Launch Your Other Personal Care Services Business in St. John's
This page lays out how to start an Other Personal Care Services business (NAICS 812199) in St. John's. It breaks down the practical steps to launch, including a clear overview of 10 requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, typical costs, and a realistic timeline to open.
You'll learn the 10 essential requirements you must meet, plus where to file registrations, how to secure a municipal license, and what health and safety checks to expect. We'll also map out permits (zoning, business license, health inspection, fire code), estimated costs (GST/HST registration, insurance, inspections, and WCB coverage), and a typical timeline (roughly 4-12 weeks from start to opening) so you can plan your launch with confidence.
St. John's offers a supportive small-business scene and a growing demand for personal care services, with easy access to clients across neighborhoods. This city-and-business mix gives you a strong footing to grow, whether you’re renting space in a studio or starting with a shared workspace.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a personal care services business in St. John's is the College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador Registration. If your services include massage therapy, this registration is legally required and you cannot operate without it. This is non-negotiable for massage therapy work. If your offerings don’t include massage therapy, this particular credential may not apply, but it’s essential to confirm based on your exact service mix.
Next, focus on mandatory operational requirements that keep you compliant on a day-to-day basis. Health and safety come first: if you hire employees, you must have Newfoundland and Labrador WorkplaceNL coverage for workplace injuries. You’ll also need the appropriate permits to operate your premises, notably a valid Business Licence from the City of St. John’s. And where applicable, maintain the professional registration noted above (for massage therapy) as part of meeting industry standards and regulatory expectations.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need the core identifiers and registrations that let the government know who you are and how you’ll handle finances. This includes Business Name Registration and a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency. Depending on your structure, you may pursue Newfoundland & Labrador corporation registration or general NL business registration, and you’ll need GST/HST registration if your taxable supplies meet the threshold or if you choose to register voluntarily. If you have employees, you’ll also handle Payroll Deductions Registration, and if you operate as a partnership, you’ll need Partnership Registration. If you’re planning to form a corporation, you may also deal with NL Corporation Registration as part of that process.
You're off to a solid start. To keep momentum, map out your service scope, confirm which registrations apply to your exact offerings, and begin with the city licence and your business identity regist
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other personal care services in St. John's:
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Business Name Registration RequiredRegistration to operate a business. Register through Province of Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of St. John's. Apply to City of St. John's 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 St. John's Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador Registration RequiredMassage therapists must be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of NL. Register with College of Massage Therapists of NL: 1. Complete recognized massage therapy program (2,200+ hours) 2. Apply to CMTNL at cmtnl.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 under CFTA 7. Maintain continuing education requirements 8. Annual renewal required Contact: cmtnl.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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Newfoundland & Labrador Corporation/Business Registration RequiredBusinesses in Newfoundland and Labrador operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with the Registry of Companies. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal protection for the business name and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed in person or by mail. Sole proprietorship and partnership registrations must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business in Newfoundland & Labrador: 1. Reserve business name ($10 non-refundable) 2. Complete registration through CADO online portal 3. Pay incorporation fee ($270 online with share capital) 4. Receive certificate of incorporation 5. File annual returns ($75) 6. Sole proprietors only register if using trade name
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Newfoundland & Labrador WorkplaceNL Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Newfoundland. Employers in Newfoundland and Labrador must register with WorkplaceNL (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkplaceNL provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under a no-fault system. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their industry assessment rate and assessable earnings. To register with WorkplaceNL: 1. All employers in NL must register with WorkplaceNL 2. Register online through WorkplaceNL portal 3. Report assessable earnings annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.73/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. MCAE is $76,955 for 2024
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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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NL Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Newfoundland. Incorporation under NL law. Register through Province of Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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