If your company is incorporated in another province like Ontario or Nova Scotia, you must register as an extra-provincial corporation with Service New Brunswick to legally do business here. The current government registration fee is $212 CAD, and the process requires appointing a local agent for service.
Expanding your successful business into New Brunswick is an exciting milestone. However, operating across provincial borders requires strict compliance with local corporate laws.
Whether you are opening a physical storefront in Moncton, hiring remote staff in Fredericton, or bidding on government contracts, your company must be legally recognized. Registering an extra-provincial corporation ensures you operate legally, maintain your limited liability protection, and can enforce contracts in local courts. 📍
Step-by-Step Process in New Brunswick
The extra-provincial registration process is managed by the Corporate Registry at Service New Brunswick (SNB). It involves proving that your company is in good standing in its home jurisdiction before you are granted permission to operate locally.
Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Status
Before you can apply in New Brunswick, you must obtain a recent Certificate of Status (or Certificate of Compliance) from your home province. 📄
This document proves that your corporation currently exists, has filed its annual returns, and has paid all required government fees in its original jurisdiction. The certificate is usually only valid for 30 days, so you must act quickly once you receive it from your home registry.
Step 2: Reserve Your Corporate Name
Even if you have been operating under a specific name in Alberta or British Columbia, you must ensure that the exact name is available in New Brunswick.
You will need to submit a Name Search and Reservation request through SNB. If another local business is already using a confusingly similar name, you may be required to register a unique “operating as” (DBA) name for use exclusively within this province to avoid misleading consumers.
Step 3: Appoint an Agent for Service
New Brunswick law dictates that every extra-provincial corporation must have an official Agent for Service. This must be an individual resident of New Brunswick or a local recognized entity. ⚔
The agent’s physical address serves as the official location where legal documents, such as a lawsuit or government tax notices, can be formally delivered. If you do not have staff or an office living in the province, hiring a local law firm to act as your agent is the safest and most reliable option.
Step 4: Submit the Statement of Registration
Finally, you will complete the Statement of Registration form. This document includes your corporate details, the name and address of your appointed agent, and the signatures of your current directors.
You can file this paperwork online through the Service New Brunswick corporate registry portal, along with the required filing fees. Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration.
Extra-Provincial vs. Federal Corporations
| Business Type | Provincial Corporation (e.g., Ontario) | Federal Corporation (Canada) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Required | Yes, must register as an extra-provincial corporation. | Yes, but the process is streamlined under federal-provincial agreements. |
| Name Protection | Only protected in the specific provinces where registered. | Name is protected nationwide, making the NB name search easier. |
| Agent for Service | Mandatory to appoint a New Brunswick resident or law firm. | Also requires a recognized local address for legal service. |
How Much Does it Cost in New Brunswick?
When planning your corporate expansion for 2026, you should clearly budget for both provincial government fees and professional legal services:
- SNB Registration Fee: The government fee for filing the Statement of Registration is $212 CAD.
- Name Reservation: Conducting the required name search typically costs $45 CAD.
- Certificate of Status: Ordering this from your home province usually costs between $30 and $50 CAD.
- Law Firm Fees: Hiring a local lawyer to handle the paperwork and act as your Agent for Service generally costs between $500 and $1,200 CAD annually.
How Long Does the Process Take?
If your paperwork is completely accurate and your corporate name is approved without issue, Service New Brunswick typically processes online extra-provincial applications within 5 to 10 business days. ⏱
However, if your chosen name conflicts with an existing business in Saint John or Bathurst, resolving the issue and registering an alternative operating name can delay the process by an additional 2 to 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I operate without registering?
Operating an unregistered extra-provincial corporation is an offence under the New Brunswick Business Corporations Act. You could face substantial fines, and your company will be legally barred from suing anyone in a provincial court to enforce business contracts.
Do I need to file a separate tax return in New Brunswick?
Generally, Canadian corporations file a single federal T2 corporate tax return with the CRA, which allocates taxable income to different provinces based on where the revenue was generated. You should consult a corporate accountant to ensure proper tax allocation.
Can a federal corporation skip this step?
No. Even if you are a federally incorporated Canadian company, you must still register your presence with Service New Brunswick. However, your corporate name is guaranteed to be accepted due to your federal status.
Can I use a P.O. Box for the Agent for Service?
No. The Agent for Service must provide a physical street address in New Brunswick where legal documents can be hand-delivered during normal business hours.
Do I have to file an Annual Return in New Brunswick?
Yes. Once registered, your extra-provincial corporation must file a brief Annual Return with Service New Brunswick every year and pay a small renewal fee to maintain your active status in the province.
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