Launch Your Surrey Security Guards and Patrol Services Company
This page helps you start a Security Guards and Patrol Services business in Surrey, BC (NAICS 561612). It highlights the seven requirements, permits, and costs you'll face, plus a practical timeline from idea to first client. Whether you’re a solo operator or growing a team, you’ll find clear, actionable steps to get compliant, licensed, and ready to serve the Surrey market.
Seven essential steps to launch include: 1) register your business; 2) secure Surrey’s local business license; 3) obtain the security contractor license or registration for BC; 4) credential your guards with licenses and background checks; 5) purchase liability insurance (and workers’ comp) and bonding; 6) complete required training and certifications (First Aid/CPR, safety, reporting); 7) implement compliant policies and renewal processes to stay current. You’ll also get a rough cost snapshot—licensing, insurance, training, and basic equipment upfront—and a realistic timeline from incorporation to first client, typically 4–12 weeks depending on licensing speed and onboarding.
Surrey’s mix of malls, offices, and industrial sites creates steady demand for patrols and on-site security, while its proximity to Vancouver offers more contracting opportunities. It’s a practical, growth-friendly place to launch and scale a Security Guards and Patrol Services business in NAICS 561612.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a security guards and patrol services business in Surrey is the BC Security Worker Licence. This license is legally required to work as a security guard in British Columbia, and you cannot legally operate or hire staff to provide security services without it. It is non-negotiable and must be in place before you start offering services.
Beyond that license, you’ll want to keep your operations safe and compliant. This includes meeting health and safety obligations, such as securing and maintaining WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration for your workers, and putting basic safety practices and reporting routines in place. You’ll also need a Surrey municipal Business Licence to operate locally, and you may need any site-specific permits or regulatory requirements that apply to security providers in your area.
For the business side, you’ll handle registration and tax numbers. Start by obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and register your BC Business Name if you’re a sole proprietor or partnership. GST/HST registration may be required if your taxable supplies meet the threshold or if you choose to register voluntarily. For employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA and ensure proper withholdings and remittances.
If you’re ready, your next steps are clear: apply for the BC Security Worker Licence, secure your Surrey Business Licence, and complete the BN and BC name registration. Then set up WorkSafeBC coverage and your tax registrations. You’ll be on solid footing to launch confidently and stay compliant as you grow.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a security guards and patrol services 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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BC Security Worker Licence RequiredProvincial licence required for security guards, private investigators, and armoured car personnel in British Columbia Security Worker Licence from BC Security Programs. Fee: $60 (1-year), $120 (2-year), $180 (3-year), $240 (4-year). Training required: Basic Security Training (BST). Criminal record check required. Apply through Security Industry Licensing Centre. Processing: 4-6 weeks. Contact: 604-660-5228 or 1-888-891-5556.
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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 security guards and patrol services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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