Launch Your Moncton Travel Agency: A Practical Start Guide
This page is your practical starting point for launching a 561510 Travel Agency in Moncton. It offers an eight-step overview of the eight essential requirements, needed permits, and upfront costs, plus a clear timeline to go from idea to your first bookings. Designed for solo entrepreneurs or small teams, it translates paperwork into a doable plan you can act on today.
You’ll learn the eight key requirements you must meet, from business registration and municipal licensing to CRA registration, GST/HST thresholds, basic travel‑industry compliance, insurance, privacy considerations, and setting up a dedicated workspace. In addition, you’ll get guidance on selecting a booking system, estimating startup costs, and a practical timeline to reach profitability.
Moncton’s growing tourism scene, strong accessibility, and supportive local small‑business networks make this a smart place to launch a travel agency. With a clear plan, you can serve local travelers and online clients alike while keeping startup costs manageable.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a travel agency in Moncton is the Business Licence. This is a legal must to run any business in the city, and you cannot operate without it. Getting the licence is non-negotiable—without it you can’t legally book trips, advertise, or serve customers. Treat this as the first stop on your plan and keep it current with any renewals or changes to your business details.
Beyond the licence, there are essential operational steps to keep things safe and compliant. If you hire employees, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect your team in case of injuries. This health-and-safety obligation is a core requirement for any business with staff. In addition, if you have employees, you’ll need to set up Payroll Deductions Registration with the Canada Revenue Agency to handle income tax, Canada Pension Plan contributions, and Employment Insurance.
For how you’re set up on paper and for taxes, you’ll want to take care of Business Registration & Tax. Decide your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or NB corporation) and register accordingly (Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration as needed). You’ll also need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN); the BN lets you handle GST/HST, payroll deductions, and other tax accounts. GST/HST Registration is required if your taxable revenue meets the threshold, or you may choose to register to reclaim taxes on eligible purchases.
You’re almost there—now take these next steps with confidence. Decide your business structure, then secure the NB licence and SNB for your business name. Apply for a BN, and assess whether GST/HST registration applies to you. If you’ll have staff, arrange WorkSafeNB coverage and payroll deductions with the CRA. Consider a quick consult with an accountant or business advisor to tailor registrations to your exact plan, and you’ll be on solid footing to launch your Moncton travel agency.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a travel agencies in Moncton:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Moncton. Apply to City of Moncton 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 Moncton 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 travel agencies:
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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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