Launch a Victoria Security Guards and Patrol Services Company
This page shows you how to start a Security Guards and Patrol Services business in Victoria, BC (NAICS 561612). It breaks down the seven requirements, permits, costs, and a practical timeline so you can move from idea to launch with confidence. You’ll get a clear map to register your company, obtain licenses, and begin serving clients in Victoria.
Seven key steps await: register your business in British Columbia; apply for the security services license for your company; arrange liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage; complete required training and background checks for you and your staff; obtain any local permits or a City of Victoria business license; budget for startup costs like equipment, uniforms, bonding, and insurance; and track renewals to stay compliant. The page outlines realistic timelines—from preparing registrations to securing licenses and first contracts—so you know what to expect and when.
Victoria’s mix of businesses, government workplaces, and events creates steady demand for reliable guards and patrols. The city also offers supportive resources for new security firms and a straightforward licensing environment to help you get started.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a security guards and patrol services in Victoria is BC Security Worker Licence. This license is legally required to work as a security guard in British Columbia, and you cannot operate legally without it. It’s the non-negotiable foundation for your business, so start here by confirming the licensing criteria and submitting your application with any required training and clearances.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Along with the licence, you must meet health and safety obligations. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, so workers are protected and your company stays compliant with provincial rules. Also plan for safe work practices, incident reporting, and client site requirements, because a strong safety foundation helps you deliver reliable guard services.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need the basics to run legally. Register for a federal Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, obtain a local business licence, and register your BC business name if you’re a sole proprietorship or partnership. If your sales cross thresholds, register for GST/HST; and if you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions with the CRA.
Encouragement: With the core licences and registrations lined up, you’re well on your way. Start by listing the steps in a simple plan: confirm licence requirements, apply, arrange WorkSafeBC coverage, and set up your BN and tax accounts. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll build a compliant, ready-to-operate security business in Victoria.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a security guards and patrol services in Victoria:
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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 Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria 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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