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Who Needs A City of Vancouver Business Licence?
If you wish to carry on business in the City of Vancouver, you will need to obtain a business licence. Licence By-Law No. 4450 
(291kb) provides for the issuing of licences and regulation of business, trades, professions and other occupations within the City of Vancouver. There are three kinds of businesses which will require a City of Vancouver business licence:
- Commercial/Industrial Business: A business being carried on within a building located in a commercial or industrial area in the City of Vancouver as defined in the Zoning and Development By-law. Before you commit to a location, check with the Enquiry Centre to see if your type of business is permitted under zoning in that location. Before you buy or lease a building, it would be in your best interest to have a clause inserted in your option-to-purchase or lease document.
- Home-Based Business: A business being carried on within a dwelling located in a residential area in the City of Vancouver as defined in the Zoning and Development By-law.
- Out of Town Business: A business being carried on in the City of Vancouver, but with the business office located outside of Vancouver.
Please note that a person who is employed on a salary basis by some other person shall be deemed not to be carrying on a profession and will not be required to obtain a business licence.
For more information on business licensing, please contact the City of Vancouver's Licence Office reception at 3‑1‑1 (outside Vancouver call 604.873.7000) or by email at licenseoffice@vancouver.ca.
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