Get a municipal business licence

Alberta's big cities licence home-based and online retailers, so check yours before you sell.

Time

1–2 hours

Cost

Varies by municipality

It depends on your municipality

There is no general Alberta business licence. Each municipality decides what it licenses.

In Calgary, the city says retail businesses need a licence, and its list includes online or phone sales and home-based retail sales. You apply online with a myID account.
In Edmonton, the city says home-based businesses must have a business licence like any other business, and the fee is due again at every renewal.

Look up your own municipality rather than assuming either answer applies to you.

Home-based business

Some cities also need a development permit for a home business. Edmonton requires one when the business is more visible, for example if customers come to your home. Check the zoning rules for your address before you start.

Be upfront about what you sell

Some products or business types carry extra bylaws or requirements, including food. Tell your municipality exactly what you will sell so you know before you start, not after.

Keep the answer

Save your licence. If the municipality confirms you do not need one, get that in writing or save the page, because banks and suppliers sometimes ask.

Your checklist

Find the business licence page for your city, town or county
Check whether your type of retail business needs a licence
Check the home-based business rules and whether you also need a development permit
Apply, and describe exactly what you sell
Pay the fee and save the licence or written confirmation that none is needed