{"title":"Nanaimo business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","question":"Do I need a business licence in Nanaimo, and how do I get one?","slug":"business-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/nanaimo","name":"Nanaimo","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"business","name":"Starting and running a business"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Nanaimo","url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Any business in the City of Nanaimo needs a City business licence, including short-term rentals and non-profits that operate more than 12 days a year. Most pay $165 a year. Apply online or with a PDF form to Business Licensing (250-755-4482). Licences expire each December 31.","aliases":["business license nanaimo","nanaimo business licence application","renew business licence nanaimo","start a business nanaimo"],"cost":"Most businesses pay $165 a year ($50 for a non-profit or child care), pro-rated by quarter in the first year. Banks and credit unions pay $1,100. Fees are not refundable once issued.","how_long":"The City does not state a processing time. Zoning, Building Code, Fire Code, police, health, parks or provincial approvals may be needed first.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"General Business Licence application and Short-Term Rental application","value":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/doing-business/business-licences/getting-a-business-licence"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Service and Resource Centre","value":"411 Dunsmuir Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 0E4"},{"type":"phone","label":"Business Licensing","value":"250-755-4482"},{"type":"email","label":"Business Licensing","value":"business.licence@nanaimo.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Get a Business Licence (applications and payment options)","url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/doing-business/business-licences/getting-a-business-licence"},{"title":"Business Licences","url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/doing-business/business-licences"},{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw 7318 (PDF)","url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/doing-business/business-licences/business-licence-bylaw-7318-cons.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Nanaimo home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/home-based-business/"},{"slug":"short-term-rental","title":"Nanaimo short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/short-term-rental/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/lantzville","name":"Lantzville","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/ladysmith","name":"Ladysmith","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ladysmith/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/parksville","name":"Parksville","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/sechelt","name":"Sechelt","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/lake-cowichan","name":"Lake Cowichan","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-cowichan/business-licence/"}],"topic":{"title":"Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence/"},"facts":{"who_needs":{"label":"Who needs one","value":"Businesses, including non-profits that operate more than 12 days in a calendar year, and short-term rentals, need a City business licence. Businesses based outside Nanaimo that work in the city need a non-resident City licence or a valid Inter-Community Business Licence. A separate licence is needed for each location and each different business type.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/doing-business/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, City of Nanaimo","section":"Business Licences","quotes":["Businesses, including non-profits that operate more than 12 days in a calendar year and short-term rentals, require a business licence to operate in the City of Nanaimo."]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/doing-business/business-licences/getting-a-business-licence","title":"Get a Business Licence, City of Nanaimo","section":"Get a Business Licence","quotes":["Businesses based outside Nanaimo that provide services or conduct work within the city must obtain either a non-resident City of Nanaimo business licence or a valid Inter-Community Business Licence issued by a participating municipality."]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/doing-business/business-licences/business-licence-bylaw-7318-cons.pdf","title":"Business Licence Bylaw 2021 No. 7318 (PDF, consolidated 2026-MAR-02)","section":"s. 3.1, 3.3, 3.4","quotes":["A separate City licence is required for each location where a business operates"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Most businesses pay $165 a year; non-profits $50; child care $50; pubs and lounges $165; banks and credit unions $1,100. Mobile food vending, temporary businesses and some others have their own fees. New businesses are pro-rated by quarter for the first year (not temporary, special event or mobile food). Fees are not refundable once issued.","short":"$165 a year (most businesses)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7336.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw 2021 No. 7336 (PDF, consolidated 2026-JUN-01)","section":"Business Licence Fees, Tables I to IV","quotes":["All other businesses $165.00","Non-profit organizations with non-profit status $50.00","Child Care $50.00","Cabaret/Lounge/Pub $165.00","Bank/Credit Union/Trust Co. $1,100.00"]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/doing-business/business-licences/business-licence-bylaw-7318-cons.pdf","title":"Business Licence Bylaw 2021 No. 7318 (PDF, consolidated 2026-MAR-02)","section":"s. 5.2, 6.2","quotes":["Business licence fees for new businesses starting after the first, second, and third","Business licence fees are not refundable after the licence has been issued."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Apply online with the General Business Licence Application (or the Short-Term Rental application), or print a PDF form and submit by email, mail or in person at 411 Dunsmuir Street. Zoning, Building Code, Fire Code, police, health, parks or provincial approvals may be needed first. Check zoning with Planning before you sign a lease or buy.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/doing-business/business-licences/getting-a-business-licence","title":"Get a Business Licence, City of Nanaimo","section":"Get a Business Licence","quotes":["The following applications can be submitted electronically:","Depending on the nature of your application, additional review and/or approval pertaining to zoning, Building Code, Fire Code, police, health, parks use or provincial requirements may be necessary before your business licence can be issued.","Before you purchase or sign a lease, please check with the Planning and Development Department first"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Licences expire December 31 each year (except special event and temporary licences). Invoices are usually mailed or emailed early in December, but you must renew by December 31 whether or not you get notice. A lapsed licence is terminated and needs a new application, with no pro-rated rate.