Start a Business in Toronto

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 6 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 CAD $50-$600+ depending on type

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Overview

Starting a business in Toronto requires a Municipal Business Licence through the Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S). Base fee: CAD $50-$600+ depending on type. BIN (Business Identification Number) from ServiceOntario. HST 13% if revenue over CAD $30K. BizPaL tool for permit lookup.

Required Permits

✓CRA Business Number (federal, free)

✓Provincial business registration (varies by province)

✓Municipal business licence

✓Zoning approval (if applicable)

✓Health inspection (food businesses)

✓Fire inspection (some cities)

Step-by-Step Process

CRA Business Number (federal, free)

Provincial business registration (varies by province)

Municipal business licence

Zoning approval (if applicable)

Health inspection (food businesses)

Fire inspection (some cities)

Costs

Estimated total: CAD $50-$600+ depending on type depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S)

Phone: 416-392-6900

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Toronto ML&S handles 50+ licence categories

⚠ Toronto Public Health for food premises — DineSafe program

⚠ Entertainment/nightclub licences require noise studies

⚠ Home-based businesses may need zoning confirmation

⚠ Largest city in Canada — most complex licensing

⚠ Single-tier municipality — no separate county layer

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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Read our complete Toronto business license guide →