This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, accounting, or tax advice. The information contained herein is subject to change and may vary from time to time in your region. For specific advice applicable to your business, please contact a professional.
Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan and its second-largest city. The city has an impressive history and heritage, and Regina’s 226,404 residents enjoy life in a culturally acclaimed region for its music and theatre. Starting a business in this commercial hub is an exciting venture. Here’s what you need to get started.
Applying for a Regina Business Licence
The City of Regina requires everyone doing business within the city to have a business licence. This applies to both physical businesses and businesses which operate entirely online.
There are three types of business licence applications in Regina:
- Resident businesses. Resident businesses operate within the city and are located in the city.
- Non-resident businesses. Non-resident businesses operate within the city but are not located in the city.
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Other businesses. Businesses falling into this category include:
-Second-hand shops
-Pawn shops
-Coin dealers
-Tow truck operations
Before you apply for your Regina business licence, there are a few things you need to do first.
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Register your business name with the province of Saskatchewan. You can find all the information you need, including name registration search, at Information Services Corporation (ISC).
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Obtain consent. For instance, if yours is a resident business and you’ll be renting or leasing the property where your business is located, you must provide written documentation of the landlord’s consent for the property to be used this way.
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Register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you haven’t already, register your business with the CRA and obtain your business number.
Once you receive your Regina business licence, it must be displayed in a conspicuous manner — anyone entering your business must be able to see your licence. If any of your business information changes, please reach out to the city to make these changes.
If at any time you fail to follow the rules and regulations ascribed to businesses in Regina (aka: the City’s Bylaws), the city has the right to revoke your business licence.
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Types of Businesses Allowed in Regina
The City of Regina issues licences for many types of businesses. Each business falls into the above-defined categories of resident, non-resident, and other.
To apply for a residential business licence in Regina, fill out this application and submit the proper residential business licence fee of $112.50 if this is your initial application for business licence. For annual subsequent renewals, the fee is $225.
To apply for a non-resident business licence, fill out this application and submit your business licence fee of $450. Subsequent annual licence renewals are also $450.
Some licences are handled separately:
- Taxi services and operators
- Massage parlours
- Short-term accommodations, such as Airbnb rentals
- Rideshare providers
For all other business licence types, such as second-hand shops, tow truck operators, etc., fill out this application. If you’re unsure if your business meets criteria, send the city an email or call 306.777.7717. The city can answer business- and fee-specific questions. Some businesses may require additional licences or permits.
Fees for Regina Business Licences
As detailed above, fees for Regina business licences are:
- Residential. Original licence, $112.50; annual renewals, $225.
Non-residential. Original and renewals, $450.
Prohibited Regina Businesses
For a list of businesses prohibited in Regina, please call 306.777.7717 or email the city.