How to Get a Business Licence in Oshawa, Canada (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Oshawa requires registration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. The primary municipal requirement is a Business Licence, issued by the Municipal Law Enforcement. Requirements vary significantly depending on your business type and whether you're operating from a commercial location or from home.
Contact the Municipal Law Enforcement at 905-436-3311 for current requirements. More information: oshawa.ca.
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What Makes Oshawa Different
Oshawa has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Durham Region Health for food permits
- GM Canada headquarters
- UOIT/Durham College area
- East GTA
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 (Oshawa): Business Licence from the Municipal Law Enforcement. Phone: 905-436-3311.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Oshawa 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 Oshawa has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Oshawa's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.