How to Register a Business in New Brunswick: Your First Move
Starting a business in New Brunswick can be an exciting and profitable journey, but it’s important to understand the steps involved in registering your company. With the province’s competitive business environment and robust infrastructure, New Brunswick offers a variety of opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Registering your business ensures that you’re legally compliant and helps establish a strong foundation for growth. Whether you’re opening a local retail store, offering professional services, or running an e-commerce platform, completing the registration process is essential. Beyond the legal requirements, it also provides access to various government programs, grants, and funding opportunities that can help accelerate your business’s success.
This guide will take you step by step through the process of registering your business in New Brunswick. From selecting the right business structure to obtaining necessary permits and licenses, we’ll provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate the legal landscape and set your business up for long-term success. Let’s dive in and explore the key stages of business registration in the province.
1. Understand Your Business Structure
Choosing the right business structure is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make. Your business structure affects how your business is taxed, your personal liability, and the administrative requirements.
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is the simplest form of business structure, where one person owns and operates the business. It’s an ideal choice for small businesses due to its low cost and ease of setup. The owner has complete control over decision-making but is personally liable for any business debts or legal issues.
This structure is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to run a business independently, without involving partners. However, it’s important to remember that since there’s no separation between the individual and the business, the owner’s personal assets may be at risk if the business faces financial difficulties or legal disputes.
Partnership
A partnership involves two or more individuals who share ownership, responsibilities, and profits. Partnerships can be a flexible option as they allow owners to pool resources, knowledge, and skills. Depending on the type of partnership, each partner can have different roles and responsibilities, as well as varying levels of liability.
In a general partnership, all partners share equal responsibility for the business, including liability for debts and obligations. A limited partnership, on the other hand, has both general partners (who are fully liable) and limited partners (who are only liable for the amount they invest). It’s essential to have a clear partnership agreement in place to outline roles, responsibilities, and financial contributions.
Corporation
A corporation is a more complex business structure that is considered a separate legal entity from its owners. This means that the corporation itself is responsible for business debts, not the owners, offering personal liability protection. Incorporating a business can also offer potential tax advantages and increased credibility.
Corporations have stricter regulatory requirements and involve more administrative work, including filing annual reports and maintaining detailed financial records. While incorporating can provide long-term benefits, it also comes with more legal formalities and a higher cost to set up compared to sole proprietorships and partnerships.
2. Conduct a Business Name Search
Before registering your business, it’s crucial to select a name that is not already in use. The name of your business should reflect its identity and be easily identifiable to your target audience. It’s important to ensure that the name is available to avoid any legal issues.
How to Conduct a Name Search
To check if your desired business name is already taken, you can use NUANS – Canada’s online business name search tool. This tool will help you determine if the name is unique or if there are any existing businesses with a similar name. It’s essential to verify that your business name is distinguishable from others to avoid confusion and potential legal challenges.
The business name search also helps ensure that your name doesn’t violate any intellectual property rights or trademarks. If your business name is found to be available, you can proceed with the registration process. If the name is already in use, you will need to choose a different name.
Name Guidelines
When selecting a business name, it’s important to follow certain guidelines. The name must be distinguishable and not easily confused with existing businesses in New Brunswick. It should also avoid words that are restricted, such as “bank,” “Royal,” or “insurance,” unless you meet the specific requirements to use them.
Additionally, ensure that your business name accurately represents your services and aligns with your brand. The name should be simple, easy to remember, and relevant to your target market. Once you have verified the name’s availability, you can proceed with registering it with the appropriate authorities.
3. Register Your Business
Once you’ve decided on your business structure and secured a name, the next step is to officially register your business with the Corporate Registry.
Registration Process for Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships
Registering a sole proprietorship or partnership in New Brunswick is a relatively simple process. For sole proprietorships, you can complete the registration online through the New Brunswick Corporate Registry website, or you can submit your application via mail. The online process is faster and more convenient, and the required forms are available for download on the registry’s website.
In addition to your personal information, you will need to provide your business name and address, as well as the names of any partners in the case of a partnership. After submitting your registration, you will receive an official registration number, which is required for various business activities, including tax filings.
Registration Process for Corporations
Incorporating a business in New Brunswick involves additional paperwork compared to sole proprietorships and partnerships. To incorporate, you will need to file Articles of Incorporation with the Corporate Registry. This document provides key information about your corporation, such as its name, registered office address, and the names of its directors.
Corporations in New Brunswick must have at least one director who is a Canadian resident. You will also need to include a list of shareholders and specify the types of shares your corporation is issuing. After completing the incorporation process, your business will receive a certificate of incorporation, and your corporation will be recognized as a separate legal entity from its owners.
4. Obtain a Business Number
All businesses in Canada are required to obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The BN is used for tax reporting purposes and ensures that your business is registered with the federal government. You can apply for a Business Number online through the CRA website. The application process is simple and takes only a few minutes. Once you’ve submitted your application, the CRA will assign a unique Business Number to your business.
Your Business Number will be needed when registering for Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), payroll deductions, and when filing corporate taxes. It’s also used in the preparation of tax returns, managing imports and exports, and applying for various government programs.
5. Register for Taxes
Once your business is registered, you may need to register for several types of taxes, depending on your business structure, revenue, and industry.

GST/HST
If your business earns more than $30,000 annually, you are required to register for GST/HST. This tax applies to most goods and services in New Brunswick and is collected from your customers. You must remit the tax to the CRA periodically, based on your sales volume.
Payroll Taxes
If you plan to hire employees, you are required to register for payroll taxes, which include Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax deductions. You will need to set up payroll systems to ensure accurate and timely deductions, remittances, and reporting.
Other Business Taxes
Depending on your industry, you may be subject to additional taxes. For example, some industries such as agriculture, film production, and manufacturing may have access to specific tax incentives or may be subject to additional reporting requirements. It’s important to stay informed and seek professional advice to ensure that your business remains compliant with all tax obligations.
6. Apply for Necessary Licenses and Permits
Certain industries in New Brunswick, such as food service, construction, and healthcare, require industry-specific licenses or certifications. For instance, a restaurant may need a food premises license, while a contractor may need a building permit. You can apply for most licenses and permits through the New Brunswick Corporate Registry or your local municipal office.
It’s crucial to ensure that your business complies with zoning laws, health regulations, and other legal requirements specific to your business activities. The New Brunswick Business Navigator is a valuable resource for understanding the specific permits your business will need to operate legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you through the business registration process in New Brunswick.
Resources for Registering a Business in New Brunswick
Government Resources
Industry Resources
Other Resources
About the author
Maurice