Start Your Offices of Other Holding Companies in Saint John
This page helps you plan and launch an Offices of Other Holding Companies (NAICS 551112) in Saint John. You’ll find a practical overview of what’s required, including the eight key steps, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline. It’s designed to be encouraging and easy to follow, so you can move from idea to a compliant operation with confidence.
On this page you’ll learn the essentials: a concise requirements overview (the eight mandatory items), the permits likely needed at municipal and provincial levels, the typical costs for registrations, licenses, and basic office setup, and a practical timeline for every stage—from incorporation to opening day.
Saint John offers a cost-conscious base with strong local support, affordable office space, and access to Atlantic markets—making it a smart fit for an Office of Other Holding Companies. Use this page to stay compliant, hit your milestones faster, and start building your business with confidence.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Saint John, New Brunswick is the Business Licence. This local licence lets the city know you’re authorized to operate from your chosen location. It is legally required, and you cannot legally run your office without it. Treat it as the first building block of your setup to avoid penalties and delays.
On the operational side, ensure health and safety and proper permits. If you hire employees, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB employer coverage to protect your team. You’ll also handle payroll deductions for taxes and benefits. Depending on your activities and space, you may need other permits or licenses tied to your office use, so verify local requirements with Saint John before you open the doors.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency for tax accounts, payroll, and other programs. If you operate under a registered business name, complete the New Brunswick SNB registration; for a corporation, file NB Corporation Registration; for partnerships, complete Partnership Registration. If your sales reach the GST/HST threshold, or you choose to register voluntarily, apply for GST/HST registration as well.
Next steps: start with the City of Saint John license check, then set up your BN and SNB or corporate registration as needed. Decide your business structure (partnership or NB corporation) and complete the corresponding registrations. If you’re unsure, a quick consult with an accountant or business advisor can tailor these steps to your situation. You’ve got a clear path—take the first step today and keep moving forward.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a offices of other holding companies 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%)
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