Launch Your Surrey Video Tape and Disc Rental Business
This page helps aspiring Surrey entrepreneurs start a video tape and disc rental business (NAICS 532282). You'll find a practical six-item requirements map, plus permits, registrations, startup costs, and a clear timeline from planning to opening.
Key steps you’ll learn to tackle now: register your business with the province and get a Surrey business license, set up GST/HST registration if you cross the threshold, secure the necessary zoning or occupancy permits for your location, obtain essential insurance, arrange a compliant storage or storefront space with the right equipment, and establish solid bookkeeping and customer privacy practices. Expect startup costs to range roughly from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on space, inventory, and gear; and a typical timeline of 1–3 months from kickoff to launch.
Surrey’s growing communities and local events create steady demand for convenient, neighborhood-focused video rentals, making this a practical fit for a lean storefront or hybrid online model.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a video tape and disc rental business in Surrey is obtaining a valid Business Number (BN) registration. This BN is your federal business identifier with the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally open or run the store without it. It’s the foundation that ties together your taxes and government accounts, so getting it in place early keeps everything connected and avoids penalties.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements. You’ll need a Surrey municipal business license to legally operate in the city, along with any local permits or zoning clearances your location may require. If you hire employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage to protect workers in case of injury. These items ensure your day-to-day operations meet local rules and keep your staff safe.
On the registration and tax side, BC Business Name Registration is needed if you operate under a name other than your own legal name (for sole proprietorships or partnerships). You’ll also need GST/HST registration if your taxable revenue meets the threshold, and you’ll handle payroll deductions Registration if you have employees. This is the part where you organize the official accounts that help you bill customers properly and remit the right taxes and benefits.
You can tackle this step by step. Start with the BN through the Canada Revenue Agency, then secure Surrey’s business license, and register your business name if needed. Next, set up GST/HST and payroll registrations, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage for any staff. If you take it one item at a time, you’ll have a solid, compliant foundation to open your video rental shop confidently—and you’ll be ready to serve customers smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a video tape and disc rental 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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