Complete checklist of all licenses required to legally operate a restaurant in India. Costs, timelines, and application process.
6
Mandatory Licenses
₹10-50K
Typical License Cost
2-3
Months to Complete
5+
Conditional Licenses
These are required for ALL restaurants in India
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Mandatory for any food business. Type depends on turnover (Basic/State/Central).
₹2,000 - ₹7,500/year
Cost
30-60 days
Timeline
1-5 years
Validity
Central/State GST Department
Mandatory if turnover exceeds ₹20 Lakh (₹10 Lakh for special category states).
Free
Cost
7-15 days
Timeline
Lifetime (unless cancelled)
Validity
State Labour Department
Required for all commercial establishments. Regulates working hours, holidays, wages.
₹500 - ₹5,000
Cost
15-30 days
Timeline
1-5 years
Validity
State Fire Department
Mandatory for restaurants above certain size. Requires fire extinguishers, exits, etc.
₹5,000 - ₹25,000
Cost
15-45 days
Timeline
1-3 years
Validity
Municipal Corporation
Issued after health inspection. Ensures hygiene and sanitation standards.
₹1,000 - ₹10,000
Cost
15-30 days
Timeline
1 year
Validity
Municipal Corporation
Required for any signboard or hoarding displayed outside premises.
₹500 - ₹10,000
Cost
7-15 days
Timeline
1 year
Validity
Required based on your restaurant type and services
State Excise Department
Required to serve alcohol. Process and cost vary significantly by state.
₹5-50 Lakh (varies by state)
Cost
60-180 days
Timeline
1 year
Validity
Phonographic Performance Ltd / IPRS
Required to play copyrighted music. Separate licenses for PPL and IPRS.
₹10,000 - ₹1 Lakh/year
Cost
7-15 days
Timeline
1 year
Validity
Police Commissioner
Required in some states for restaurants open late night (after 11 PM).
₹2,000 - ₹10,000
Cost
30-60 days
Timeline
1 year
Validity
State Pollution Control Board
Required for restaurants with tandoor, grill, or heavy cooking that produces emissions.
₹5,000 - ₹25,000
Cost
30-60 days
Timeline
1-5 years
Validity
Chief Inspector of Lifts
Required if premises has an elevator for customer/staff use.
₹5,000 - ₹15,000
Cost
30-45 days
Timeline
1 year
Validity
Eating House License mandatory for late-night operations. Strict liquor license process.
Health Trade License from MCD. DPCC NOC for large kitchens.
Excise license categories vary. Music license strictly enforced.
TNPCB clearance for commercial kitchens. Strict fire safety norms.
No liquor license available (dry state). Focus on FSSAI and health permits.
Tourism department registration for tourist areas. Beach shack permits seasonal.
Get your licenses in order and set up your restaurant with DineOpen.