Business Licences
A business licence is required if you are doing business for profit in or from Nanaimo.
Types of business licences
Commercial - A business operating within a building or on a property that is commercially zoned and is located in the city of Nanaimo, as defined by the Zoning Bylaw.
Home-based - A business that operates within a dwelling unit or within an accessory building located on the same property as where the operator resides, as defined by the Zoning Bylaw.
Please note - if you are not the property owner, please include a declaration from the owner providing permission to operate the home-based business. A statement signed by the owner is acceptable, or contact Business Licensing to request the Home-Based Business Owner Authorization form. Once completed, it can be included with your application for a business licence.
Special Event - An event held in the city of Nanaimo for five or less consecutive days.
Temporary Business - A business that operates within the city of Nanaimo for 30 days or less in a calendar year.
Non-resident - A business that is located outside of Nanaimo's city limits, but provides a service or an activity in Nanaimo.
Inter-community - A mobile business that provides a service or an activity within the boundaries of two or more participating municipalities.
How to apply for a business licence
To apply for a business licence, see Get a Business Licence.
Update your information
If you already have a business licence and need to update your information, you can do so online with a MyCity account.
Search Business Licences
Business Licence Search - Search businesses by keyword
or try the Advanced Business Licence Search
BizPal
Not sure what licences or permits you need? Check out BizPaL for a checklist of permits available from all three levels of government. This is not required for a business licence in Nanaimo, but it may help you organize your permits.
OneStop and Service BC
The provincial government offers OneStop, a service to simplify and consolidate some provincial and federal business registration requirements. To register your business on-line, go to http://www.bcbusinessregistry.ca/introduction/index.htm.
Service BC also provides a one-stop registration service for the following:
Service BC is located at: 460 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC. Call 250-741-3636 for more information.