So, you and your buddy Dave have decided to start a business together. Maybe it’s a food truck specializing in donair poutine (because why not?), or perhaps you’re launching a consulting firm that helps people organize their shed collections. Whatever your entrepreneurial dream is, you’ve decided that a general partnership is the way to go. Smart move! But now comes the fun part: actually registering the general partnership in New Brunswick.
Don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Let’s walk through this process together, and I promise to keep it less boring than reading actual legal documents (though you’ll still need to read some of those, sorry).
What Is a General Partnership in New Brunswick?
A general partnership is basically when you and some other people want to go into business together and divide the profits (and the losses). There is no official corporate structure—it is you, your co-partner(s), and a vision. Think of it as the friendship bracelet of business entities: simple, straightforward, and legally binding in ways that might surprise you.
The Good, The Bad, and The “Wait, Really?”
The Good:
- Easy and cheap to set up (we’re talking less than a fancy dinner)
- Minimal paperwork compared to corporations
- You can start operating pretty much immediately
- Profits flow directly to partners (no corporate tax)
The Bad:
- Unlimited personal liability (yes, that’s as scary as it sounds)
- You’re responsible for your partner’s business decisions
- Harder to raise capital than corporations
- Partnership dissolves if someone leaves or, you know, dies
The “Wait, Really?”:
- Your partner can legally bind the partnership without asking you first
- Creditors can come after your personal assets
- You need to trust your partners A LOT
Why Register a General Partnership in New Brunswick?
Partnerships are popular for a few reasons:
- Easy to set up: Less paperwork than incorporating (though still some paperwork, because bureaucracy never sleeps)
- Shared responsibility: Two heads are better than one, especially when one head is better at math
- Tax advantages: The partnership itself doesn’t pay income tax; profits flow through to the partners
- Flexibility: You can structure things however you want (within reason—you can’t divide profits based on rock-paper-scissors outcomes… well, technically you could, but don’t)
If you can’t decide between registering a general partnership and incorporating your business, check this comparison table:Â
New Brunswick General Partnership vs Incorporation
| Feature | General Partnership New Brunswick | Incorporation New Brunswick |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Structure | Governed by the New Brunswick Partnership Act. Two or more people run a business together. | Governed by the Business Corporations Act (New Brunswick). Corporation is a separate legal entity. |
| Liability | Unlimited personal liability. Partners are personally responsible for business debts. | Limited liability. Shareholders’ personal assets are protected. |
| Registration | Register with Service New Brunswick (SNB) Corporate Registry via Declaration of Partnership. | File Articles of Incorporation with SNB (or federally with Corporations Canada). |
| Cost to Start | Relatively low – around $112 for registration. | Higher – around $350+ plus potential legal/accounting fees. |
| Taxes | No separate business tax. Profits/losses pass through to partners’ personal tax returns. | Corporation is taxed separately. May benefit from lower corporate tax rates. |
| Management | Managed directly by partners according to the partnership agreement New Brunswick. | Managed by directors and officers; requires formal structure and records. |
| Paperwork & Compliance | Minimal. Annual updates with SNB recommended. | Ongoing compliance: annual filings, corporate records, shareholder meetings. |
| Profit Distribution | Determined by partnership agreement. Flexible. | Paid as dividends or salaries. Subject to corporate and personal taxation. |
| Raising Capital | Limited to partner contributions or loans. | Easier to raise funds by issuing shares or attracting investors. |
| Best For | Small businesses, freelancers, professionals, or family businesses. | Growing businesses, startups seeking investors, or businesses needing liability protection. |
Step-by-Step: How to Register Your General Partnership in New Brunswick
Okay, enough background information. Let’s get on with the good stuff—the actual registering. Spoiler alert: it’s surprisingly easy.
Step 1: Select Your Partnership NameÂ
First things first: choose a name. This is where bureaucracy meets with creativity.
You have two choices:
Option A. Use Your Own Name
You might simply do business under the names of the parties, such as “Smith and Johnson” or “The Three Amigos Who Peddle Organic Dog Treats.” If you choose this option, you don’t have to even register the name.
Option B: Create a Fancy Business Name
 Want to call your partnership something catchy like “Quantum Leap Consulting” or “The Coffee Bean Dream Team”? You’ll need to register that name (more on this in a sec).
Naming Requirements:
- Your name must include a “distinctive element” (basically, something that makes it unique)
- It can’t be identical or confusingly similar to existing businesses
- It should include both partners’ surnames if you’re using personal names (or at least indicate it’s a partnership)
- Avoid anything misleading or offensive (yes, “Totally Not a Scam, Inc.” is a no-go)
Step 2: Conduct a Name Search
Before you get too attached to “Synergy Solutions Supreme,” verify if it is available. Nuans Canada Online Service allows you a search for business names that exist.
Cost: Approximately $30 for a search for a name. Worth it to avoid having to rebrand before you even start. To register a general partnership in new Brunswick you will have to obtain a NUANS report. This report will reserve your name for 90 days. During this time you can register the partnership.Â
Step 3: Register Your Partnership
Online Filing (the modern way):
- Go to Canada Incorporation Agency website
- Create an account (if you don’t have one)
- Complete the online registration form
- Pay the fee with a credit card
- Boom, you’re done! Our filing agent will contact you to confirm all the provided information and will register your New Brunswick partnership within the chosen queue.Â
Step 4: Fill Out the Registration Form
The registration form asks for pretty basic info:
- Partnership name (if you’re using one)
- Business address (not a P.O. box—they want a real location)
- Nature of business (what you actually do)
- Partners’ names and addresses
- Date the partnership started
- If it’s a limited duration partnership, when it ends
Nothing too scary. Just be accurate because corrections are annoying.
Step 5: Get Your Business Licenses
According to what you’re doing and where, you may need extra licences:
- Municipal business license – Most cities need this
- Professional licences – If you are in a licensed profession
- Industry-Related permits – Restaurants, buildings, etc.
Step 6: Get a Business Number (BN) from the CRA
Head to the Canada Revenue Agency and register for a Business Number. You’ll need this for:
- GST/HST account (if your revenue is over $30,000)
- Payroll accounts (if you’re hiring employees)
- Import/export accounts (if applicable)
This can be done online through the Canada Incorporation Agency service.
Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account
Keep your business finances separate from your personal stuff. Future You (and your accountant) will thank you.
Most banks will want:
- Your partnership registration
- Your partnership agreement
- ID for all partners
- Your Business Number
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Learn from Others' Pain)
Let’s talk about the mistakes people make so you don’t have to:
- Skipping the Partnership Agreement “We’re friends; we don’t need paperwork!” Famous last words. Get. It. In. Writing. If you are not sure how to draft the Partnership Agreement, Canada Incorporation Agency is here to help you out.Â
- Not Searching the Name Properly Finding out your name is already taken AFTER printing business cards is not fun.
- Forgetting About Renewals Your registration expires! Set calendar reminders or you’ll have to re-register (and possibly pay penalties).
- Mixing Personal and Business Finances Open a business bank account. Don’t use your personal checking. Just don’t.
- Not Getting Proper Insurance General partnerships have unlimited personal liability. Get liability insurance. Seriously.
- Ignoring Municipal Requirements Provincial registration doesn’t mean you’re done. Check with your municipality!
Final Thoughts: You've Got This!
Registering a general partnership New Brunswick style isn’t rocket science, but it does require attention to detail and a willingness to do things properly from the start. Think of it as building a house—you need a solid foundation before you add the walls and roof. And if you ever get overwhelmed, contact the Canada Incorporation Agency, visit our website or give us a call at 647-945-8893, and we will help to clarify all the information about general partnership registration in New Brunswick.Â
