Launch Your Other Personal Care Services in Saint John Today
This page gives you a practical roadmap for launching an Other Personal Care Services business in Saint John, aligned with NAICS 812199. It breaks down the nine requirements you’ll need to meet, from naming and provincial registration to municipal permits and health-safety approvals. You’ll also get a realistic view of startup costs and a clear timeline to move from idea to opening.
What you’ll learn is a simple nine-step checklist covering registrations (province and city), necessary permits, zoning and sanitation rules, GST/HST registration, WCB coverage, insurance, and budgeting. We name typical fees for licenses and inspections, outline space and equipment costs, and provide a practical schedule so you can hit key milestones without surprises.
Saint John is a friendly, growing market for personal care services, with affordable spaces, a supportive small‑business community, and convenient access to suppliers and customers. With straightforward permit processes and a welcoming local audience, it’s a great place to start and build your Other Personal Care Services business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Saint John is College of Massage Therapists of New Brunswick Registration. If you plan to provide massage therapy, you must be registered with the College; this is legally required and you cannot operate without it. This requirement is non-negotiable and essential before you see clients.
Beyond that, you’ll need practical health and safety permits to run your space. A local Business Licence from the City of Saint John is required to legally operate your business in the area. In addition, if you have employees, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect workers and comply with workplace safety rules. These operational essentials help you run a compliant, safe, and legitimate practice.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes and filings. You’ll also choose a business name and register it with New Brunswick’s SNB (Business Name Registration), unless you operate under your own legal name. Decide your structure—partnership or NB corporation—and complete the applicable NB registration. If your annual taxable supplies meet the threshold, you’ll register for GST/HST, and if you have employees, you’ll set up Payroll Deductions with the CRA.
You’re taking the right step by planning carefully. Start with the critical College registration, then secure the licence and safety coverage, and finally handle the business and tax registrations. If you’re unsure about any step, consider a quick consult with Service NB or a tax/professional advisor to keep things moving smoothly. You’ve got this—taking these steps now sets you up for a compliant, successful start in Saint John.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other personal care 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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College of Massage Therapists of New Brunswick Registration RequiredMassage therapists must be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of NB. Register with College of Massage Therapists of New Brunswick: 1. Complete recognized massage therapy program (2,200+ hours) 2. Apply to CMTNB at cmtnb.ca 3. Pass registration examination 4. Pay registration and annual fees 5. Provide: education credentials, proof of insurance 6. RMTs from other provinces: may apply for registration under CFTA 7. Maintain continuing education requirements 8. Annual renewal required Contact: cmtnb.ca
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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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