How to Get a Business Licence in Victoria, Canada (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Victoria requires registration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. The primary municipal requirement is a Business Licence, issued by the Business Hub. Requirements vary significantly depending on your business type and whether you're operating from a commercial location or from home.
Contact the Business Hub at 250-361-0200 for current requirements. More information: victoria.ca.
PermitBoard generates a complete, ordered roadmap for your specific business type in Victoria — with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form. Get My Roadmap →
What Makes Victoria Different
Victoria has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Island Health Authority for food permits
- Provincial capital
- Tourism-heavy — cruise ship businesses
- Capital Regional District
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 (Victoria): Business Licence from the Business Hub. Phone: 250-361-0200.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Victoria 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 Victoria has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Victoria's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.