Business licences
If you are doing business in, or from Nanaimo, you must have a business licence.
Types of business licences
Commercial
Your business being carried on in a building or at property located in an area designated in the City of Nanaimo, as defined in the Zoning bylaw.
Home based
Your business being carried on in a dwelling or building located in a residential area within the City of Nanaimo, as defined in the Zoning bylaw.
Special event
Your event being held in the City of Nanaimo for five (5) or less consecutive days.
Temporary business
Your business being carried on in a building or at property located in an area designated in the City of Nanaimo, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw.
Non resident
Your business being carried on in the City of Nanaimo, but with the business office located outside of Nanaimo.
Inter-community
Your mobile business that holds a business licence in the City of Nanaimo that performs a service or activity within more than one participating municipality by moving from client to client.
How to Apply for a Business Licence
To apply for a business licence, see Getting a Business Licence.
How to Manage your Business Licence information
To manage to update your business licence information, log into your MyCity account.
Search Business Licences
Business Licence Search - Search businesses by keyword
or try the Advanced Business Licence Search
BizPal
Not sure what licences and permits you need? Check out BizPaL for a checklist of permits from all three levels of government.This is not required for a business licence in Nanaimo but might help you organize your permits.
OneStop
The provincial government runs 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
Nanaimo's Service BC centre also provides a one-stop registration service for the following:
The B.C. Access Centre is located at 460 Selby Street. Contact the B.C. Access Centre at (250) 741-3636 to find out what you need to bring with you. PLEASE NOTE: These business licenses are provided for you to print, fill in and fax, mail, or bring in to the City of Nanaimo Finance Department.