Vancouver business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply
Do I need a business licence in Vancouver, and how do I get one?
Short answer
Vancouver requires businesses to hold a licence. Start on the City’s application page, choose your business type and follow its specific steps. If you apply online, you can track progress through your account.
Key facts
| Who needs one | Vancouver requires businesses to hold a licence.Apply for a business licence, Manage your licence · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingAll businesses in Vancouver require a licence to operate. This makes sure every business location is safe and follows land-use requirements. |
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| Fee | The one-time application fee is $77 and is non-refundable. An annual licence fee also applies and varies by category under Schedule A.Apply for a business licence, Step 6, pay fees · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording* ### Step 6: Pay fees After we review your application, we will send you a bill to pay your fees. * One-time application fee: $77 (non-refundable) * Annual licence fee: The amount depends on the business type. To view the licence fees, review Schedule A of the Licence By-law PDF file (380 KB). The annual licence fee for the first year will be pro-rated based on the business start date. |
| How to apply | Apply once per business. For commercial, industrial and out-of-town businesses, apply online or mail the application and required documents.Apply for a business licence, Application process for commercial, industrial and out-of-town businesses · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingNote Apply only once for each business to avoid delays. #### Commercial, industrial, and out-of-town business Apply online Apply online and track your application progress or fill out the Application Form PDF file (242 KB) and mail the form and required documents to our mailing address. |
| Renewal | Licences expire December 31. In November, the City sends the renewal notice by email or mail. Update your licence information before renewing.Renew your business licence | City of Vancouver · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording* Close your account * Get a copy of your business licence * Transfer your licence * Update your account Note Your business licence expires on December 31 each year. Renewal notices are sent out in November by email or mail. ## Steps to renewing your business licence Before you renew, check and update your licence information. Help us keep accurate records and be sure your business follows zoning and licence rules: * Update your business licence account if you changed your business name, trade name, address, or licence type * Report your new phone number or email address at the time you renew your business licence account |
| Inter-community licence | The City lists the Metro West inter-municipal business licence for trades and construction. Check eligibility for your activity and participating municipality.Apply for a business licence, Business categories, trades and construction · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording* Bed and breakfast * Short-term rental * Soliciting for charity * Special event (concerts, exhibitions, and shows) * Trades and construction (Metro West inter-municipal business licence or IMBL) * Urban farm |
| Fine | Not confirmed. Checked Apply for a business licence, Licence By-law No. 4450; not found there. |
| Bylaw | Vancouver Licence By-law No. 4450.Licence By-law No. 4450, Cover and section 1, short title · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingCITY OF VANCOUVER BRITISH COLUMBIA LICENCE BY-LAW NO. 4450 This by-law is printed under and by authority of the Council of the City of Vancouver (Consolidated for convenience only 1. This by-law may be cited as the "Licence By-law". |
How it works
Identify the operator, business location and type of work before applying. If you work from home, at client sites or from several premises, describe each arrangement so the licensing office can identify the correct category. The one-time application fee is $77 and is non-refundable. An annual licence fee also applies and varies by category under Schedule A.
Steps
- Start your local enquiry with Apply for a business licence. Gather the business name, contact details and address where the work will take place. Look up the licence category that describes what customers will receive.
- Check the local application instructions for approvals or documents specific to that activity. If you travel to other municipalities, ask which locations your licence covers.
- Apply once per business. For commercial, industrial and out-of-town businesses, apply online or mail the application and required documents.
Good to know
- Licences expire December 31. In November, the City sends the renewal notice by email or mail. Update your licence information before renewing.
- The City lists the Metro West inter-municipal business licence for trades and construction. Check eligibility for your activity and participating municipality.
- Keep the licence record and any renewal notice together. When changing address or adding an activity, give the licensing office the new details before assuming the same category still applies.
- For a question about the activity, business address and licence category, call City Hall at 311.
- Read the applicable provisions in Licence By-law No. 4450 (PDF).
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Richmond · Burnaby · North Vancouver · District of North Vancouver · New Westminster · Delta
Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality →
Sources
- Apply for a business licence (read 2026-11-09)
- Get a home-based business licence (read 2026-11-09)
- Renew your business licence | City of Vancouver (read 2026-11-09)
- Licence By-law No. 4450 (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
- Vancouver municipal office contact information (read 2026-11-09)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.