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/doing-business/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, City of Nanaimo","section":"Renew your business licence","quotes":["Business licences, except Special Event or Temporary licences, expire annually on December 31."]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/doing-business/business-licences/business-licence-bylaw-7318-cons.pdf","title":"Business Licence Bylaw 2021 No. 7318 (PDF, consolidated 2026-MAR-02)","section":"s. 9.1 to 9.3","quotes":["must ensure that their business licence is renewed annually by December 31st, whether notice is given by the City or not","If a licence is not renewed as required by this Bylaw, the licence shall be terminated"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inter_community":{"label":"Inter-community licence","value":"Yes. A business with a fixed Nanaimo premises that works in other communities can add an Inter-Community Business Licence for $170 a year (no fee for non-profits). It covers the participating communities in the Province's Central Vancouver Island and Vancouver Island groups, such as Courtenay, Duncan, Parksville, Port Alberni, Victoria and Sooke; see gov.bc.ca/mobilebusinesslicence.","short":"Yes, $170 a year (free for non-profits)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/doing-business/business-licences/b7435.pdf","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw 2025 No. 7435 (PDF)","section":"s. 3.2, 4.1, 4.3","quotes":["The fee for an Inter-Community Business Licence is $170","A non-profit organization may obtain an Inter-Community Businesses and will not","is not an Excluded Business;"]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/doing-business/business-licences/getting-a-business-licence","title":"Get a Business Licence, City of Nanaimo","section":"Inter-community licences","quotes":["can purchase an inter-community business licence for an additional annual fee of $170"]},{"url":"https://www.gov.bc.ca/mobilebusinesslicence","title":"Mobile business licences, Province of British Columbia","section":"Partnerships and participating communities","quotes":["City of Nanaimo","Central Vancouver Island","City of Port Alberni"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Carrying on a business with no licence: $250 ($187.50 if paid early, $312.50 if paid late). Failing to display the licence: $100.","short":"$250 ($187.50 if paid early)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7159.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2012 No. 7159 (PDF)","section":"Business Licence Bylaw 2021 No. 7318 schedule","quotes":["3.1 Carry on a business with no licence $250 $187.50 $312.50","13.1 Fail to display business licence $100 $75 $125"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Business Licence Bylaw 2021 No. 7318","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/doing-business/business-licences/business-licence-bylaw-7318-cons.pdf","title":"Business Licence Bylaw 2021 No. 7318 (PDF, consolidated 2026-MAR-02)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Business Licence Bylaw 2021 No. 7318"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Nanaimo requires a business licence for businesses, including non-profits that operate more than 12 days in a calendar year, and for short-term rentals. A separate licence is needed for each location and each different business type. A business based outside Nanaimo that works in the city needs a non-resident City licence or a valid Inter-Community Business Licence. The [Business Licence Bylaw](https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/doing-business/business-licences/business-licence-bylaw-7318-cons.pdf) also exempts special events in City facilities or parks under an agreement with Parks, Recreation and Culture.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check zoning with Planning before you sign a lease or buy.\n2. Get any approvals your business needs first: zoning, Building Code, Fire Code, police, health, parks or provincial.\n3. Apply online with the General Business Licence Application (or the Short-Term Rental application), or print a PDF form and submit it by email, mail or in person at 411 Dunsmuir Street.\n4. Pay before the licence is issued.\n5. Renew by December 31 each year, whether or not you get notice. Invoices are usually mailed or emailed early in December. A lapsed licence is terminated and needs a new application, with no pro-rated rate.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Other fees: pubs and lounges $165; food cart on private property $165, in public $165 (cart) or $365 (trailer or truck); temporary businesses range from $6 a day to $165.\n- Inter-Community Business Licence: a business with a fixed Nanaimo premises that works in other communities can add one for $170 a year (no fee for non-profits), on top of the Nanaimo fee. It covers participating communities in the Province's Central Vancouver Island and Vancouver Island groups; see gov.bc.ca/mobilebusinesslicence.\n- Carrying on a business without a licence is a $250 ticket ($187.50 if paid early, $312.50 if paid late). Failing to display the licence is $100. A court conviction can bring a fine up to $50,000.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/doing-business/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, City of Nanaimo","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/doing-business/business-licences/getting-a-business-licence","title":"Get a Business Licence, City of Nanaimo","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/doing-business/business-licences/business-licence-bylaw-7318-cons.pdf","title":"Business Licence Bylaw 2021 No. 7318 (PDF, consolidated 2026-MAR-02)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7336.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw 2021 No. 7336 (PDF, consolidated 2026-JUN-01)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7159.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2012 No. 7159 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/doing-business/business-licences/b7435.pdf","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw 2025 No. 7435 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.gov.bc.ca/mobilebusinesslicence","title":"Mobile business licences, Province of British Columbia","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/business-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/business-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/business-licence.json"}}