Launch a Surrey Temporary Help Services Business Today
This page gives a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Surrey-based temporary help services business under NAICS 561320. Learn the 8 requirements you'll need to meet, from registrations and permits to basic startup costs and a realistic timeline. We'll break down each item with clear, actionable steps so you can move from idea to hiring your first workers quickly and confidently.
You'll discover what documents you need for each requirement, what permits or licenses to apply for (like a Surrey business license and registrations with WorkSafeBC), and the typical costs involved. The guide covers how long it takes to complete each step, how to budget for initial insurance and payroll setups, and practical tips to accelerate approvals. By the end, you'll have a concrete 8-step plan you can follow.
Why Surrey? The city has a growing economy, diverse industries, and a strong demand for flexible staffing. Starting a temporary help services business here positions you to serve local employers fast, with access to community resources and a business-friendly environment. With eight clear steps and local insights, you can launch with confidence and start connecting workers with opportunities in Surrey quickly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a temporary help services in Surrey is BC Employment Agency Licence. This license is legally required to operate an employment agency in British Columbia, and you cannot legally provide staffing or place workers without it. Without this licence you could face fines, orders to halt operations, or suspension of your business. It is non-negotiable and forms the cornerstone of your regulatory compliance.
Mandatory Operational Requirements include health, safety, and permits. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so your workers are protected and your safety obligations are met. In addition, obtain the necessary permits and registrations to operate in Surrey, such as a City of Surrey Business Licence and a BC Business Name Registration if you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership. You’ll also want to have privacy controls in place to meet PIPEDA for handling client and worker information.
Business Registration & Tax covers the key numbers and registrations that keep you compliant and billable. You’ll need a BC Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes and government programs, plus GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold. If you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA to manage CPP, EI, and income tax withholdings. If you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership, ensure your BC Business Name Registration is current.
Next steps and encouragement: start by confirming the BC Employment Agency Licence, then register your BN and business name, and secure the Surrey business licence. Set up WorkSafeBC coverage, GST/HST and payroll processes, and privacy controls. If you’d like, I can help map a simple, practical checklist and timeline to get you confidently launched in Surrey.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a temporary help 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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BC Employment Agency Licence RequiredLicence to operate an employment agency or talent agency in British Columbia under the Employment Standards Act Apply to Employment Standards Branch. Fee: $100. Online application available. One licence covers all locations (list all addresses). Renewal: submit 30 days before expiry. Exemption: agencies hiring for single employer only. Foreign worker recruiters need separate licence. Contact: Employment Standards at 1-833-236-3700.
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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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PIPEDA Compliance (Administrative Services) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Administrative services handling personal information (employment agencies, credit bureaus, investigation services, document preparation) must comply with federal privacy law including consent, security, and breach notification. PIPEDA compliance for administrative services. Privacy policy. Consent management. Data minimization. Breach notification. Contact OPC: 1-800-282-1376.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your temporary help 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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