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Business licences in Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Victoria businesses need an annual licence. The licence year runs January 16 to January 15. Confirm both zoning and lega
Key information
Victoria businesses need an annual licence. The licence year runs January 16 to January 15. Confirm both zoning and legal building use, then submit the correct application and documents. Complete applications take about ten working days.
On this page
Check location and legal use
Zoning determines what activity the site allows. Legal use relates to Building Code requirements and can differ from zoning. A change of use or alterations may need a building permit.
Ask zoning@victoria.ca or 250-361-0316 about zoning, and Permits on 250-361-0344 about legal use. Do this before relying on a proposed business address.
Apply and complete approvals
Supporting documents can include professional credentials, incorporation and articles, Island Health approval and the industry classification. Some categories have online applications; others need a form by email, mail or at the Public Service Centre.
Departments and outside agencies may review the proposal. After approval, the city invoices if not already paid. Payment must arrive before the licence is issued. Licence fees are non-refundable and the licence does not transfer to another owner.
Renew, change or close
Renewal invoices go out in November and are payable January 15. A $25 late fee applies after February 15 to expired licences and must be paid before renewal issue.
Use the general change form for a move within Victoria or a business-name change; departments review and reapprove. When closing, submit the closure form rather than ignoring renewal invoices. MyCity can deliver invoices by email.
Key details at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licence year | January 16 to January 15 |
| Complete-application estimate | About ten working days |
| Renewal invoice | November |
| Renewal due | January 15 |
| Late fee | Additional $25 after February 15 |
| Licensing contact | 250-361-0572; businesslicence@victoria.ca |
Steps to follow
- Check location
Separate zoning from legal building use.
- Submit right category
Include applicable documents and approvals.
- Pay and maintain
Renew, amend or close the account through the proper form.
Named service locations
Maps use the official address or named site. They do not confirm a particular accessible entrance, current opening status or available parking.
Victoria City Hall
1 Centennial Square
The Public Service Centre is on the ground floor of City Hall. Payment service hours are weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.
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Useful questions and answers
Is the licence year January to December?
No. It runs January 16 to January 15 of the following year.
Are zoning and legal use the same?
No. Zoning governs activity; legal use reflects Building Code requirements.
Can every category apply online?
No. Some require forms through email, mail or in person.
How long is a complete application expected to take?
About ten working days, subject to required reviews.
When must payment be received?
Before the licence is issued.
What happens after February 15 if expired?
A $25 late fee is added and must be paid for renewal.
How do I close a business account?
Send the Business Licence Account Closure Form to the city licensing service.