How to Get a Business Licence in St. Johns, Canada (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in St. Johns requires registration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. The primary municipal requirement is a Business Licence, issued by the Permits and Inspections. Requirements vary significantly depending on your business type and whether you're operating from a commercial location or from home.
Contact the Permits and Inspections at 709-576-8300 for current requirements. More information: stjohns.ca.
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What Makes St. Johns Different
St. Johns has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Regional health authority for food permits
- HST 15%
- Easternmost city in North America
- Offshore oil industry businesses
- Not the same as Saint John NB
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 (St. Johns): Business Licence from the Permits and Inspections. Phone: 709-576-8300.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in St. Johns 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 St. Johns has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against St. Johns's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.