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Permit Centre

Business Licencing

The Permit Centre, located on the first floor of the Service and Resource Centre (SARC), is responsible for the administration of licencing services on behalf of the Community Development Department.  You can determine land and building use, obtain your business license and sign permit and tenant improvement permits all in the same location.

Any person owning or operating a business within or from the City of Nanaimo must obtain a business license and prominently display it in their place of business.  This applies to all retail and commercial sites, management, professional and consulting firms, home and mobile businesses.

Fees vary according to the type of business from $41.25 up to a maximum of $1,100.

For new licences, and to make changes to an existing licence, contact staff in the Permit Centre located at 411 Dunsmuir Street.

How to apply for a business licence

Companies doing business in more than one central Vancouver Island Community with one primary fixed location, can purchase an inter-community business licence for an additional annual fee of $150.00.

Hours

Open Monday – Friday
8am – 4:30pm    Excluding Holiday closures.

Contacts

Permit Centre 250-755-4482
licencing@nanaimo.ca

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

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  • Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Personal information will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected, or for a use consistent with that purpose.
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