Launch Your Burnaby Other Personal Care Services Business Today
Planning to start an Other Personal Care Services business in Burnaby? This page provides a practical, step-by-step overview. You’ll learn about the eight essential requirements you must satisfy before opening—licenses and permits, zoning checks, health and safety standards, insurance, and ongoing compliance. We also break down typical startup costs and a realistic timeline from lease to launch, so you can budget with confidence.
What you’ll learn: how to apply for a Burnaby business license, which permits may apply to your space and services, and which provincial registrations might be needed. We’ll outline the eight requirements in plain language, give rough cost ranges, and map a typical timeline—from signing a lease to welcoming your first clients. You’ll leave with a clear checklist and practical next steps.
Why Burnaby works: Burnaby’s growing, diverse population and supportive small-business climate make it a strong fit for an Other Personal Care Services launch. Proximity to Vancouver and easy transit help attract local clients, while reasonable rental options give you room to grow as you build your reputation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a other personal care services in Burnaby is Fraser Health Personal Service Establishment Permit. This permit is a legal must to run a personal care establishment in Burnaby, and you cannot legally operate without it. It sets out fundamental health and safety and hygiene standards you must meet before serving clients. This is non-negotiable—prioritize obtaining the permit before you open or take on clients.
In terms of day-to-day operations, you’ll need to follow health and safety guidelines and professional standards. The BC Personal Service Establishment Guidelines for Body Art apply to the way you run a shop that serves clients, including sanitation and infection-control practices. If your services include massage, you must be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia. Also ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for your staff to protect both workers and clients.
For business setup and taxes, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government and, if you’re operating as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, BC Business Name Registration. Depending on your revenue, GST/HST registration may be required, and if you have employees you’ll need to set up Payroll Deductions registrations. WorkSafeBC coverage and registration is part of staying compliant as an employer, separate from the health authority requirements.
Next steps: start with securing the Fraser Health permit, then align with the BC guidelines and professional registrations, and set up your business registrations and tax accounts. It may help to chat with a business advisor to map out timelines and responsibilities. You’re on the right track—taking these concrete steps will build a solid, compliant foundation for your Burnaby personal care services.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other personal care services in Burnaby:
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BC Personal Service Establishment Guidelines for Body Art RequiredBody art establishments must comply with BC PSE Guidelines for tattooing and body piercing. Register with local Health Authority for body art services: 1. Contact your regional Health Authority (e.g., VCH, Fraser Health, Interior Health) 2. Follow BC Guidelines for Personal Service Establishments (Body Modification Nov 2017) 3. Notify health authority before opening 4. Pass health inspection for: sterilization, equipment, infection control 5. Services covered: tattooing, body piercing, micropigmentation, scarification 6. Operators trained in bloodborne pathogen safety and first aid 7. Maintain client consent forms and procedure records 8. Use single-use needles and proper sterilization for reusable equipment Guidelines at gov.bc.ca/health (Personal Service Establishments)
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College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia Registration RequiredMassage therapists must be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC). Register with College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC): 1. Complete 2-year diploma at CCHPBC-recognized program (PTIB accredited) 2. Curriculum: anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, neuro-anatomy 3. Pass CCHPBC registration examination (written + practical components) 4. Apply through Applicant Portal at cchpbc.ca 5. Pay fees by credit card, cheque, or in person RMTs from other regulated provinces (ON, NL, NB, PE): Complete Law, Ethics & Professionalism course + exam Contact: applications@cchpbc.ca
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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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