How to Get a Business Licence in London ON, Canada (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in London ON requires registration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. The primary municipal requirement is a Business Licence, issued by the Municipal Compliance. Requirements vary significantly depending on your business type and whether you're operating from a commercial location or from home.
Contact the Municipal Compliance at 519-661-2489 for current requirements. More information: london.ca.
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What Makes London ON Different
London ON has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Middlesex-London Health Unit for food permits
- Western University campus area
- NOT London UK
- Manufacturing/insurance industry base
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 (London ON): Business Licence from the Municipal Compliance. Phone: 519-661-2489.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in London ON 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 London ON has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against London ON's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.