To conduct your business in Richmond, you must have a valid business licence and it must be posted in a conspicuous place as required in the bylaw.
Select from the following categories to learn more about Business Licence applications and requirements in Richmond.
New Business Licence Application
Use MyBusiness, the City's new online business licencing service in the MyRichmond portal, to easily apply for, update, and renew business licences.
Visit MyBusiness - Business Licence Portal page for more information in regards to online business licence application.
For in-person applications, complete the fillable Business Licence Application Form and contact the Licence Division at 604-276-4328 for the application fee which must be submitted with the completed form. The application forms have been provided to you in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format and can be saved to your computer or viewed online.
New applications can be submitted:
Note: Applications will not be processed without the Application Fee.
See Appendix A - Guide to the Business Licence Application Process to answer some of the more frequently asked questions in the application process.
See Appendix B to ensure that you review and understand the regulations for operating a business in a residential district.
Also complete Appendix C and submit with the completed business licence application form.
Note: Applications cannot be processed unless the forms have been completed in full and all required registrations and/or tickets of qualifications and fees are submitted.
You may pay with cheque, money order, Interac card, or credit card through the following options. For the applicable Business Licence fees, please refer to the Consolidated Fees Bylaw in the City Bylaws section (Chapter 5) of this website. The licence fee is an annual fee based on the calendar year from date when the licence is issued. No tax is required for the licence fee. Note: Cash is not accepted.
Our processing time for complete business licence applications (except for non-resident and home-based businesses) is about 4 to 6 weeks, provided that all requirements and approvals have been met.
The processing time varies depending on complexity of the requirements and required approvals. Required approvals include, but not limited to, Zoning, Building, Health, or/and Fire approvals. The processing time may take longer if your case is complex or if there are missing documents (e.g. professional certificate, dealership licence, payment, etc.).
Refer to Appendix A - Guide to the Business Licence Application Process for more information of business licence application process.
Renewing a Business Licence
Use MyBusiness, the City's new online business licencing service in the MyRichmond portal, to easily apply for, update, and renew business licences.
The option for the in-person and mail-in business licence application process is still available as described below.
Business Licences expire on the 1 st of every month and a renewal notice will be mailed approximately 30 days prior to the expiry date. This renewal notice is a two-part form; the top portion is the Business Licence for posting and the bottom portion is the invoice for payment. Carefully review the notice to ensure all information is correct.
You may pay with cheque, money order, Interac card, or credit card. Note: Cash is not accepted.
The following options are only for offline renewals without any changes.
Use MyBusiness, the City's new online business licencing service in the MyRichmond portal, to easily apply for, update, and renew business licences.
The option for the in-person and mail-in business licence application process is still available as described below.
If there are changes to your existing licence, a Business Licence Application Form must be completed and submitted to update the business licence. Changes include any amendments to a company name, trade name, address or classification. If a change of ownership has occurred, you must also complete and submit a Transfer of Licence Form.
Note: Applications will not be processed without the Application Fee.
You may pay with cash, cheque, money order, Interac card, or credit card through the following options. For the applicable Business Licence fees, please refer to the Consolidated Fees Bylaw in the City Bylaws section (Chapter 5) of this website.
See Appendix B and ensure that you review and understand the regulations for operating a business in a residential district.
Also complete Appendix C and submit with the completed business licence application form
Complete Appendix D and submit with the completed application form
Note: Applications cannot be processed unless the forms have been completed in full and all required registrations and/or tickets of qualifications and fees are submitted.
The processing time varies depending on complexity of the requirements and required approvals. Required approvals include, but not limited to, Zoning, Building, Health, or/and Fire approvals. The processing time may take longer if your case is complex or if there are missing documents (e.g. professional certificate, dealership licence, ownership transfer documents, payment, etc.).
Refer to Appendix A - Guide to the Business Licence Application Process for more information of business licence application process.
Reprinting a Business Licence
A reprint fee will apply for additional copies of a Business Licence. Please contact the Business Licence Department at 604-276-4328 or email: BusLic@richmond.ca for a reprint.
Cancelling a Business Licence
If you will not be operating or have ceased operations during a licence period, please notify the Business Licence office by phone at 604-276-4328 or by email, at BusLic@richmond.ca
Other Types of Licences
Business Licence Fees
For the applicable Business Licence fees, please refer to the Consolidated Fees Bylaw in the City Bylaws section (Chapter 5) of this website. The licence fee is an annual fee based on the calendar year from date when the licence is issued. No tax is required for the licence fee.
Business Licence and Regulation Bylaws
Relevant Business Licence and Regulation Bylaws should be consulted for specific business uses.
The Business Licence Bylaw, Business Regulation Bylaw, and Vehicle for Hire Regulation Bylaw can be viewed in the City Bylaws section of this website. These bylaws may also be viewed or purchased at City Hall.
Business Licence Reports
New business licence reports will be uploaded within the first two weeks of each month.
Contact us if you have questions about a new or existing business licence.
Phone: 604-276-4328
Email: BusLic@richmond.ca
Contact us if you have questions about using MyBusiness.
Phone: 604-276-4114
Email: BusinessHelp@richmond.ca
For information about Richmond's business community and economy, visit the Richmond Economic Development website.
