Obtain a Business License in Ontario

Investors who plan to open a company in Canada are required, among many other basic obligations, to apply for various business permits and licenses that attest the proper functioning of a business as per the local law. Our consultants for company incorporation in Canada can provide legal assistance to those who need to obtain a business license in Ontario.

Quick Facts
What are business licenses and permits in Ontario?	They are documents that are issued by the local authorities. They attest the fact that a business carries out its operations in accordance with the requirements of the law.
When should investors apply for business permits and licenses?	Investors must apply and obtain a business license in Ontario during the incorporation stages.
Institutions in charge with the issuance of the documents	Companies will generally obtain a business license in Ontario from the Ontario Business Registry and the City Hall. Other institutions can be involved in the licensing process, depending on the activity of the company.
Documents required for the issuance of a business license	– the company’s statutory documents, – the identity documents of the applicants, – documentation attesting the company’s registered address, – a valid business number, etc.
Registered address requirements	In order to obtain a business license in Ontario it is mandatory to make the proof of having a business address. This can be testified by presenting a certificate of occupancy or a lease agreement.
Licenses and permits fees (yes/no)	Yes
Expedite services	Investors can obtain company documentation through expedite services (provided by the Ontario Business Registry).
Is it possible to obtain permits and licenses through a third party?	Yes, by granting the power of attorney (our team can represent clients in this procedure).
Validity of Ontario licenses and permits	It depends on their type. The maximum validity is 5 years, for the Master Business License.
When should investors apply for a license renewal?	Within the last 6 months of validity. The Master Business License can be renewed even after its expiration date (there is a 60 days grace period).
What happens when a company did not renew its license?	Companies can face penalties and sanctions. Businesses can also be shut down until the documentation is renewed. The consequences vary based on the type of expired document (for instance, in the case of an expired Master Business License, investors will need to re-register).
Business activities that are authorized localy, by the City Hall	The City Hall usually issues licenses and permits for the premises of companies – it grants authorizations that attest the location meets the safety and health standards in Ontario.
Obligations in the case the company’s activities are modified	It is mandatory to report them to the Ontario Business Registry.
Deadline to report changes	In maximum 15 days since the changes were made (on business activities, company’s address, shareholding, etc.).
Ways in which our team can help investors	We can provide tailored assistance and can present the type of licenses you require for your business (municipal, federal). Our team can offer legal representation in the process of obtaining permits and licenses, prepare the documentation and maintain a close connection with the institutions involved in the process.

Table of Contents

What is a business license in Ontario, Canada?

A business license in Ontario is a document issued by the local authorities which shows that a company carries out its operations in accordance with the local and federal regulations. The requirements for obtaining a business license in Ontario, Canada can vary from one industry to another.

Do I need to apply for a business license in order to secure a trade name in Ontario?

Yes. For this, you need to apply for a master business license in Ontario, Canada, which is a registration document that allows a company to legally operate in this province under a specific trading name. Currently, the master business license in Ontario, Canada is known as Business Name Registration and it is issued by the Service Ontario.

What are the characteristics of the master business license in Ontario?

those who obtain the document benefit from a registration valid for a period of 5 years;
it is necessary to pay a government fee of $60 for the majority of legal entities registered;
a fee of $210 is charged for the registration of a trade name for an Ontario limited partnership and for the extra-provincial limited partnership;
it is also possible to apply for expedite services (same day registration, that can be completed in 1 hour).

We invite you to read on infographic on the Ontario business license:

Do I need a business license as an event organizer?

Yes. If you organize various types of events in which you rent out your venue to different types of clients, you will need to apply for a Public Hall Business License. The obligation to hold this license is imposed to all businesses, regardless of the legal entity under which they are organized (sole traders, corporations, partnerships).

How much does it cost to obtain a Public Hall Business License?

In 2026, the application fee is $226,72 (the fee is non-refundable, regardless of the result of the application) and thelicense feeis also $226.72. Thelicense is valid for 1 year and it must be renewed before its expiration date. Applicants need to pay a renewal fee of $261,04.

When do I need to apply for a food license in Ontario?

A food license in Ontario is mandatory in a variety of situations. In the list below, our consultantspresent the main situations in which companies need to apply for the local food license, known as Safe Food for Canadians License:

the company is involved in the import and/or the export of food products;
the company prepares food for export, for trade between theCanadian provinces and territories (preparing food can refer to making food products, handling and/or packaging them);
the company has as a main object of activity the slaughter of animals for trade within theCanadian borders or for export;
the company stores meat products that were imported into the country.

What is the validity of a food business license in Ontario?

The Safe Food for Canadians License is valid for a period of 2 years. Thelicense holderneeds to start the renewal process in the last 120 days of validity.

Do I need a license if I sell alcoholic beverages?

Yes. If you want to set up a business in Ontario which sells alcoholic beverages, you must apply for a Liquor Sales License. In the case you plan to acquire an existing business involved in this industry, you can simplytransfer the current licenseheld by the previous owner to your name. Our consultants can present more information on the formalities applicable in this case.

Our video below presents the main steps you must take in order to apply for licenses for businesses in Ontario:

What other types of business licenses can be issued in Ontario?

A business license is required when developing operations such as:

building renovation (thelicenseis issued at a municipal level);
heating contractors (municipal licensing);
explosives-related operators must apply for an Explosives Factory License (if they manufacture fireworks, explosives, ammunition);
plumbing contractors;
electrician work operators must obtain a Master Electrician License.

When can I renew my business license?

License holders in Ontario can apply for the renewal of their business licenses online before the expiration date. Provided that thelicense is renewed, the applicant can receive the new certificate via e-mail or mail (however, it must be noted that those who prefer the 2nd option must wait around 1 to 3 weeks in order to receive their paper certificate).

Are there any licensing exemptions?

Yes. For instance, according to the local authorities,licensing exemptions apply for those who want toset up a company in Canadain the city of Toronto if they develop any of the following business activities: