Find your Montréal commercial occupancy-permit route
How do I get an occupancy permit to open a business in Montréal?
Montréal's commercial occupancy permission concerns the operator, premises and activity. Select the property's borough to find the applicable requirements before leasing or buying space.
Application steps
- Choose your borough on the City's commercial occupancy page and identify the proposed activity and premises.
- Check with the borough that the use is permitted at that address before committing to the property.
- Confirm whether renovations, a change of use or altered premises require a separate alteration permit.
- Gather the borough's required business documents, layout plan, ownership or owner-authorization evidence and representative authorization where applicable.
- Use the application channel listed for that borough. Online applications can require a Montréal account and organization profile; follow the selected form and payment instructions.
- Keep the issued permit and its conditions. Check the need for a new permit when the operator, activities or occupied area changes.
Before you open the official service
- Borough and business address
- Activity description and layout
- Required business 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
Borough requirements vary. This permit does not itself grant food-service, liquor, construction or other separate 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.