Business Licences
Renew your business licence online!
The City of Winnipeg now offers the option to pay for your business licence renewal online.
Note: First time users must register with Licence Services to setup your account.
The City of Winnipeg licenses nine business activities through the Community Safety Business Licensing By-law. Each activity requires one or more permits or approvals from other City of Winnipeg departments. Licensing provides protection and support within the community by regulating and controlling various activities where there is a risk or danger to the public’s health or safety. Licensing also assists in crime prevention.
Business Licence Index
Zoning
Zoning restrictions may apply depending on the type of business activity. You must contact the Zoning Branch of the Planning, Property & Development Department before you apply for a business licence to find out about specific land use.
Working from home
You do not require a business licence if you work from home. However, there are still zoning requirements when operating a business from home. Queries should be directed to the Zoning Branch of the Planning, Property & Development Department.
Applications and renewals
Applying for a licence
- Complete the business licence application and ensure that you have all required documentation. Contact Licensing & Bylaw Enforcement to have an application mailed or faxed.
- Depending on the business you are licensing, you may be required to provide:
- Proof of insurance
- Photographs
- Written property owner consent
- A criminal record review
- Applicants may be required to provide suitable identification.
- Select a business activity from the Business Licence Index to determine the requirements of a specific business licence.
- Mail or deliver your application, along with payment for the business licence you are applying for, to:
Licence Services
Main Floor
395 Main St.
Winnipeg, MB R3B 3N8Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed holidays
Cost and payment
The cost of a business licence depends on the business activity. See Licence fees for the associated fees.
We accept the following methods of payment:
- cash
- debit
- cheque
- credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
Renewing a licence
- Renew your business licence online
- Note: First time users must register with Licence Services to setup your account.
- Due to maintenance, Business Licensing Online is unavailable:
Monday to Friday: 2:30 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 1 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.
- Mail or deliver your application, along with payment for the business licence you are renewing, to:
Licence Services
Main Floor
395 Main St.
Winnipeg, MB R3B 3N8Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed holidays
Fines
A person who carries on a business that is listed in the Community Safety Business Licensing By-law without a valid and subsisting licence from the City is guilty of an offence and is liable upon summary conviction to the following minimum fines:
- for a first offence – a fine no less than the amount of the licence fee (in addition to being required to obtain a licence)