How to Get a Business Licence in Montreal, Canada (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Montreal requires registration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. The primary municipal requirement is a Permis d affaires / Business Permit, issued by the Service des affaires juridiques — Permis. Requirements vary significantly depending on your business type and whether you're operating from a commercial location or from home.
Contact the Service des affaires juridiques — Permis at 311 / 514-872-3142 for current requirements. More information: montreal.ca/en/topics/permits-and-licences.
PermitBoard generates a complete, ordered roadmap for your specific business type in Montreal — with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form. Get My Roadmap →
What Makes Montreal Different
Montreal has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- 19 borough (arrondissement) system — each may have different requirements
- MAPAQ handles ALL food permits in Quebec
- Bill 96 — business must operate in French
- GST 5% + QST 9.975% = ~15% combined sales tax
- Certificate of Occupancy (certificat d occupation) required
- Largest city in Quebec — most complex licensing
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 (Montreal): Permis d affaires / Business Permit from the Service des affaires juridiques — Permis. Phone: 311 / 514-872-3142.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Montreal 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 Montreal has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Montreal's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.