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Richmond, BC business licences: apply, renew, change or close
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
A business operating in Richmond, British Columbia needs a valid city business licence displayed clearly. Use MyBusiness through MyRichmond for applications, updates and renewals, or submit the required paper forms with the fee.
Key information
A business operating in Richmond, British Columbia needs a valid city business licence displayed clearly. Use MyBusiness through MyRichmond for applications, updates and renewals, or submit the required paper forms with the fee.
On this page
Key details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main online service | MyBusiness in MyRichmond |
| Home-based application | Review residential rules in Appendix B |
| Commercial/industrial | Complete Appendix C with the application |
| Ownership transfer | Transfer form/Appendix D also needed |
| Typical complete commercial review | About 4-6 weeks; complexity and approvals can extend it |
Sources: Business Licences
Before you start
Choose the process that fits the business event: opening, renewal without changes, an address/name/classification change, ownership transfer or closure. Paying an unchanged renewal invoice does not update a new owner or new operating address.
The city’s usual four-to-six-week estimate applies to complete applications except non-resident and home-based businesses. Required zoning, building, fire or health approvals can affect timing. It is not a universal promised opening date.
Sources: Business Licences
Rules and exceptions
- Applications are not processed without the application fee and complete forms, qualifications or registrations where required.
- For a home business, review Appendix B. Commercial and industrial applicants also complete Appendix C. Ownership changes need the Transfer of Licence form/Appendix D.
- Licence fees vary by category under the current Consolidated Fees Bylaw. The source says no tax is charged on the licence fee. No flat fee is invented.
- Cash is not accepted. The source lists cheque, money order, Interac and credit-card routes. Mail paper applications to the Business Licence Division at City Hall with payment.
- For offline renewal without changes, use the current invoice’s account number, which changes each licence year. Do not reuse an old banking reference.
- The page describes annual fees and monthly expiry dates in different sections. Use the licence’s actual expiry and renewal notice rather than assuming every business expires December 31.
- Notify the Licence Division when ceasing operations. Additional licence copies have a reprint fee.
Sources: Business Licences
What to do next
- Choose the licence action
New, unchanged renewal, update, transfer or closure require different information.
- Prepare the correct appendices
Include the fee, qualifications and premises-related documents.
- Submit and track approvals
Use MyBusiness or the paper route; wait for required approvals and display the issued licence.
Sources: Business Licences
Places and service locations
Richmond City Hall Business Licence Division
6911 No. 3 Road
Paper applications, updates and approved payments are accepted during the listed weekday City Hall hours,8:15 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Licence questions
- 604-276-4328; BusLic@richmond.ca
- Online support
- 604-276-4114; BusinessHelp@richmond.ca
Sources: Business Licences
Addresses come from the named service source. Maps locate the site and do not promise a verified accessible entrance. Seasonal status is stated where verified.
Sources: Business Licences
Useful questions and answers
Do all businesses need the same licence fee?
No. Fees depend on the business category and current city fee schedule.
Source: Business Licences
Which online service handles business licences?
MyBusiness through the MyRichmond portal.
Source: Business Licences
What is different for a home-based business?
Review the residential business rules in Appendix B.
Source: Business Licences
What extra form does a commercial or industrial business need?
Appendix C with the business application.
Source: Business Licences
What happens when ownership changes?
Submit the business application and the transfer-of-licence form/Appendix D.
Source: Business Licences
Is four to six weeks a promise for every application?
No. The estimate excludes home-based and non-resident applications and depends on complete documents and approvals.
Source: Business Licences
Can I pay cash at City Hall?
No. Cash is not accepted for the listed business-licence routes.
Source: Business Licences
Can I use last year’s bank account reference to renew?
No. The city says the renewal account number changes each licence year.
Source: Business Licences
How do I close a licence account?
Notify the Business Licence office at 604-276-4328 or BusLic@richmond.ca.
Source: Business Licences
Who helps with MyBusiness portal problems?
Business Support Centre:604-276-4114 or BusinessHelp@richmond.ca.
Source: Business Licences