Existing Business

Whether you're moving your business to a new location; selling your business; or planning to renovate, the information on these pages will help you through the process.

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact our Planning Services Support Centre at 403-268-5311.

Most businesses operating in Calgary need a business licence to operate.  In order to determine whether you require a business licence, please contact the Licence Division at 403-268-5521, and provide a complete description of your intended business activity.

If it is determined that you require a business licence, you will be advised of the licensing category or categories within which your business falls, as well as steps you will have to take in order to obtain the licence.

Certain types of businesses that do not operate from a commercial location will still require a business licence.  Businesses such as contractors, pushcart vendors, exotic entertainers, escorts, massage practitioners, and alarm agents, fall under this category.

Business categories that require a licence

For a list of the types of businesses that require licensing, including the licence fee schedule and examples of how to calculate the licence fee for a multi-category licence; see Licence Categories & Fees.

Businesses outside Calgary

Any business operating in Calgary that falls within the licence categories requires a licence, whether resident or not.  Non-resident companies pay the same fees as resident firms, plus a surcharge to approximate the Calgary business tax levy they don't pay.  The test of residency is whether the licensed business is on either The City's property or business tax roll.