Launch Your Saint John Hotel or Motel: A Practical Startup Guide
This page is a practical starter guide for launching a hotel or motel in Saint John under NAICS 721110. It breaks down what you need to know, from permits to costs and a realistic timeline, so you can plan with confidence.
Eight core requirements to secure, finance, and open your property: 1) confirm zoning and property suitability; 2) register the business with federal and provincial authorities; 3) obtain municipal licenses and an occupancy permit; 4) secure building or renovation permits and pass inspections; 5) meet safety, fire, and accessibility standards; 6) arrange financing and appropriate insurance; 7) set up day-to-day operations, reservations, point-of-sale, and branding; 8) plan for ongoing compliance, audits, and renewal requirements.
Saint John offers a steady tourism base, supportive business environment, and more affordable property options compared with bigger markets. With a growing cruise ship presence and strong regional demand, your hotel or motel can attract weekend travelers, families, and business guests. This combination sets a practical, achievable path to opening and growing your property.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a hotel in Saint John, New Brunswick is obtaining a Business Licence. This license is a legal must to run a hotel, and you cannot operate without it. It’s non-negotiable and sets the baseline for everything else you’ll do. Start by checking with the local city authority and the province for the correct application and renewal steps so you’re compliant from day one.
Beyond licensing, your day-to-day operations must meet health, safety, and permit expectations. A key requirement is New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect your staff and meet provincial safety rules. If you hire employees, you’ll also need to handle payroll deductions and ensure you’re set up to remit them (registration with the relevant program). These operational steps help you create a safe, compliant workplace for your guests and team.
For registrations and taxes, you’ll want to align your business identity with the appropriate numbers and names. This includes getting a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and, if you operate under a name other than your own, registering that name with New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB). If your structure is a partnership or NB corporation, complete the corresponding NB registrations. You’ll also likely need GST/HST registration if your taxable sales require it, and, as noted, payroll deductions registration if you have employees. These numbers keep your finances and filings clear and compliant.
Next steps: map out your structure, choose a business name (or confirm you’ll operate under your own name), and then tackle the registrations in this order—SNB if needed, BN with CRA, GST/HST if applicable, payroll deductions, and finally the Business Licence and WorkSafeNB coverage. If you’d like, I can turn this into a simple, personalized checklist and point you to the exact agencies and forms to speed things along. You’ve got this—you’re on the path to a compliant, well-run hotel.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a hotels (except casino hotels) and motels 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 hotels (except casino hotels) and motels:
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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Provided up to $25,000 per business to Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. Administered by ITAC through provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations under a $10 million allocation from the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (Budget 2022). All four rounds are completed, with approximately $8.1 million distributed to approximately 330 businesses. …
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The $108M Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funded tourism businesses, associations, Indigenous tourism organizations, post-secondary institutions, and governments to create or improve tourism offerings, invest in digitization, extend seasons, and promote active outdoor experiences. Businesses received interest-free repayable contributions up to $250,000; not-for-profits received non-repayable contributions. Applications are no longer being …
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