How to Get a Business Licence in Laval, Canada (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Laval requires registration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. The primary municipal requirement is a Permis d affaires, issued by the Service de l urbanisme. Requirements vary significantly depending on your business type and whether you're operating from a commercial location or from home.
Contact the Service de l urbanisme at 311 / 450-978-8000 for current requirements. More information: laval.ca.
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What Makes Laval Different
Laval has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- MAPAQ for food permits
- Montreal suburb — Île Jésus
- Must operate in French
- Third largest city in Quebec
The Registration Stack
Federal: Business Number (BN) from CRA, GST/HST registration if revenue exceeds $30,000.
Provincial: Business name registration and any required professional licences.
Municipal (Laval): Permis d affaires from the Service de l urbanisme. Phone: 311 / 450-978-8000.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Laval can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Laval has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Laval's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.