How to Get a Business Licence in Quebec City, Canada (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Quebec City requires registration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. The primary municipal requirement is a Permis d affaires, issued by the Service de la planification. Requirements vary significantly depending on your business type and whether you're operating from a commercial location or from home.
Contact the Service de la planification at 311 / 418-641-6411 for current requirements. More information: ville.quebec.qc.ca.
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What Makes Quebec City Different
Quebec City has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Provincial capital
- MAPAQ for food permits
- Old Quebec UNESCO World Heritage — strict heritage overlay
- Must operate in French (Bill 96)
- Tourism-heavy — cruise ship and historic site businesses
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 (Quebec City): Permis d affaires from the Service de la planification. Phone: 311 / 418-641-6411.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Quebec City 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 Quebec City has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Quebec City's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.