Business Licensing In New Brunswick

If you're starting a business in New Brunswick, you'll need to obtain a business license. This is a legal document that allows you to operate your business in a specific location and ensures that your business complies with local laws and regulations. The license also helps protect consumers by ensuring that businesses are operating legally and ethically. The cost of a business license in New Brunswick varies depending on the type of business and location, ranging from $25 to $200. The process of obtaining a business license involves several steps, including determining your business structure, registering your business name, obtaining a business number, and applying for the license through the Service New Brunswick website.

Choose a business structure

Choosing a business structure is the first step to starting a business in New Brunswick. There are four main types of business structures to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or cooperative.

A sole proprietorship is designed for one person. This structure has a lower registration cost and fewer regulations to follow. However, it does not provide the same level of protection as other structures, as the liability of the owner is not separate from that of the business.

A partnership is intended for two or more people to operate together. There are three types of partnerships available: general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships. Like sole proprietorships, partnerships have lower registration costs and fewer regulations, but they also have the same limitations in terms of liability protection.

A corporation is a more complex structure that offers a legal separation between the owners and the business financially and in terms of liability. This means that owners benefit from limited financial liability and an easier process for selling or bequeathing their share of the corporation. Corporations can also sell shares publicly or privately, and they tend to be seen as more impressive and trustworthy to customers. However, incorporating a business requires legal assistance, resulting in higher costs, and there is extra work involved in annual reporting and tax returns.

The final structure option is a cooperative, which is less common and involves a group of people coming together to meet a shared need or goal.

When choosing a business structure, it is important to consider the specific needs and goals of your business, as well as the associated advantages and disadvantages of each structure.

Register your business name

To register your business name in New Brunswick, you must first determine the structure of your business. This could be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or cooperative. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose one that suits your business needs.

Once you've determined the structure, you can choose a unique name that is not already in use. You can check the availability of your desired business name by searching the New Brunswick Corporate Registry.

If you are operating a sole proprietorship and want to use your own name, you are not required to register. However, if you want to operate under a different name, you must register it using the Declaration of Trade Name form. This protects your business name and ensures customers know who they are dealing with.

For other types of business operations, such as corporations and partnerships, registration with the province is mandatory. When registering, you will need to provide the following information:

• Your business name
• The desired date of registration
• Name(s) of the business owner(s)
• Mailing address of the business
• Contact information for the business and the owner(s)

You can register your business name online through the Service New Brunswick website or by completing and submitting forms via email or in person. The registration process may take up to a couple of weeks, so it is important to plan ahead.

In addition to registering your business name, you will also need to obtain a business number for tax purposes and apply for any necessary permits and licenses related to your specific business activities.

Learn about permits and licenses

To operate a business in New Brunswick, you need to obtain a valid business license. This license is a legal document that allows you to operate your business in a specific location and ensures that your business complies with local laws and regulations. It is a way for the government to regulate businesses and protect consumers. All businesses operating in New Brunswick, including home-based, online, and storefront businesses, are required by law to have a valid license.

The type of license you need depends on the nature of your business and its location. For example, a food business will require a food service establishment license, while a home-based business may need a home occupation permit. To determine the specific licenses and permits you need, you can consult the Government of New Brunswick's BizPaL website. BizPaL is an online platform that simplifies the process of finding information on business permits and licenses from the federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government.

In addition to obtaining a business license, you may also need to secure additional permits and licenses depending on your business's nature. These could include permits for handling and selling food, serving alcohol, or providing specific professional services. It is important to research and understand the specific requirements for your business type to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

The cost of a business license in New Brunswick varies depending on the type and location of the business. The fee for a commercial business license ranges from $50 to $200, while a home-based business license costs $25. These fees must be paid annually, and failure to renew may result in penalties or fines.

Obtaining a business license in New Brunswick typically involves the following steps:

• Determining your business structure: Choose the appropriate structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or cooperative. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to select the one that best suits your business needs.
• Registering your business name: Choose a unique name that is not already in use and register it with the New Brunswick Corporate Registry.
• Obtaining a business number: Register for a GST/HST account with the Canada Revenue Agency to obtain a business number for tax purposes.
• Applying for a business license: Submit an application form and pay the required fee through the Service New Brunswick website.
• Obtaining additional permits and licenses: Consult the NB BizPal website to determine if you need any additional permits or licenses specific to your business type.

Determine the cost of registration

The cost of registering a business in New Brunswick varies depending on the type of business and its location. The registration fee for a business license ranges from $25 to $200. A home-based business license costs $25, while a commercial business license ranges from $50 to $200 depending on the location. It is important to note that the business license fee is an annual fee that must be renewed each year to avoid penalties or fines.

In addition to the standard business license fee, there may be extra permit and license fees depending on the nature of the business. For instance, if you are opening a restaurant, you will need to obtain a food service permit, which costs $100. Other permits and licenses that may be required include:

• NB Business License Renewal and Compliance: To renew your business name registration, you must file a certificate of business name under the Business Corporations Act. There are associated fees and compliance requirements that must be adhered to.
• Insurance Licenses: The Financial and Consumer Services Commission regulates insurance licenses in the province. All insurance agents and brokers must be sponsored by a licensed insurer.
• Extra-Provincial Corporations: If your corporation operates in another province or country, it must register to do business in New Brunswick. This registration incurs a fee.
• Trade Name Registrations: Corporations that use a trade name, operating name, or "doing business as" name must register this, in addition to their corporate name.

Register online, in-person, or via mail

To register your business in New Brunswick, you can do so online, in-person, or via mail.

Registering Online

To register your New Brunswick business online, you can use the SNB Online portal. You can incorporate your business or register your business name to start the process. Then, follow the steps on the screen.

Registering In-Person

You can also register your business in person by visiting the New Brunswick Corporate Registry Operations Service Centre. You can access all the required forms online, fill them out digitally, and email them to the provincial government. Alternatively, you can print out the forms and carry them to the provincial government offices. It is recommended that you contact the office by phone or email to see if you need an appointment.

Registering Via Mail

If you plan to register your business by mail, you should plan for the process to take up to a couple of weeks. Ensure that you start the registration process early, especially if you need a license by a certain date.

Additional Information

Regardless of the method you choose, you will need the following information to register your business:

• Your business name
• Your desired date of registration
• Name of the business owner(s)
• Mailing address of the business
• Contact information for the business and the owner(s)

Frequently asked questions