Start Your Other Personal Care Services in Richmond
This page gives you a clear, practical path to starting an Other Personal Care Services business in Richmond. You’ll get a concise overview of the nine requirements, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline—so you can plan with confidence instead of guesswork.
You’ll learn exactly what to secure before you open: business registration, a municipal business license, zoning and occupancy checks, health and safety standards compliance, and any provincial permits. We break down typical costs—from licensing and registration to basic setup—and map out a practical timeline from first application to grand opening. Plus, a simple, actionable checklist to keep you moving.
Richmond’s growing demand for personal care services, plus its convenient location near Vancouver and supportive small-business environment, makes this city a smart choice for launching this type of service. With clear steps and a solid plan, you’ll build a strong client base and confidence to grow.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a personal care services business in Richmond is Vancouver Coastal Health Personal Service Establishment Permit. This health permit ensures your space, equipment, sanitation, and infection-control practices meet provincial standards. You cannot legally operate without it, and it is non-negotiable. Plan for the application and any required inspections so you’re ready to open once approved.
Beyond the health permit, there are essential operational requirements to run the business safely and legally. You’ll need a City of Richmond Business Licence to operate in the municipality. If your offerings include body art, you must follow the BC Personal Service Establishment Guidelines for Body Art, which cover sanitation, sterilization, equipment handling, waste management, and staff practices. If you provide massage therapy services, you must be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia. These items are about ensuring you meet local and professional standards for safety and quality.
For registration and tax basics, you’ll want a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle taxes, payroll, and other filings. If you operate under a name different from your own, register a BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. GST/HST registration may be required depending on your sales volume. If you hire employees, set up Payroll Deductions and ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for workplace safety and injury claims.
Next steps: contact Vancouver Coastal Health and City of Richmond to confirm all permits and licenses, then start gathering the documents you’ll need for each application. I can help tailor this plan to your exact services and staffing, and map out a practical, step-by-step timeline to get you compliant and up and running.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other personal care services in Richmond:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Richmond. Apply to City of Richmond 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 Richmond Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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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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Vancouver Coastal Health Personal Service Establishment Permit RequiredPersonal service establishments must obtain health operating permit from Vancouver Coastal Health. Register with Vancouver Coastal Health for personal service establishments: 1. Contact VCH Environmental Health before opening (604-675-3800) 2. Submit application for PSE permit 3. Pass health inspection for sanitation and infection control 4. Services covered: tattooing, piercing, electrolysis, esthetics, body modification 5. Follow BC Guidelines for Personal Service Establishments 6. Operators trained in infection prevention 7. Maintain client records, sterilization logs 8. Display permit and inspection results Info: vch.ca/your-environment/health-protection
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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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