Launch Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services in Saint John
This page guides aspiring entrepreneurs in Saint John who want to start an All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services business (NAICS 561599). It outlines the eight key requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll need, and a practical, step-by-step path from idea to opening day. Expect a clear setup checklist, from business registration to basic compliance, so you can plan with confidence.
What you’ll learn: a concise overview of the eight requirements, the permits and licenses that typically apply in Saint John, and realistic startup costs—registration fees, insurance, software, training, and marketing. We’ll also map out a practical timeline to move from registration to launch, with document checklists and filing guides so you know what to submit and when.
Why Saint John is a great fit: this Atlantic Canadian city has a growing tourism scene, a welcoming small-business climate, and accessible startup costs. With steady traveler demand and a straightforward path to compliance, you can build a travel arrangement and reservation service that serves locals and visitors alike.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a travel arrangement and reservation service in Saint John, New Brunswick is a Business Licence. This license is legally required to run a business in the city, and you cannot operate without it. Securing the licence is non-negotiable and should be your first step before taking bookings, hiring staff, or entering into contracts.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, permits. You must protect customers and employees by meeting health and safety expectations and maintaining proper coverage. Specifically, you need New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to safeguard workers in case of injury. There may also be general permits or local approvals related to running a travel services business, so check with your local authorities to confirm what applies.
Business Registration & Tax. After your licence, you’ll need to set up the formal business framework. This includes New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) and choosing your business structure (Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration). You’ll also obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle tax accounts. Depending on your operations, you may need GST/HST Registration if you cross the regional thresholds, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees.
Encouragement and next steps. Start with the Business Licence application, then register your business name and structure, and set up your BN. Plan for GST/HST and payroll accounts if applicable, and arrange WorkSafeNB coverage. Take these steps one by one, and you’ll build a compliant foundation that makes it easy to focus on delivering great travel experiences to your clients. If you’d like, I can outline a simple checklist with links to the relevant agencies.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other travel arrangement and reservation services 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 travel arrangement and reservation 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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