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You may need to apply for a business operating licence if you plan to operate a business in Mississauga.
If your business has more than one location, you’ll need to apply for a separate licence for each location. If you already have a business operating licence, it needs to be renewed annually.
Before you sign a lease or buy a commercial property for your business, you’ll need to make sure that the property is zoned to permit your business activity.
If you’re taking over an existing business in a fixed location, you’ll need to confirm that the property’s Zoning Certificate of Occupancy is still valid.
If you plan to start a new business, you may need to apply for operating licence if your business activity includes any of the following:
If you plan to start a new business, you may need to apply for operating licence if your business activity includes any of the following:
Applicants must apply in person, except for a carnival or circus licence, which can be applied for by an authorized agent.
Depending on the kind of business you’re running, you’ll need different supporting documents and approvals. These include (but are not limited to):
Applications for certain types of business licenses require the individual, partners or directors to provide a Police Criminal Record Check. The Police Criminal Record Check can be from any Canadian Police service and must not be older than 60 days when you submit your application for a license. Criminal Record Checks from third party sources will not be accepted. Learn where you can get the Criminal Record Check.
Check the Business Licence Requirements Chart for documents you’ll need to submit with your application. Additional documents not on this list may be required.
Depending on the nature of your business, inspections and approvals of your location may be required. These include:
A business owner or director can provide an authorization letter for an agent to complete and submit an application on their behalf.
If all of the requirements are met and your documents are in order, your licence will be issued right away.
You can apply online for a business licence for short-term accommodations and restaurants and food retail businesses only. You can also manage your licence online.
You can renew your business licence in person or by mail.
Compliance and Licensing Enforcement
3235 Mavis Road, ground floor
Mississauga, ON L5C 1T7
If your licence has expired, it can’t be renewed. You must apply for a new licence.
If you have questions about licensing your business, contact us.