Launch Your St. John's Video Tape and Disc Rental Business
This page helps you launch a NAICS 532282 video tape and disc rental business in St. John's. It offers a practical, step-by-step overview with a clear look at the nine key requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to open your doors.
What you’ll learn: the nine requirements you need to meet to operate legally—from business registration and tax accounts to any local permits and insurance. You’ll get a straightforward breakdown of permits you may need (zoning, signage, retail operations), plus a transparent view of startup costs (inventory, storefront or online setup, licenses, insurance, and marketing). Finally, you’ll see a practical timeline with milestones to help you plan space, secure a location, and launch on schedule.
Why St. John's is a great fit: St. John's offers a supportive small-business scene, affordable spaces, and a community that loves film and media. A local video rental shop can become a go-to source for residents, students, and events, building a steady, repeat customer base.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a video tape and disc rental business in St. John's is Business Licence. This municipal licence is legally required to run a storefront or any business in the city, and you cannot legally operate without it. Once you have the licence, you’ll be on solid footing to serve customers. You’ll also want to lay out the basics: register your business name if you’ll operate under a name other than your own, and set up a Business Number (BN) with the federal government to handle taxes, payroll, and government filings.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, permits. Newfoundland & Labrador WorkplaceNL Coverage applies if you hire staff; you’ll need to register and maintain coverage to protect workers and your business. Even for a small team, establish safety policies, training, and incident reporting so you’re prepared for audits and to keep your customers and employees safe.
Registration & Tax: To stay compliant, complete Business Name Registration if you plan to use a trade name. Obtain a Business Number (BN) Registration with the Canada Revenue Agency for tax, GST/HST, and payroll purposes. If you form a corporation, pursue Newfoundland & Labrador Corporation/Business Registration or NL Corporation Registration; if you operate as a partnership, complete Partnership Registration. When you reach the GST/HST threshold, register for GST/HST and, if you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration.
You’ve got this. Next steps are practical: start by checking with the City of St. John’s licensing office, then connect with the provincial and federal registries to complete the registrations. Gather your documents, map out a simple compliance timeline, and you’ll be well on your way to a smooth opening and steady operations.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a video tape and disc rental 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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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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