Start Your Trusts, Estates, and Agency Accounts in Saint John
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Trusts, Estates, and Agency Accounts business in Saint John. If you're pursuing NAICS 525920, you'll find a clear starter plan that covers the 10 essential requirements, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from setup to launch. Plus, practical tips to help you stay organized and compliant from day one.
You'll learn exactly what to prepare, including the 10 requirements, how to secure any licenses, which documents to gather, expected fees, and the timing for each milestone. The guide keeps jargon out and gives concrete, actionable steps you can take this week to move from idea to active business and start serving clients.
Saint John offers a supportive small-business ecosystem, easy access to local professionals who understand trusts and estates, and a straightforward path to market for agency accounts. With the right plan and local resources, you can launch confidently and build sustainable client relationships in this city.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a trusts, estates, and agency accounts business in Saint John is Trust Company License. This license is legally required to offer and manage trust-related services in New Brunswick, and you cannot legally operate without it. This is non-negotiable—without the license you may not perform core activities. Start by applying through the NB regulator responsible for trusts, and be prepared for any background checks or fitness assessments they require.
Beyond licensing, you’ll need to set up operational controls and safety measures. Ensure you have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage for your staff to meet workplace safety standards. Put in place anti-money laundering controls for securities activities to stay compliant with financial crime rules. If you hire employees, plan for Payroll Deductions Registration to handle taxes and withholdings. Depending on your business structure, you may also need Partnership Registration or other entity registrations as you begin operations.
Business Registration & Tax is the next major area. Obtain a Business Licence (local or provincial as applicable), register your Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and register the New Brunswick Business Name (SNB) if you’re using a name other than your formal corporate name. You’ll also handle GST/HST Registration if your activities meet the threshold, and arrange NB Corporation Registration if you form a corporation or Partnership Registration if you organize as a partnership.
Next steps: map out your legal structure, confirm which registrations apply, and start the applications in parallel. Consider consulting a regulatory professional or local business support service to keep you on track. With the right licenses and registrations in place, you’ll be well positioned to launch your trusts, estates, and agency accounts practice in Saint John.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a trusts, estates, and agency accounts 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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Trust Company License RequiredTrust companies must be licensed by federal (OSFI) or provincial regulators and comply with fiduciary standards, capital requirements, and trust administration rules. OSFI Trust and Loan Companies Act licensing. Federal trust company charter. Capital requirements. Contact OSFI: 1-800-385-8647.
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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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Anti-Money Laundering (Securities) ConditionalRequired for securities activities. Securities dealers and fund managers must implement AML/ATF programs, conduct client identification and verification, report suspicious transactions to FINTRAC, and maintain compliance. FINTRAC registration and AML/ATF compliance for securities dealers. Know Your Client (KYC). Customer Due Diligence (CDD). Suspicious Transaction Reporting. Annual review. Training requirements. Contact FINTRAC: 1-866-346-8722.
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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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