Start a Private Households Business in Richmond Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Private Households business (NAICS 814110) in Richmond. Get a clear requirements overview, the permits you may need from the City of Richmond, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline so you’re never guessing.
What you’ll learn: the six essential steps to launch. 1) choose your structure and register a business name, 2) secure a Richmond business license, 3) determine if a Home Occupation permit applies, 4) arrange insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage, 5) register for GST/HST if your revenue crosses the threshold, and 6) set up simple bookkeeping and a dedicated bank account. You’ll also see rough costs and typical timelines for each step.
Richmond makes this choice especially friendly: it’s a growing, family-centered city with a strong service economy and convenient access to the metro area. Starting your Private Households business here means you’re well-placed to serve local households while building a scalable operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a private household business in Richmond is a Business Licence. This licence is issued by the City of Richmond and you cannot legally operate your business without it. It’s non-negotiable: without the licence, you’re operating illegally and could face fines or forced closure. Apply with the city before you start, and keep it current with renewals as needed.
For health, safety, and permits, make sure you’re covered and compliant. Ensure you and any workers have WorkSafeBC coverage and registrations. If you hire employees, set up payroll deductions and proper remittances with the Canada Revenue Agency. Also check local zoning and home-based business rules to ensure your operations fit within what Richmond allows for a private household business.
For registration and taxes, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the CRA to handle tax and administrative accounts. If you plan to operate under a name other than your own legal name, you’ll also need BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. GST/HST registration is required if your revenue meets or exceeds the threshold (or if you want to claim input tax credits). Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you have employees.
Next steps: gather your details and start with the City of Richmond’s business licensing page to apply for your licence. Set up your BN with the CRA and any BC business name registration if you’re using a trade name. If you expect to exceed the GST/HST threshold or hire staff, prepare those registrations now. If you’d like, I can map out a simple checklist and timeline to keep you on track. You’ve got this—take it one practical step at a time and you’ll be compliant and ready to serve clients in Richmond.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a private households in Richmond:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Richmond. Apply to City of Richmond 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 Richmond Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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