How to Get a Business Licence in Toronto, Canada (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Toronto requires registration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. The primary municipal requirement is a Municipal Business Licence, issued by the Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S). Requirements vary significantly depending on your business type and whether you're operating from a commercial location or from home.
Contact the Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S) at 416-392-6900 for current requirements. More information: toronto.ca/business-economy/business-licence-registrations.
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What Makes Toronto Different
Toronto has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Toronto ML&S handles 50+ licence categories
- Toronto Public Health for food premises — DineSafe program
- Entertainment/nightclub licences require noise studies
- Home-based businesses may need zoning confirmation
- Largest city in Canada — most complex licensing
- Single-tier municipality — no separate county layer
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 (Toronto): Municipal Business Licence from the Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S). Phone: 416-392-6900.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Toronto 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 Toronto has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Toronto's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.