Launch Your Other Personal Care Services Business in Surrey

This page gives aspiring owners a practical, step-by-step roadmap to start an Other Personal Care Services business in Surrey under NAICS 812199. It breaks down the journey from registration to opening, with a clear overview of the 9 requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits you may need, and the typical costs involved. It’s designed to move you from idea to launch with confidence, not confusion.

You’ll learn exactly what to do and when: a 9-item requirements checklist (including business registration, municipal licensing, zoning compliance, health/safety permits, insurance, GST/HST registration, WCB coverage, signage rules, and basic bookkeeping), plus how to obtain permits, estimate startup costs, and map a realistic timeline from planning to grand opening. The resources help you stay compliant and on track.

Why Surrey? It’s a dynamic market with strong demand for personal care services, a pro-business vibe, and easy access to Vancouver’s growth. The city’s local resources and small-business programs can help you launch faster, reach more clients, and build a solid foundation for long-term success.

Business Type
Other Personal Care Services
Location
Surrey

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a personal care services business in Surrey is Fraser Health Personal Service Establishment Permit. This permit is legally required to open and run a facility that offers personal care services in the Fraser Health region, and you cannot legally operate without it. It shows your space, equipment, sanitation, and hygiene practices meet health and safety standards. Keep it up to date as your menu of services or layout changes.

Mandatory operational requirements include complying with health and safety standards and relevant guidelines. If you provide body art, you must follow the BC Personal Service Establishment Guidelines for Body Art, and if you offer massage therapy, you need registration with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia. Additionally, arrange WorkSafeBC coverage for staff to meet workplace safety rules and maintain rigorous cleanliness and infection-control practices in the facility.

Business registration and tax numbers are essential for legality and smooth operations. Obtain a federal Business Number (BN) and a Surrey business licence. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, register a BC Business Name. Plan for GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold (or register voluntarily), and set up payroll deductions registration if you have employees. Ensure you’re compliant with these tax and registration requirements from day one.

Next steps: confirm which services you’ll offer to determine applicability of body-art rules and massage-therapy licensing, contact Fraser Health to apply for the permit, and visit Surrey’s city hall or website to obtain your business licence. Set up your BN, BC business name, and GST/HST considerations, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. If you’d like, I can help outline a simple checklist and connect you with a local advisor to keep you on track.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a other personal care services in Surrey:

  • BC Personal Service Establishment Guidelines for Body Art Required
    Body 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)
  • College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia Registration Required
    Massage 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
  • Fraser Health Personal Service Establishment Permit Required
    Personal 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
  • Business Number (BN) Registration Required
    A 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 Required
    General 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) Required
    Registration 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 Conditional
    Required 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 Conditional
    Required 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 Conditional
    Required 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:

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
NAICS 11
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
NAICS 21
Utilities
NAICS 22
Construction
NAICS 23
Manufacturing
NAICS 31-33
Wholesale Trade
NAICS 42
Retail Trade
NAICS 44-45
Transportation and Warehousing
NAICS 48-49
Information
NAICS 51
Finance and Insurance
NAICS 52
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
NAICS 53
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
NAICS 54
Management of Companies and Enterprises
NAICS 55
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
NAICS 56
Educational Services
NAICS 61
Health Care and Social Assistance
NAICS 62
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
NAICS 71
Accommodation and Food Services
NAICS 72
Other Services (except Public Administration)
NAICS 81
Public Administration
NAICS 92
Note: These results may be incomplete or inaccurate. We recommend consulting with a business advisor, lawyer, or government authority to verify all requirements for your situation.