkSafeBC coverage to ensure workplace safety and provide workers’ compensation. These local permits and safety protections are essential before you start regular business activities.
On the business registration and tax side, if you’re using a name other than your own in British Columbia (for a sole proprietorship or partnership), you’ll need to register your BC business name. Once you have your BN and name in place, you’ll typically handle GST/HST registration with the CRA and payroll deductions registration to manage employee withholdings and contributions.
Ready to move forward? Gather the necessary documents, review Surrey’s licensing rules, and begin your BN, name, and tax registrations. If you’d like, I can map out a simple, step-by-step checklist with direct links to the exact online forms and a realistic timeline to get everything done smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a offices of other holding companies 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.
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: