---
title: "Mission business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply"
question: "Do I need a business licence in Mission, and how do I get one?"
place: Mission, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/mission
category: Starting and running a business
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Mission
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mission/business-licence/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mission/business-licence.json"
---

# Mission business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply

**Question:** Do I need a business licence in Mission, and how do I get one?

**Short answer:** Yes. Every person or business carrying on business in the City of Mission, including home-based businesses and contractors based elsewhere who work here, needs a City business licence. Email the application to businesslicence@mission.ca or bring it to 7337 Welton Street. The 2026 fee is $158 a year.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Mission, https://www.mission.ca)  
**Cost:** $158 a year for most classifications (2026); non-profit organizations $10; cannabis retail store $5,000. A licence taken out after September 30 costs half. See business-licence-fees.  
**How long:** Not stated. Staff review the application and follow up. Licences end each December 31.  
**Where:**
- Email: Business Licensing, businesslicence@mission.ca
- Phone: Business Licensing, 604-820-3791
- In person: Welton Common (business licensing), 7337 Welton Street, Mission, BC V2V 3X1

## Key facts

- **Who needs one:** Every person or business carrying on business in Mission, including commercial, industrial and home-based businesses, and contractors based elsewhere who work in Mission. Some outside businesses that only deliver goods or pass through are exempt.
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007 (PDF, consolidated), s. 3.1, 3.2(c)](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw-3964-2007pdf)
  - Official wording: "no person shall carry on any business within the" … "a retailer who only delivers commodities sold by them in the ordinary course of"
  - Source: [How to Start a Business in Mission, How to Start a Business page](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence/how-start-business-mission)
  - Official wording: "This includes all commercial, industrial operations, and home-based businesses." … "Contractors based outside Mission providing services here also need a licence."
  - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence)
  - Official wording: "Every business must have a business licence issued by the City of Mission before starting business."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** $158 a year for most classifications (2026); non-profit organizations $10; cannabis retail store $5,000. A licence taken out after September 30 costs half. Late renewal adds 25% (up to $250) after January 31, then 50% (up to $500) after February 28.
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007 (PDF, consolidated), Schedule A, Schedule B, s. 6.3, s. 9.2, s. 9.3](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw-3964-2007pdf)
  - Official wording: "ALL FEES FOR THE CLASSIFICATIONS LISTED BELOW ARE $158.00 ANNUALLY" … "at a reduced fee of $10.00." … "Cannabis Retail Store $5,000.00" … "the licence fee shall be reduced by one-half for a person who becomes" … "does not renew and pay for their licence prior to February" … "a late payment fee calculated at 25% of their annual licence fee"
  - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence)
  - Official wording: "The current Business Licence fee for 2026 is $158.00."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Fill out the business licence application (or the home occupation application) and email it to businesslicence@mission.ca or bring it to 7337 Welton Street; staff review and follow up. Check zoning first and arrange any building permit or sign permit. The licence is issued if the applicant complies, or is in process of complying, with building, land use, health, fire and environmental bylaws.
  - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence)
  - Official wording: "Completed business licence application forms can be emailed to businesslicence@mission.ca or submitted in person to business licensing located at 7337 Welton Street, Mission." … "Staff will review your application and follow up with you on next steps."
  - Source: [How to Start a Business in Mission, How to Start a Business page](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence/how-start-business-mission)
  - Official wording: "Confirm that your business can operate in the chosen zone before signing a lease or purchase agreement." … "Any exterior sign requires a permit"
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007 (PDF, consolidated), s. 4.1(b)](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw-3964-2007pdf)
  - Official wording: "has complied or is in process of complying with a bylaw or bylaws of the" … "District regulating building, land use, health, fire, environmental and business;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Renewal:** Licences end each December 31 and must be renewed every year. Courtesy notices are mailed from November or December. Pay in person (cash, cheque, debit), by cheque in the mail, or by online banking using the 8-digit licence number (allow 3 to 5 business days). Late fees apply after February 1.
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007 (PDF, consolidated), s. 6.2, s. 9.2](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw-3964-2007pdf)
  - Official wording: "Every licence issued pursuant to this bylaw shall terminate on the 31st day of December in the year of issuance." … "does not renew and pay for their licence prior to February"
  - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence)
  - Official wording: "Payments for renewals can be made in person at the City of Mission by cash, cheque or debit." … "Payments can also be paid via online banking to the “City of Mission” or “District of Mission” as a payee using your eight digit Business Licence number."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Inter-community licence:** Yes. A Fraser Valley Inter-Municipal Business Licence for mobile businesses (trade contractors, construction-related professionals, repair and maintenance contractors, and health care providers who visit clients' homes). Covers Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Hope, Kent, Langley City, Langley Township, Maple Ridge, Mission, Pitt Meadows, Surrey and Harrison Hot Springs. Fee $250, on top of the regular licence. (Sources differ: The Business Licences page links 'Inter-Municipal Business Licence Bylaw 5334-2012'; Bylaw 6232-2023 says that bylaw was repealed from January 1, 2024. The page says 'nine other' municipalities; the bylaw lists eleven others. The bylaw wins. The fee is separate from, and additional to, the municipal licence fee, is not pro-rated, and applies for the same term as the municipal licence.)
  - Source: [Fraser Valley Inter-Municipal Business Licence Scheme Bylaw 6232-2023, s. 3, s. 9](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/fraser-valley-intermunicipal-business-licence-scheme-6232-2023pdf)
  - Official wording: "is a Mobile Business" … "The Inter-municipal Business Licence fee is $250 and is payable to the Principal Municipality." … "City of Abbotsford Township of Langley" … "City of Chilliwack City of Maple Ridge" … "City of Delta City of Mission" … "District of Hope City of Pitt Meadows" … "District of Kent City of Surrey" … "City of Langley Village of Harrison Hot Springs"
  - Source: [Business Licences, Business Licences page](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence)
  - Official wording: "The City of Mission, along with nine other municipalities, are providing contractors the ability to purchase an Intermunicipal Business Licence."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Bylaw notice: no business licence $250 ($175 if paid early, $325 if late); failing to post the licence $250. Municipal ticket: no business licence $200; failing to post $100. On conviction, a fine up to $10,000, and each day is a separate offence.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 5700-2018, Schedule 3 (Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007)](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/5700-2018-bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylawpdf)
  - Official wording: "No business licence 3.1 $250 $175 $325 Yes" … "Fail to post licence 7.2 $250 $175 $325 No"
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007 (PDF, consolidated), s. 9.1(c), (d)](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw-3964-2007pdf)
  - Official wording: "is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than Ten" … "each day such infraction is caused, or allowed to continue, constitutes a separate"
  - Source: [Ticket Information Bylaw 2646-1993, Schedule 6 (Ticket Information Bylaw 2646-1993)](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/2646-1993-ticket-information-bylawpdf-0)
  - Official wording: "No business licence 3.1 $200.00" … "Fail to post licence 7.2 $100.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007 (PDF, consolidated), title](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw-3964-2007pdf)
  - Official wording: "BUSINESS LICENCE BYLAW 3964-2007"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the [Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw-3964-2007pdf), every person or business carrying on business in Mission needs a licence, including commercial, industrial and home-based businesses and contractors based elsewhere who work in Mission. Some outside businesses that only deliver goods or pass through are exempt. A new owner, or a move to a new location, needs a new licence.

