You may need licences to start or run a business in Western Australia. These will depend on your business type, your activities and your location.

Business licences and permits are important because they provide protection to you, your business and any employees; they ensure your business activities are allowed under Australian law; and enable you to trade without risk of fines or penalties.

Common business licences or permits relate to:

  • Running your business from certain premises such as your home or a mobile van.
  • Complying with specific laws such as taxation, or occupational health and safety requirements.
  • Playing or using music in your business – including your workplace, telephone on-hold music, website.
  • Doing certain types of work such as operating a food business, working from heights or removing hazardous waste.
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Find the licences you need

Our free online Business Licence Finder will help you discover the licences, permits and registrations you need to start or run your business.

How to use the Business Licence Finder

Answer a few simple questions, and in about five minutes you’ll get a customised report to download. It includes an itemised list of required licences, the responsible agency, costs, and how long each is valid. 

You can also include relevant industry codes of practice—guidelines for how businesses in specific sectors should operate. These are especially important if you employ staff or work in areas affecting health and safety. Operating without them may lead to penalties.

Business Licence Finder
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