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 must not be older than 30 days when you submit your application for a license. Third party searches are not be accepted. Learn where you can get the Criminal Record Check.
For the specific documents required for your business check the Business Licence Requirements Chart.
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.
You’ll only be admitted to the building if you have a scheduled appointment. Only one person may attend the appointment. If you’re late by 10 minutes or more, your appointment will be cancelled and you’ll need to reschedule.
If all of the requirements are met and your documents are in order, your licence will be issued right away.
Only licenses for short term accommodations are available online at this time.
Complete sections 1, 2, 3 and 5 of the Business Licence Application Form.
Submit your application and supporting documents and pay your licence fees in person or by mail to the following address:
Compliance and Licensing Enforcement
300 City Centre Drive, ground floor
Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1
If your licence has already expired, it cannot be renewed. You will need to apply for a new licence.
If you have any questions about licensing your business, call 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits) or contact us online.