Launch Your All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance Business in Saint John
This page offers a practical roadmap for starting an All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance business (NAICS 811198) in Saint John. It breaks down the eight essential requirements you’ll need to meet, from registering the business and choosing a name to securing the right licenses, permits, and zoning approvals. You’ll also see a realistic view of startup costs and the typical timeline to get your shop up and running.
You’ll learn the eight requirements overview, which permits and licenses apply at provincial and municipal levels, and the safety and environmental standards you’ll need to follow. We’ll break down typical startup costs—from facility and equipment to insurance and licensing fees—and map out a practical timeline so you know when you can expect to open your doors.
Saint John’s market and access to suppliers and skilled workers make it a strong place to launch an auto repair shop. With eight clear steps and careful planning, you can turn a solid plan into a thriving business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Saint John is Business Licence. This license from the City of Saint John is legally required to run any business in the city, including an automotive repair and maintenance shop, and you cannot operate without it. It is non-negotiable and lays the essential groundwork for everything else you’ll do—from hiring staff to invoicing customers. Treat it as your first priority.
Beyond the license, you’ll want to address health, safety, and permits. The key mandatory item is New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage, which ensures your shop complies with workplace safety rules and protects your employees. Plan for safe operating procedures, appropriate training, and keeping records of safety checks and incidents. Staying on top of safety is not optional; it’s how you run a responsible, compliant shop.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll need the federal and provincial IDs that keep your business transparent and compliant. Obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) for tax accounts. If you’re using a trade name, register it with New Brunswick’s SNB. If your structure is a partnership, complete Partnership Registration; if you’re incorporating, complete NB Corporation Registration. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration if your taxable supplies meet the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration for your employees.
Next steps: start with the City of Saint John for the licence, set up your BN with the CRA, and determine your business name status and structure. Then arrange the GST/HST and payroll registrations and make sure your WorkSafeNB coverage is active. If you’d like, I can help you map a simple, concrete checklist and timeline to get you legally ready—your next steps can be straightforward and achievable.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other automotive repair and maintenance in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other automotive repair and maintenance:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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