Apply for a commercial business licence in Vancouver
How do I get a business licence for a commercial location in Vancouver?
Vancouver requires businesses to be licensed. Check the location before leasing or buying; zoning, building safety and activity-specific approvals can affect whether the business may operate there.
Application steps
- Select your business type on the official page. Regulated activities and home-based businesses have their own instructions.
- Ask the Development and Building Services Centre to check the proposed location before committing to premises.
- Gather government-issued photo identification, any representative authorization, and the registration documents applicable to the business structure.
- For commercial, industrial or out-of-town businesses, follow Apply online or mail the completed official application and documents. Submit only once.
- Complete the requested reviews and approvals. Food businesses may require Vancouver Coastal Health review; other activities may need additional evidence.
- Pay the bill after review. Retain the issued licence and renew annually under the City's instructions.
Before you open the official service
- Business activity and address
- Owner identification
- Applicable registration and authorization documents
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
The commercial application route does not substitute for home-business, liquor, health, construction or other activity-specific approvals.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Official sources
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.