## Steps

1. Check zoning with Planning (planning@mission.ca, 604-820-3748) or the City's WebMap before signing a lease.
2. Optional: book the City's free pre-application meeting. For a fee, a building inspector can do a preliminary business licence inspection ($105, subject to change).
3. Arrange any building or sign permit you need.
4. Fill out the business licence application (home-based businesses use the home occupation application) and email it to businesslicence@mission.ca or bring it to 7337 Welton Street. Staff review it and follow up.
5. The licence is issued if you comply, or are in process of complying, with building, land use, health, fire and environmental bylaws. Post it at your premises.

## Good to know

- Renewal: licences end each December 31 and must be renewed every year. Courtesy notices are mailed from November or December. Pay in person (cash, cheque, debit), by cheque in the mail, or by online banking using your 8-digit licence number (allow 3 to 5 business days).
- Late renewal adds 25% (up to $250) after January 31, then 50% (up to $500) after February 28.
- Inter-municipal licence: a Fraser Valley Inter-Municipal Business Licence for mobile businesses (trade contractors, construction-related professionals, repair and maintenance contractors, and health care providers who visit clients' homes) covers Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Hope, Kent, Langley City, Langley Township, Maple Ridge, Mission, Pitt Meadows, Surrey and Harrison Hot Springs. It costs $250 on top of the regular licence. The City's page links an older bylaw (5334-2012) that Bylaw 6232-2023 repealed from January 1, 2024, so confirm with Business Licencing.
- Without a licence, a bylaw notice is $250 ($175 if paid early, $325 if late) and a municipal ticket is $200. Failing to post the licence is $250 by bylaw notice and $100 by municipal ticket. On conviction a court fine of up to $10,000 applies, and each day is a separate offence.
- Food businesses and child care should also contact Fraser Health (604-814-5515). The City does not register business names or issue GST or PST numbers.

## What you'll need

- Completed Business Licence Application form (home-based businesses use the Home Occupation application and questionnaire)

## Official forms and pages

- [Business Licences page](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence)
- [How to Start a Business in Mission](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence/how-start-business-mission)
- [Business Licence Application 2026 (PDF)](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/business-license-application-2026)
- [Home Occupation Application and Questionnaire (PDF)](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/home-occupation-application-form)
- [Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007 (PDF)](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw-3964-2007pdf)

## Related questions

- [Mission home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mission/home-based-business.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md)
- [Abbotsford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/business-licence.md)
- [Township of Langley](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley-township/business-licence.md)
- [Maple Ridge](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/maple-ridge/business-licence.md)
- [Langley City](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley/business-licence.md)
- [Pitt Meadows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/business-licence.md)
- [Chilliwack](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chilliwack/business-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Business Licences, City of Mission](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence) (read 2026-11-05)
- [How to Start a Business in Mission, City of Mission](https://www.mission.ca/business-licence/how-start-business-mission) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Inspections, City of Mission](https://www.mission.ca/planning-building-business/building-permits-and-inspections/inspections) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Business Licence Bylaw 3964-2007 (PDF, consolidated), City of Mission](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw-3964-2007pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fraser Valley Inter-Municipal Business Licence Scheme Bylaw 6232-2023 (PDF), City of Mission](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/fraser-valley-intermunicipal-business-licence-scheme-6232-2023pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 5700-2018 (PDF), City of Mission](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/5700-2018-bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylawpdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Ticket Information Bylaw 2646-1993 (PDF), City of Mission](https://www.mission.ca/media/file/2646-1993-ticket-information-bylawpdf-0) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Mission. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mission/business-licence/_