Businesses not requiring a municipal licence
Before you start
All businesses operating in Calgary are required to:
- Register their business
- Obtain a business identification number (BID) or Business ID
- Obtain land use approval for the business location, even if it does not require a licence
Businesses that do not need a municipal licence may still require licensing, permits or inspections from other regulatory bodies.
Land use approval
All businesses in Calgary require land use approval. Each space in a building has its own specified, approved use. This cannot be changed without an approval, permit or both. Visit home-based business or commercial-based businesses for more information. Contact our Planning Services Centre to investigate land use approval for your business.
Fees
Businesses which do not require a licence do not have an associated fee to register for a Business ID.
Fees may be required for permits that are needed to meet land use approval.
Some examples of businesses that do not require a licence are:
| Businesses* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Dentists | Nannies |
| Addiction treatment | Entertainers | Optometrists |
| Animal trainers | Funeral services | Real estate firms |
| Bartenders | Insurance industries | Security guards |
| Buskers | Journalists | Taxi services |
| Churches | Lawyers / legal professionals | Telemarketing |
| Consultants | Moving companies | Uber drivers |
*This is not a comprehensive list
Additional information
Business ownership changes
A business licence or business ID is not transferable from one person to another. It is also not transferable from one person's business premises to another.
Multiple premises
A business operating from more than one location requires a separate business licence for each premises.
Charitable organization
All charitable organizations must be associated with another licenced business activity. The province must grant approval before applying for a municipal licence.
Businesses not eligible for a charity status:.
- Alcohol beverage sales
- Tobacco retailer
All fundraising activity is governed by the charitable fundraising act. Charitable organizations that are only fundraising should contact Alberta Municipal Affairs, Housing and Consumer Affairs Division at 1-780-427-8044 or 1-877-427-4088.
All applicants for this licence type should first consult with the province about eligibility. Register this type of business prior to applying for a municipal licence. Contact Service Alberta at 1-780-427-4088 (or toll free in Alberta only at 1-877-427-4088) for more information.
Apply online
If you need help when completing your application Chat with us, 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday to Friday.
In person
Apply in person at the Planning Services Centre.
Disclaimer: This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically.