Starting a business in New Brunswick means registering with the province’s business registry system. Unlike some Canadian provinces with multiple separate registries, New Brunswick consolidates most business registrations into one central system operated by Service New Brunswick. You’ll use it to search existing business names, register your own business, file annual returns, and manage your business information online. The process is straightforward, costs $50 to $200 depending on your structure, and takes 5–10 business days. Understanding how the New Brunswick Business Registry works saves you time and keeps you compliant with provincial law.
This guide shows you how to search the registry, register your business, file online, and avoid common registration mistakes.
The New Brunswick Business Registry is a government registry where you register your business name and file annual returns. You can search it free online to check name availability. Registration costs $50 to $150 for sole proprietorships and partnerships, $100 to $200 for corporations. The process takes 5–10 business days. Filing online is required after registration.
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What Is the New Brunswick Business Registry?
The New Brunswick Business Registry is the official government system for registering business names and corporations in the province. Service New Brunswick operates it on behalf of the provincial government. Think of it as your business’s official record—it’s where you declare your business name, structure, ownership, and contact information. It’s public information. Anyone can search it free to verify if a business is registered.
The registry serves two main functions. First, it protects your right to use a specific business name (if you register “Maritime Marketing Solutions,” no one else in New Brunswick can use that exact name). Second, it keeps the provincial government’s records accurate for tax, employment, and liability purposes.
Most businesses need to register. The exceptions are sole proprietors operating under their legal name only (no separate business name). Everyone else—partnerships, corporations, and sole proprietors using a business name—must register.
Why You Need to Register With the New Brunswick Business Registry
Registration is legally required if you’re using a business name. But beyond legal obligation, registration protects you and builds credibility.
Legal requirement. Operating an unregistered business in New Brunswick is illegal. You can face fines up to $1,000 and be forced to cease operations. The risk isn’t worth it.
Protection of your business name. Once registered, your name is legally yours in New Brunswick. No one else can register the same name. This matters if you’re building a brand customers recognize.
Credibility with customers and suppliers. Most customers and suppliers will verify your registration before working with you. An unregistered business raises red flags. A registered business looks professional and trustworthy.
Required for contracts and lawsuits. If you need to enforce a contract in court, you’ll need to prove your business is registered. Unregistered businesses can’t sue to collect payment (New Brunswick courts won’t enforce contracts for unregistered businesses).
Protects your personal liability (corporations only). If you incorporate and register, the business becomes a separate legal entity. That means your personal savings are protected if the business gets sued. Sole proprietorships don’t get this protection regardless of registration, but corporations do.
How to Search the New Brunswick Business Registry for Existing Names
Before you register, search the registry to check if your preferred business name is available. This takes 5 minutes and costs nothing.
Go to the Service New Brunswick website. Look for the “Business Registry Search” tool (it’s free and open to the public). You don’t need to create an account.
Type your proposed business name. Search for exact matches. The search is case-insensitive, so “Maritime Marketing” and “maritime marketing” are treated the same.
Review the results. If nothing appears, your name is likely available. If the name appears, it’s already registered. You’ll see who owns it and when it was registered.
Check the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) trademark database too. Just because a name isn’t in the New Brunswick registry doesn’t mean it’s entirely safe. Someone might have registered it federally or in another province. A quick CIPO search costs nothing and prevents trademark conflicts later.
Pick an alternative if your first choice is taken. Add a descriptor (location, service focus) to differentiate. “Maritime Marketing” taken? Try “Maritime Marketing Solutions” or “Halifax Maritime Marketing.” Make sure the alternative is also available before registering.
Register immediately after confirming availability. Names aren’t reserved—once you’re sure yours is available, register within a day or two. Someone else could grab it if you wait.
Types of Business Structures You Can Register in New Brunswick
Sole Proprietorship With a Business Name
You’re the only owner. You operate under a business name (anything other than your legal name). Registration happens through the New Brunswick Business Registry and costs $50 to $75 for a 5-year term. Filing takes about 5 business days. You’re personally liable for all business debts and lawsuits—legally, you and your business are the same entity.
Partnership
Two or more people sharing ownership. Partnerships register through the New Brunswick Business Registry using a Partnership Registration form. Cost runs $60 to $100. Processing takes 5–7 business days. Like sole proprietorships, all partners are personally liable. You should have a written partnership agreement (drafted by a lawyer) to clarify profit-sharing and decision-making, even though it’s not legally required.
Incorporated Business (Provincial or Federal)
A corporation is a separate legal entity. The business has its own liabilities and assets, protecting your personal savings if sued. Provincial corporations register through the New Brunswick Business Registry and cost $100 to $150. Federal corporations incorporate through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and cost $150 to $200. Processing for provincial corporations takes 7–10 business days; federal takes 10–15 days.
Corporations require more paperwork (bylaws, director resolutions, annual returns), but they’re essential if you’re hiring employees or taking on significant liability.
| Structure | Cost Range | Filing Time | Personal Liability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship (with name) | $50–$75 | 5 days | Full | Freelancers, consultants |
| Partnership | $60–$100 | 5–7 days | Full | Co-founders, shared ownership |
| Provincial Corporation | $100–$150 | 7–10 days | Limited | Small businesses with employees |
| Federal Corporation | $150–$200 | 10–15 days | Limited | Multi-province operations |
Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Business Online
For Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships
Step 1: Search for name availability. Use the New Brunswick Business Registry search tool to confirm your business name is available (as described above).
Step 2: Gather your information. You’ll need your full legal name, Social Insurance Number (SIN), home address, and business address. For partnerships, collect the same information for each partner.
Step 3: Create an account on the New Brunswick Business Registry portal. Visit the Service New Brunswick website and create a login. You’ll use this to file your registration and future annual returns.
Step 4: Complete the registration form online. You’ll declare the business name, owner information, business address, and nature of business (be specific: “plumbing services,” “graphic design,” “restaurant,” etc.). The form takes about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Pay the registration fee. Sole proprietorships cost $50 to $75. Partnerships cost $60 to $100. Payment is online (credit card or bank transfer). Your registration is processed once payment clears.
Step 6: Receive your registration number. Within 5 business days, you’ll get a registration number and certificate. Print it and save multiple copies. You’ll need it for bank accounts, supplier agreements, and CRA.
For Provincial Corporations
Step 1: Choose your corporate name and check availability. Search the New Brunswick Business Registry. Corporate names must include “Inc.,” “Ltd.,” or “Corp.” at the end (e.g., “Maritime Solutions Inc.”).
Step 2: Prepare incorporation documents. You’ll need Articles of Incorporation (your corporate rules), a Director Resolution, and director information. Most people use templates from Service New Brunswick or hire a lawyer to draft them ($300 to $600).
Step 3: Create an online account and file through the Service New Brunswick portal. Log in and fill out the incorporation form. Upload your Articles of Incorporation and Director information.
Step 4: Pay the incorporation fee. Provincial corporations cost $100 to $150. Payment is online.
Step 5: Receive your Certificate of Incorporation. Takes 7–10 business days. This is your proof that your corporation legally exists. Save multiple copies for your records.
Understanding New Brunswick’s Annual Filing Requirements
After registration, you have annual filing obligations. Most businesses must file an annual return.
Annual returns are due every year on or before the anniversary of your registration. The New Brunswick Business Registry will send you a reminder email (if you’ve provided one). You can file online through your account.
What you’re reporting: Your registered address, ownership information, and whether the business is still operating. If your address or ownership has changed, update it on your annual return.
Cost: There’s a small filing fee (typically $20 to $40) to file your annual return.
What happens if you don’t file: Your registration can be cancelled. A cancelled registration means you’re no longer legally registered to operate. Trying to do business with a cancelled registration creates legal liability. Most owners don’t realize they’ve lapsed until they try to deposit a check or sign a contract and discover their registration is gone.
Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder two weeks before your anniversary. File your annual return early so you’re never late.
Common Mistakes When Using the New Brunswick Business Registry
Mistake 1: Registering a business name without checking trademarks. The New Brunswick Business Registry only checks for exact name duplicates within the province. It doesn’t check federal trademarks or names in other provinces. Register a name that’s similar to a competitor’s trademark, and you’ll get a cease-and-desist letter months later. Search the CIPO trademark database before registering (it’s free).
Mistake 2: Not updating the registry when ownership or address changes. You move offices, bring in a business partner, or sell part of the business. Your registration certificate still shows the old information. This creates liability. You’re legally required to update the registry within 15 days of any change. Most owners skip this step. If you get sued or audited, outdated registration information complicates your defense.
Mistake 3: Forgetting to file annual returns. You register once and assume you’re done forever. Then your registration quietly lapses because you missed the annual filing deadline. Suddenly you can’t enforce contracts or open new business accounts. File annually. It takes 10 minutes online.
Mistake 4: Choosing a corporate structure when a sole proprietorship makes sense. Some new owners incorporate thinking it’s always the right move. Incorporation costs more ($100 to $150 vs. $50 to $75), requires annual filings and formal rules, and adds complexity. If you’re a freelancer or solo consultant with minimal liability risk, a registered sole proprietorship is the smarter choice. Save incorporation for when you hire employees or take on significant liability.
Mistake 5: Operating without registration because you think your business is “too small.” A one-person side gig still needs registration if you’re using a business name. Size doesn’t exempt you from the law. Register early—it’s cheaper and faster than dealing with back-payment penalties later.
After Registration: Getting Your CRA Business Account
Once you’re registered with the New Brunswick Business Registry, apply for a federal CRA business account. This gives you a Business Number (BN) for taxes, payroll, and HST.
Apply within 30 days of starting business. Use the CRA’s Form RC1 (Request for Business Account Numbers). You can mail it or apply online through CRA My Business Account if you have a SIN.
You’ll need:
- Your New Brunswick Business Registry registration number
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or corporate incorporation number
- Business address and phone number
- Specific description of what your business does
Processing takes 5–10 business days. You’ll receive your Business Number by mail. Keep it forever—you’ll use it for every tax return, payroll filing, and HST return.
HST registration: If your annual revenue exceeds $30,000 (verify current threshold on canada.ca), you must register for HST. Even if you’re below the threshold, voluntary registration makes sense if you buy inventory or services taxed at HST—you can claim the tax back. There’s no fee to register for HST.
FAQs
Can I register a New Brunswick business if I don’t live in the province?
Yes. You’ll need a New Brunswick business address (can be a virtual mailbox service, a relative’s address, or an office you rent) and a mailing address for correspondence. The process takes slightly longer (typically 7–10 business days instead of 5), but non-residents can register.
What if someone else has already registered my preferred business name?
It’s taken. You’ll need a different name. You can contact the registered owner and ask if they’ll release it (rare), but the easiest path is choosing a variation. Add a location descriptor or service focus to differentiate. Make sure your new choice is available before registering.
Do I need to hire a lawyer to register my business in New Brunswick?
No. Sole proprietorships and partnerships are straightforward—you can file the form yourself in 20 minutes. For corporations, a lawyer ($300 to $600) ensures your incorporation documents are correct and protects you from mistakes. If you’re raising money or bringing in investors, hire a lawyer. Otherwise, use templates from Service New Brunswick.
Can I register multiple business names under one person?
Each business name needs its own registration. If you run two separate ventures, register both names separately. Cost is roughly $50 to $75 per registration. Alternatively, you can operate multiple businesses under one registered name (as a “doing business as” arrangement), but this is less common and more confusing for customers.
What happens if my registration expires?
Your registration lapses if you don’t file your annual return. You’ll no longer be legally registered. You can’t sign contracts, collect payment through courts, or open business bank accounts. If your registration has lapsed, file an annual return immediately to restore it. Most registrations can be restored within a few days.
How do I change my business name after registering?
File an amendment with the New Brunswick Business Registry. You’ll pay a small fee (typically $30 to $50) and receive a new registration certificate with your updated name. Processing takes 5–7 business days. Your old name is released and available for someone else after 2 years.
Conclusion
The New Brunswick Business Registry is your pathway to legal business operation in the province. You’ll search for name availability, register your business (costing $50 to $200), and file an annual return every year. The entire first-time process takes about 2 weeks and keeps you compliant with provincial law.
The critical step is starting early. Register before your first client or transaction, not months after you’ve been operating. A registered business protects your rights, builds customer trust, and keeps you out of legal trouble. Update your registration when ownership or address changes, and file your annual return on time every year.
Search the New Brunswick Business Registry today to check your business name availability, then complete your registration this week.
