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Get a Business Licence

A business licence is required to operate a business, non-profit organization, short-term rental, or special event within Nanaimo. Businesses based outside Nanaimo that provide services or conduct work within the city must obtain either a non-resident City of Nanaimo business licence or a valid Inter-Community Business Licence issued by a participating municipality.

Certain exemptions may apply. If you are unsure whether a business licence is required, please contact us using one of the methods listed at the bottom of this page.

Business licence application forms

Unsure which Business Licence type to apply for? Please visit our Business Licence Types page here for definitions.

The following applications can be submitted electronically:

The following application forms are available in PDF format. Please print, complete, and submit the appropriate form to Business Licensing by email, mail, or in person using one of the methods listed at the bottom of this page.

Approvals

Depending on the nature of your application, additional review and/or approval pertaining to zoning, Building Code, Fire Code, police, health, parks use or provincial requirements may be necessary before your business licence can be issued.

Business location

Your business location is important. Before you purchase or sign a lease, please check with the Planning and Development Department first to ensure you will be able to conduct business in the location you have chosen. The zoning and/or building bylaw requirements can differ depending on the intended use of the building or property. In certain circumstances, a building permit or re-zoning may be required to change the use of the space.

For Commercial locations, please check out our flowchart handout if you'd like further information on City processes as it pertains to zoning, building and licensing processes - Commercial Property Lease or Purchase Requirements.

Inter-community licences

Businesses that have a primary fixed location within Nanaimo, but provide a service in two or more Vancouver Island communities, can purchase an inter-community business licence for an additional annual fee of $170. If this sounds right for you and your business, please check out the Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw link below for additional information.

For a list of current participating communities, please visit www.gov.bc.ca/mobilebusinesslicence.

More information on mobile business licences and the Province's small business initiative can be found here Mobile Business Licence Program.

Fees

Business licences are valid for the year in which they are issued and expire annually on December 31. The business licence fee depends on the business type; however, in most cases, the annual fee is pro-rated for the first year of business depending on the business start date (refer to the Business Licence Bylaw for exceptions).

Payment of the business licence fee is required before your business licence can be issued. Business licence fees are not refundable unless the business licence application cannot be accepted or processed.

Business licence bylaws, regulations and guides

Payment Options

In Person
City of Nanaimo Service and Resource Centre (SARC)
411 Dunsmuir Street, Nanaimo, BC

  • Cash
  • Debit or credit card
  • Cheque or money order payable to the City of Nanaimo

      By Mail
      City of Nanaimo
      455 Wallace Street
      Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J6

      • Cheque or money order made payable to City of Nanaimo


      Online or By Phone

      • Through the City of Nanaimo's online payment system
      • Through your financial institution's online banking service
      • By credit card over the phone at 250-755-4482

      Contact Us

      Business Licensing
      250-755-4482
      business.licence@nanaimo.ca

      Last updated: October 23, 2026

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