Launch a Private Households Business in Surrey Today
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step roadmap to start a Private Households business (NAICS 814110) in Surrey. It lays out a six-requirement plan, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to client onboarding with confidence. We translate the bureaucratic steps into simple actions you can check off as you go.
What you’ll learn: the six requirements you must meet, how to register your business, and how to secure a City of Surrey license—and a Home Occupation permit if you’ll work from home. You’ll also get practical cost estimates for essential items like insurance, licensing fees, and basic gear, plus a clear timeline from setup to first client payment.
Why Surrey? This growing city has busy households that value reliable in-home help, creating steady demand for private households services. Surrey’s supportive small-business climate and easy access to clients across Metro Vancouver make it a smart place to launch and grow your private households business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a private household business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This official ID is used with the federal government for taxes, payroll, and other program accounts, and you generally cannot legally operate a business without it. Getting a BN is non-negotiable and lays the foundation for all other registrations and filings.
The second paragraph covers mandatory operational requirements: health, safety, and permits. Start by securing a Surrey Business Licence from the city to operate legally from your home location. If you hire staff, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage to protect workers and comply with workplace safety rules. For home-based services, keep your workspace safe and hygienic and ensure you’re following local by-laws or zoning guidelines so you can serve clients with confidence.
The third paragraph focuses on business registration and tax basics. If you plan to operate under a name other than your own, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership). In addition, obtain your BN from the Canada Revenue Agency for tax purposes, and consider GST/HST Registration if your taxable supplies meet the threshold or if you want to claim input tax credits. If you hire employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration to handle withholdings and remittances.
Encouragement and next steps: take it step by step and start with the BN, then move onto the business name (if applicable) and the city licence. Plan for GST/HST and payroll registrations as your business grows, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from an accountant or a local small-business advisor. With these registrations in place, you’ll be well-positioned to operate smoothly and compliantly in Surrey.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a private households 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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