Launch a Burnaby Passenger Car Leasing Business Today
This page gives you a practical, action-ready pathway to starting a Passenger Car Leasing business in Burnaby (NAICS 532112). Find out what you must do to launch legally, build a first fleet, and start serving customers. We outline the five requirements, likely permits, cost expectations, and a clear timeline you can follow.
What you’ll learn: the five essentials to get moving are: 1) register your BC business (corporation or trade name), 2) apply for a Burnaby business license for commercial fleets, 3) register for GST/HST with the CRA, 4) arrange commercial fleet insurance and ensure each vehicle is properly registered with ICBC, 5) handle vehicle registrations and any local zoning/occupancy permits. We’ll also cover typical startup costs (fleet purchase or lease, insurance, licenses, office/warehousing) and a practical 4–8 week timeline to your first lease.
Why Burnaby works: Burnaby’s central location in Metro Vancouver, strong business network, and access to highways and clients who need flexible corporate travel make it a smart launchpad for a passenger car leasing business. Starting here offers relatively straightforward licensing paths and room to grow a scalable fleet as you win more corporate and local customers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a passenger car leasing business in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This government identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency is legally required to interact with federal programs, file taxes, and hire staff. Without a BN, you cannot legally register for taxes or payroll and you cannot run formal leases in Canada. Because this step unlocks all other regulatory processes, it is non-negotiable and should be your first action.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Your day-to-day operations must meet health and safety standards and comply with any permits you need. In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration is mandatory for employers and workplaces. You should secure coverage for your drivers and staff, keep the required records, and display the appropriate safety notices. This health-and-safety foundation protects workers, customers, and the business, and non-compliance can carry penalties or disruption to operations.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, so your trade name is legally recognized. You may also need GST/HST Registration if your taxable revenue meets the threshold or if you choose to register voluntarily. If you have employees, you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration as part of your obligations with the CRA. Collectively, these registrations ensure you bill, collect, and remit taxes correctly and keep your business compliant.
Next steps and encouragement: Start with the BN, then complete your BC business name registration, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations. Obtain WorkSafeBC coverage and orient your operations to meet safety rules from day one. If you’d like, I can help map a simple checklist with timelines based on your exact business plan and staffing. You’ve got a solid path—taking these steps will smooth your start and set you up for gr
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a passenger car leasing in Burnaby:
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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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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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