Start Your Vancouver Reupholstery and Furniture Repair Business
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step path to launching a reupholstery and furniture repair business in Vancouver (NAICS 811420). It highlights the six essential requirements, spells out the permits and licensing you’ll likely need, and flags startup costs so you can plan with confidence.
You’ll learn what each requirement covers, how to register your business, whether you can operate from a home studio or need a workshop, the types of insurance to protect you, and the equipment and suppliers you’ll rely on. We also map a realistic timeline and budget so you know what to expect at each step.
Vancouver’s design-forward community and strong renovation market make it a strong fit for a small reupholstery shop. The city’s mix of residential projects, boutique interiors, and sustainable practices means steady demand—and clear local rules help you start with clarity rather than guesswork. If you’re starting from home, we’ll outline zoning and home-based business rules, and what to expect for inspection and permits as you grow.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a reupholstery and furniture repair business in Vancouver, BC is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you need it to legally run your business, issue receipts, and handle taxes. You cannot operate without it, and this non-negotiable requirement unlocks other essential steps like invoicing, tax reporting, and setting up proper accounts.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits. If you hire staff, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and register for premiums, and you should observe standard workplace safety practices to protect yourself, your team, and your customers. In addition, you’ll need a Vancouver business licence to legally operate in the city. These items keep your shop compliant and help prevent fines, interruptions, or liability concerns.
Business registration and tax numbers. Depending on how you structure your business, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration if you aren’t using your legal name as the business name (sole proprietor or partnership). Plan for GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold or if you want to handle taxes correctly from day one. Payroll Deductions Registration is required if you hire employees. These numbers tie back to your BN and ensure you’re meeting federal and provincial requirements as you grow.
Next steps: map out the registrations you need, set up reminders, and consider a quick chat with an accountant or business advisor if helpful. Start with the BN from the CRA, then apply for your Vancouver business licence, and add any BC name registrations and tax registrations you’ll need. With these basics in place, you’ll be ready to focus on delivering great upholstery work with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a reupholstery and furniture repair in Vancouver:
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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 Vancouver. Apply to City of Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your reupholstery and furniture repair:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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