Launch 488490 Other Support Activities for Road Transportation in Surrey
This page helps you start your 488490, Other Support Activities for Road Transportation, in Surrey. It delivers a practical, no-nonsense overview of the six requirements, the licenses and permits you’ll need, typical start-up costs, and a clear timeline so you can plan with confidence.
You’ll learn exactly what the six requirements cover and how to approach them. We walk through the steps for business registration and a Surrey city license, any provincial permits, essential insurance (liability and workers’ compensation), and the zoning or facility approvals you may need if you’ll store or dispatch goods. We also break down typical costs—license fees, registration, insurance, and basic equipment—and outline a realistic timeline from filing to your first day in operation.
Surrey’s proximity to Vancouver’s transport corridors and its growing logistics scene make this a smart place to launch. A supportive local climate for small businesses, access to suppliers and partners, and strong community resources can help you get up and running faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal requirement handled by the Canada Revenue Agency, and a BN is your official ID for taxes, payroll, and other government accounts. You cannot legally operate here without it, and having a BN is non-negotiable from day one.
Beyond the BN, you must handle health, safety, and permits to run your operation smoothly. Obtain a Surrey Municipal Business Licence to legally operate within the city. If you’ll use a business name that isn’t your personal name, register the BC Business Name for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. For worker safety, ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect your staff and meet provincial safety standards.
On business registration and tax, align BN with BC Business Name Registration (if needed), and set up GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration as applicable. GST/HST registration is required if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold or if you choose to register voluntarily. Payroll deductions registration is essential for properly handling employee withholdings and remittances.
Next steps: map out your structure, gather documents, and start applications in parallel—BN first, then the Surrey Business Licence, name registration if needed, WorkSafeBC, and the tax registrations. If you’d like, I can help you build a simple checklist and timeline to keep you on track and avoid delays.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other support activities for road transportation in Surrey:
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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 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.
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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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