Start Your Victoria Other Personal Care Services Business
Welcome to your practical starter guide for launching an Other Personal Care Services business in Victoria. This page breaks down 9 essential requirements and gives you a clear path to permits, costs, and timelines. Whether you’re stepping out as a sole proprietor or building a small team, you’ll find practical, city-specific steps to move from idea to opening.
Key learnings include which registrations you need (business name or corporate setup, GST/PST registration), the City of Victoria business license, and any zoning or health-and-safety permits for your chosen space. We cover approximate startup costs—license fees, insurance, space lease or permit deposits—and a realistic timeline from planning to opening, including processing times for applications and likely milestones like inspections and WCB registration if you hire staff.
Victoria’s vibrant wellness scene and supportive small-business climate make it a great place to start an Other Personal Care Services business. With the right permits in place, you can serve locals confidently.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a personal care services business in Victoria is Island Health Personal Service Establishment Permit. This permit is legally required and you cannot operate without it. It is non-negotiable and you should secure it before opening your doors.
Beyond that essential permit, your day-to-day operations must meet health and safety standards. If you offer body art, you’ll follow the BC Personal Service Establishment Guidelines for Body Art and maintain strong hygiene practices. If massage therapy is part of your menu, registration with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia is required to practice legally in BC. These items ensure a safe environment for clients and staff and are non-negotiable compliance steps.
On the business side, you’ll need to set up the official registrations and tax accounts. Obtain a Business Number (BN) and register for a Business Licence, and, if applicable, BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. You may also need GST/HST registration, Payroll Deductions registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, and WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and stay compliant.
Next steps: confirm your Island Health PSP application, check with your local municipality about licensing, line up the professional registration if applicable, and set up your BN, GST/HST, and payroll accounts. If you’d like, I can map a simple 6-week plan with checklists to keep you on track and avoid any compliance gaps.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other personal care services in Victoria:
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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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Island Health Personal Service Establishment Permit RequiredPersonal service establishments must obtain health operating permit from Island Health. Register with Island Health for personal service establishments: 1. Contact Island Health Environmental Health (250-370-8699) 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: islandhealth.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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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