Do you still have questions about obtaining a business license? The following list contains commonly asked questions about the business licensing process. If you don’t find the answer to your question, please contact us at (306) 975-7710 or (306) 975-2658.
General Questions
Fee Related Questions
General Questions
What is a business?
A "business" means any of the following activities:
- a commercial, merchandising or industrial activity or undertaking
- the carrying on of a profession, trade, occupation, calling or employment
- an activity providing goods or services
What is the purpose of a business license?
Business licenses are required for the following reasons:
- to regulate businesses
- to ensure compliance with land-use and building regulations
- to gather land-use information whereby commercial and industrial policies are based
- to facilitate planning decisions
When is a business license required?
All businesses providing a good or service in Saskatoon require a business license, including home based businesses.
I am only doing business in Saskatoon temporarily; do I still need a business license?
Yes, a business license is required. The Office of the City Treasurer licenses all businesses operating in Saskatoon that do not have a permanent business location. The types of businesses licensed by the Office of the City Treasurer include non-resident contractors, non-resident businesses, direct sellers, transient traders, farmers’ markets, trade shows, mobile food vendors, and taxicabs. For information, please call (306) 975-2400.
What do I need to do before applying for a business license?
Provincial legislation requires the registration of a company name if it is different than your own personal name. Select a business name that best suits your business and register with Saskatchewan Justice, Corporations Branch. This will ensure that your business name has been secured and that no other business has an identical or very similar name to the one you want to use for your business. It is a good idea to do this before applying for a business license so that you will not have to amend your business license if your business name does not get approved by the Corporations Branch.
What information is required when applying for a business license?
The information required on the application form includes, but is not limited to:
- the business name and location
- the business owner’s name, address, and phone number
- a business description outlining the primary services offered
- the area of the location where the business will be carried on
- a site plan showing where the business is located within the building (commercial businesses only)
- the number of full- and part-time employees
How long does it take to process a business license?
Business licenses typically take seven to ten business days to process.
What if my application for a business license is denied?
Applications that are denied may be held in abeyance (for up to 6 months) to permit the owner time to meet any development requirements that need addressing. Inspections will be undertaken to ensure the business is operating in accordance with the conditions of approval.
What if I have more than one business or more than one location?
If you own more than one business, a separate license is required for each type of business and each location.
How long is a business license valid for?
A business license is valid for one year from the date it is issued.
Will the City of Saskatoon notify me when it is time to renew my license?
Yes, the City of Saskatoon will mail you a renewal notice on the 15th of the month prior to the month when your business license expires. For example, if your license expires May 20th a renewal will be sent April 15th. The expiration date is stated on the business license.
Must I apply in person?
You may apply in person, or send us your application in the mail. All applications must be received with payment before they can be processed. Our office is open Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and is located on the 3rd floor of City Hall, 222 3rd Avenue North. Applications can be mailed to:
City of Saskatoon
Planning and Development Branch
222 3rd Avenue North
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5
Can I pay with a credit card?
Payment with Visa or MasterCard can be made in person. Please note, credit card payments cannot be taken over the phone, in writing or by email. Other methods of payment include cash, Interac, cheque or money order. Cheques are made payable to City of Saskatoon.
What do I do if my business closes?
If your business closes, please notify our office so that your file can be closed. If you have received a renewal notice and your business is no longer operating, write “CLOSED” on the form, sign the bottom and return the form to us by mail or fax (306) 975-7712. If your business is not in renewal, please let us know by calling (306) 975-7710 or (306) 975-2658.
Fee Related Questions
How much does a business license cost?
New business licenses are $95.
How much is it to renew my business license?
Provided the business has not changed location, annual renewal fees are $70. If the business changes location, the fee is $95.
Is there a fee if I decide to change my business name?
There is no fee to change a business name. However, an application form must be submitted indicating the proposed business name change.
Is there a fee if the business changes ownership?
There is no fee to change the ownership of a business. However, an application form must be submitted indicating the new ownership information.
Is there a fee if the business changes its leasable floor area?
There is no fee to change the leasable floor area of a business; however you may be required to obtain a building permit. Commercial building permits are required for the construction, renovation, alteration, relocation, demolition, and repair of commercial buildings and multiple-unit dwellings in the City of Saskatoon. As with residential, this includes new construction, as well as most alterations, additions, relocations, demolitions, and repairs to existing structures.
Is there a fee if the business changes its mailing address?
Provided the business does not change location, there is no fee to change the mailing address of a business.