How to Get a Business Licence in Saint John, Canada (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Saint John requires registration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. The primary municipal requirement is a Business Licence, issued by the Growth and Community Services. Requirements vary significantly depending on your business type and whether you're operating from a commercial location or from home.
Contact the Growth and Community Services at 506-658-2911 for current requirements. More information: saintjohn.ca.
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What Makes Saint John Different
Saint John has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Regional health authority
- HST 15%
- Port city — oldest incorporated city in Canada
- Not the same as St. John's NL
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 (Saint John): Business Licence from the Growth and Community Services. Phone: 506-658-2911.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Saint John 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 Saint John has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Saint John's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.