Yellowknife — February 25, 2026
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is reminding business owners across the Northwest Territories (NWT) that business licence renewals are due April 1, 2026.
If you are operating a business in the NWT, you must have a valid business licence. Business licences are issued on April 1 and expire on March 31 of the following year. Fees are charged annually and must be paid each year upon renewal.
Under the Business Licence Act, MACA issues business licences to businesses operating outside community boundaries and for communities that do not issue their own business licences. These communities are: Colville Lake, Dettah, Fort Good Hope, Fort Providence, Fort Resolution, Jean Marie River, Kakisa, Kátł’odeeche, Nahanni Butte, Sambaa K’e, Tsiigehtchic, Wrigley, and Łutselk’e.
Licences are available online through the GNWT eServices portal, by mail, or by email.
All other NWT communities issue their own business licences, and business owners must contact their community government directly.
Here’s why it matters:
- It confirms you’re authorized to do business. A licence shows residents that you have met the territorial requirements to operate a business in the community.
- It’s required by law. A business licence authorizes you to operate in the NWT and helps you avoid fines, enforcement action, or being required to stop operating. It supports growth. Banks, vendors, landlords, and clients often require a business licence before they will work with you.
- It builds customer trust. Customers are more likely to trust and support businesses that are properly licensed.
- It supports compliance and planning. Holding a valid licence helps ensure your business is aligned with regulatory and tax requirements and reduces the risk of issues later.
For more information or to renew your licence, visit:
If you have any questions, please contact:
Public Safety Division
Department of Municipal & Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
600 – 5201 50 Avenue, Northwest Tower
Yellowknife, NT X1A 3S9
Phone: (867) 767-9161 ext. 21021 / 21022
Fax: (867) 873-0309
Email: consumer_affairs@gov.nt.ca
For media requests, please contact:
Peter Tah
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Peter_Tah@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9162 ext. 21012