Start Your Police Protection Business in Surrey: A Practical Guide
Discover a practical roadmap to launching a Police Protection business in Surrey under NAICS 922120. This page breaks down the 11 requirements you’ll need to meet, from registrations and licenses to permits, insurance, and client-ready policies. Learn about upfront costs, ongoing fees, and a realistic timeline from setup to going live, so you can plan with confidence.
By reading this guide, you’ll learn the exact steps to fulfill all 11 requirements, how to apply for permits and licenses, and what kind of insurance and training you’ll need. We cover essential topics like contracts, pricing, equipment, safety policies, and a clear timeline, helping you avoid common delays and stay compliant.
Surrey is a growing hub for business and community safety, making it a strong fit for a Police Protection venture. With diverse commercial sectors, active neighborhoods, and proximity to Vancouver, demand for reliable protection services and risk management continues to rise. Starting here with clear steps aligns your goals with local regulations and market needs.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This federal identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency is legally required to open tax accounts, handle payroll, and interact with government programs. You cannot legally operate without a BN, and it must be in place before you start doing business. This non-negotiable step lays the foundation for every other compliance you’ll pursue.
Beyond the BN, you’ll need to cover mandatory operational requirements that keep your business running safely and lawfully. Health and safety matters are essential, so ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for your workers. In addition, a group of regulatory obligations supports fair employment, privacy, and good governance: Public Service Employment Standards, Financial Administration Act compliance, Conflict of Interest and Ethics, Access to Information and Privacy, and Official Languages Act compliance. These rules help you run things responsibly and transparently.
For business registration and tax, you’ll pair the BN with local and tax registrations. Obtain a BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, and secure a Business Licence from the City of Surrey to permit local operation. Plan for GST/HST Registration if your revenue crosses the threshold, and arrange Payroll Deductions Registration so you can handle employee withholding properly. These steps keep your books tidy and your obligations up to date.
If you’re ready to move forward, start with securing your BN, then tackle the local licence and name registration. Create a simple compliance calendar to track safety coverage, employment standards, privacy requirements, and tax registrations, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance to keep everything aligned. You’ve got this—these steps set you up for a solid, compliant start.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a police protection 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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Public Service Employment Standards ConditionalRequired for public service employment. Government organizations must comply with public service employment standards, merit-based hiring, bilingualism requirements, and accountability frameworks. Public Service Employment Act compliance for federal government. Merit-based hiring. Official languages. Staffing processes. Contact PSC: 1-855-330-3310.
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Financial Administration Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government organizations must follow financial management rules, procurement policies, contracting standards, and audit requirements. Financial Administration Act compliance for federal contractors. Procurement rules. Payment terms. Audit requirements. Conflict of interest. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Conflict of Interest and Ethics ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Public officials and government employees must comply with conflict of interest rules, ethics codes, disclosure requirements, and post-employment restrictions. Conflict of Interest Act for federal government appointees and public office holders. Disclosure requirements. Divestment. Post-employment restrictions. Contact Ethics Commissioner: 613-995-0721.
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Access to Information and Privacy ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government bodies must comply with access to information requests, privacy protection, records management, and transparency obligations. Access to Information and Privacy Act compliance for federal contractors. Records management. ATIP request handling. Privacy breach procedures. Training requirements. Designated coordinator. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Official Languages Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Federal government institutions must provide services in English and French, comply with language-of-work rights, and implement bilingual communications. Official Languages Act compliance for federal institutions and contractors. Bilingual services. Language of work. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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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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