How to Get a Business Licence in Moncton, Canada (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Moncton requires registration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. The primary municipal requirement is a Business Licence, issued by the Finance Department. Requirements vary significantly depending on your business type and whether you're operating from a commercial location or from home.
Contact the Finance Department at 506-853-3550 for current requirements. More information: moncton.ca.
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What Makes Moncton Different
Moncton has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Regional health authority for food permits
- HST 15%
- Bilingual city (EN/FR)
- Hub city — transportation businesses
The Registration Stack
Federal: Business Number (BN) from CRA, GST/HST registration if revenue exceeds $30,000.
Provincial: Business name registration and any required professional licences.
Municipal (Moncton): Business Licence from the Finance Department. Phone: 506-853-3550.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Moncton can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Moncton has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Moncton's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.