Launch Your Saint John Travel Agency: A Practical Start Guide
This page gives a clear, practical roadmap to launching a Saint John travel agency (NAICS 561510). It breaks the process into eight practical steps, covering essential permits, registrations, and startup costs. You’ll also see a realistic timeline to go from idea to open doors, with insights on required paperwork and what to expect at each stage.
Eight essential requirements you'll work through include: 1) registering your business name and structure with New Brunswick’s Corporate Registry; 2) obtaining a CRA Business Number; 3) registering for GST/HST; 4) securing a Saint John municipal business license; 5) setting up client payments and supplier contracts; 6) obtaining travel-industry accreditation or joining a professional association; 7) securing liability and errors-and-omissions insurance; 8) selecting a reliable booking system and building a professional website with a CRM. Costs vary by setup but typically cover registration, insurance, software, and marketing, with a 4–6 week timeline to get fully operational.
Saint John’s growing tourism scene and position as a gateway to Atlantic Canada make it a smart place to launch a travel agency. Local networks, affordable workspace, and supportive business services help you grow quickly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a travel agency in Saint John, NB is the Business Licence. This municipal licence from the City of Saint John is legally required to run any business in the city, and you cannot legally operate a travel agency without it. It’s non-negotiable: without the licence, you can’t open, market, or serve customers in Saint John.
Beyond licensing, there are mandatory operational steps to keep things safe and compliant. If you hire staff, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB employer coverage to protect workers and meet provincial safety rules. This health-and-safety coverage goes hand in hand with responsible business practice, helping you avoid penalties and keep your team secure. Additionally, be aware that other general permits or compliance requirements can apply depending on how you run the business, so it’s wise to verify any local or sector-specific rules with the city.
For registration and taxes, you’ll want to set up the official business framework and tax numbers. Choose your structure (sole proprietor with a registered name, partnership, or NB corporation) and register accordingly: New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you’re using a trade name; Partnership Registration for partnerships; NB Corporation Registration for a corporate entity. You’ll also obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN), which covers GST/HST registration and payroll deductions accounts if you hire employees or owe GST/HST. Even if you’re just starting, getting these IDs in place streamlines compliance as you grow.
You’re on a solid path once these pieces are in place. Start by securing the City of Saint John licence, then set up your BN and your SNB or corporate registration as needed, and apply for GST/HST and payroll accounts as your business scales. If you’d like, I can map out a simple 4-week action plan to guide you step by step.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a travel agencies 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 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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