Types of Businesses

Learn the difference between different types of businesses and how the licensing process works for each.

The City of Surrey requires all businesses in Surrey to hold a valid business licence.

A business is defined as a commercial or industrial undertaking of any kind or nature, or providing professional, personal or other services for the purpose of gain or profit.

Commercial or industrial business

If you are starting a new commercial or industrial business in Surrey, follow these steps to receive your business licence:

  1. Before signing any lease or purchase agreements, complete a Zoning Inquiry Form to ensure your location permits your type of business.
  2. Find out if there are additional requirements for your business licence, such as a certification, professional membership and/or criminal record check.
  3. Confirm your business licence fee by contacting the Business Licensing team at 604-591-4370. A list of fees (for reference only) is available in the Business Licence Bylaw in Schedule A.
  4. Submit your business licence application.

After your application is submitted and reviewed, a series of inspections may take place, including:

  • Building
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Health (for certain businesses)

Schedule a building inspection for your business.

Inspections may not be required if you have Final Building Permit Approval within the last year for your business.

Home-based business

If you are starting a new home-based business in Surrey, follow these steps to receive your business licence:

  1. Read the Home-Based Business Regulations to make sure your home-based business is allowed to operate, and make sure you comply.
  2. Find out if there are additional requirements for your business licence, such as a certification, professional membership and/or criminal record check.
  3. Confirm your business licence fee by contacting the Business Licensing team at 604-591-4370. A list of fees (for reference only) is available in the Business Licence Bylaw in Schedule A.
  4. Submit your business licence application.

After your application is submitted and reviewed, an inspection by a Bylaw Services Officer may take place to ensure your business is in compliance with the Home-Based Business Regulations.

Non-resident business

Businesses that do not have a physical location in Surrey, but perform services within the city, require a City of Surrey Business Licence. Follow these steps to successfully receive your business licence:

  1. Check to see if your business is eligible for an Inter-Municipal Business Licence. See the next section for details.
  2. Find out if there are additional requirements for your business licence, such as a certification, professional membership and/or criminal record check.
  3. Confirm your business licence fee by contacting the Business Licensing team at 604-591-4370. A list of fees (for reference only) is available in the Business Licence Bylaw in Schedule A.
  4. Submit your business licence application.
Inter-municipal business

The City of Surrey participates in two Inter-Municipal Business Licence (IMBL) programs: the Fraser Valley IMBL and the Metro-West IMBL.

Eligibility is limited to businesses defined as trades contractors or other professionals (related to the construction industry) that provide a service or product other than from their fixed and permanent location.

Each program requires its own licence that allows businesses to operate in the municipalities named in that program.

This licence is in addition to your regular municipal business licence. Applicants must apply for the Inter-Municipal Business Licence in their home municipality.

To apply for an IMBL, please contact us at 604-591-4370 (select option 4). The cost is $250 per licence and is valid for one year from the date of application.

Fraser Valley Inter-Municipal Business Licence Program Participants:

  • City of Abbotsford
  • City of Chilliwack
  • Corporation of Delta
  • District of Hope
  • District of Kent
  • City of Langley
  • Township of Langley
  • District of Maple Ridge
  • District of Mission
  • City of Pitt Meadows
  • City of Surrey

Metro West Inter-Municipal Business Licence Program Participants:

  • City of Burnaby
  • Corporation of Delta
  • City of New Westminster
  • City of Richmond
  • City of Surrey
  • City of Vancouver