Start Your Other Personal Care Services Business in Mississauga
This page gives you a clear, practical path to starting an Other Personal Care Services business (NAICS 812199) in Mississauga. You’ll find a practical overview of the 14 requirements you’ll need to meet, from registrations to permits, licenses, and insurance. We break down your upfront costs and give a realistic timeline to help you plan with confidence.
What you’ll learn: a concise 14-item checklist covering essential steps such as business registration and tax accounts, any provincial or municipal licenses, local zoning and storefront permits, health and safety standards, sanitation and waste management, equipment and facility requirements, insurance, privacy and records, staff qualifications, and marketing approvals. We'll also outline typical costs and a step-by-step timeline from setup to launch.
Why Mississauga? This city is growing fast with a diverse, health-conscious population and strong demand for personal care services. Mississauga offers convenient access to Toronto's market, a supportive small-business ecosystem, affordable spaces in many neighborhoods, and streamlined municipal processes to help you open sooner. With 14 clear requirements to meet, this page gives you a practical, non-intimidating roadmap to turn your skills into a thriving local business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a personal care services business in Mississauga is Esthetician Training Certification. This is a legally required credential, and you cannot operate without it. It is non-negotiable. If your services also include hair-related work, the Hairstylist Certificate of Qualification (Includes Barbers) is another critical credential you may need, especially if you plan to offer cutting or barbering in the same space. Securing these qualifications upfront helps ensure you’re compliant and protects clients from untrained services.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and proper permits. You must follow Peel Infection Prevention and Control guidelines and maintain safe practices in your studio. You also need to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, keeping your workspace safe for staff and clients. A Peel Personal Service Settings Inspection will verify that you meet local standards. Ensure you have biomedical waste disposal arrangements and the appropriate business license in place before opening.
Business registration and tax numbers are the next step. Register for a Business Number (BN) with the federal government, and consider Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) if you’ll operate under a trade name. Plan for GST/HST registration if your revenue crosses the threshold, and set up payroll deductions registration and WSIB coverage if you hire staff. It’s also a required measure to arrange Professional/General Liability Insurance to protect your business and clients.
Next steps: map out the licensing path, collect the required certifications, and book the Peel inspections. Reach out to ServiceOntario and the Canada Revenue Agency to set up registrations, then build a simple compliance checklist to stay on track. If you’d like, I can tailor these requirements to your exact services and help you chart a practical, step-by-step plan. You’ve got this—steady progress today leads to a co
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other personal care services in Mississauga:
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Peel Personal Service Settings Inspection RequiredPersonal service settings must comply with Ontario O. Reg. 136/18 and undergo inspection by Peel. Notify Peel Public Health before opening personal service setting: 1. Submit notification form at peelregion.ca (Health Dept > Personal Service Settings) 2. Under Ontario Reg. 136/18, must notify at least 14 days before opening 3. Pass health inspection for sanitation, equipment, and procedures 4. Services covered: hairdressing, tattooing, piercing, esthetics, body modification 5. Display inspection notice (Green/Yellow/Red) at entrance 6. Maintain dedicated handwashing sink, proper sterilization 7. Annual inspections typical; complaint-based as needed Contact: 905-799-7700 or peelregion.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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Esthetician Training Certification RequiredWhile not legally mandatory in Ontario, most insurance companies and employers require completion of an accredited esthetician program for liability and competency purposes. Not mandatory licensing, but certification required by most employers. Complete diploma/certificate at approved Private Career College or community college (600-1500 hours). Must meet Esthetician Subject Specific Standard (March 2010). Graduates cannot perform controlled acts (RHPA). Exam after program. 9 VLOs + employability outcomes. Schools: Seneca, George Brown, Conestoga. Contact institution.
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Biomedical Waste Disposal RequiredEstablishments that generate biomedical waste (blood, body fluids, sharps) must contract with a licensed biomedical waste disposal service and follow proper handling and disposal protocols. MECP Guideline C-4 governs biomedical waste. Use ECA-licensed carriers only. Segregate: sharps, pathological, microbiological, pharmaceutical. Color-coded containers required. Healthcare generates <10% waste volume but highest risk. Treatment before disposal. On-site vs off-site treatment options. Record keeping required. Contact MECP: 1-800-565-4923.
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Peel Infection Prevention and Control RequiredInfection prevention and control measures required by Peel for personal service establishments. No registration - compliance requirement under Ontario Reg. 136/18: 1. Dedicated handwashing sink with hot/cold water, soap, paper towels 2. Single-use items (razors, needles) discarded after each client 3. Reusable items properly sterilized (autoclave for invasive procedures) 4. All surfaces smooth, impermeable, and easy to clean 5. Client records maintained for 3 years (1 year on-site minimum) 6. Staff trained in infection prevention and control 7. Follow Peel Public Health guidelines for your service type Resources at peelregion.ca/health
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Mississauga. Apply to City of Mississauga 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 Mississauga Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Hairstylist Certificate of Qualification (Includes Barbers) RequiredIn Ontario, hairstyling is a COMPULSORY CERTIFIED TRADE. Individuals practicing as hairstylists or barbers must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification or be registered apprentices to legally work in the trade. Ontario does not have a separate barber certification - both hairstylists and barbers fall under the "Hairstylist" trade classification and must meet the same certification requirements. To obtain certification, individuals must complete an apprenticeship program (approximately 1,500 hours of training) or an approved hairstyling program, followed by passing the Certificate of Qualification examination administered by Skilled Trades Ontario. Working as a hairstylist or barber without proper certification is illegal and subject to enforcement. Compulsory trade in Ontario. Register with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO, replaced OCOT April 2025). Need: Grade 12 or equivalent, 1500 hours training (career college) or apprenticeship. Pass certification exam. Red Seal available. Trade Equivalency Assessment for experienced workers. Exam fee: $150+HST. Must be registered apprentice, PCQ or CQ holder to work. Contact STO: 1-855-299-0028.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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Professional/General Liability Insurance RecommendedService businesses should maintain liability insurance appropriate to their risk profile. Not provincially mandated but industry standard. CGL minimum $1M for small businesses. Required by contracts, landlords, clients. Covers bodily injury, property damage, personal injury. E&O insurance for professional services. D&O for directors. Cyber insurance increasingly required. WSIB separate requirement. Contact licensed insurance broker (RIBO-regulated).
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