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Business & Self-Employment

Register a food business

Mandatory registration of a food business (restaurant, bakery, catering company) with the competent food safety authority in accordance with EU regulations.

Processing: 5 days
Online application possibleSuccess rate: 99.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Register your business with the food safety authority

    In writing or online before operations begin.

  2. 2

    Received registration confirmation

    The agency has registered the business and is scheduling an initial inspection.

  3. 3

    Have a hygiene plan in place

    An HACCP plan must be in place and documented.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

5 days

Official: max. approx. 1 weeks

Online application

Online possible – at the responsible authority

Common mistakes

  • Forgot to register (may result in a fine)
  • Permanent establishment and description of activities are vague

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

All companies that produce, process, transport, or sell food.

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. 5 days

Success rate

approx. 99.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • Forgot to register (may result in a fine)
  • Permanent establishment and description of activities are vague

Common reasons for rejection

    Alternatives

    • Check related services in the application assistant
    • Use social counselling before applying

    If rejected

    Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.

    Questions & Answers

    Does the reporting requirement also apply to online grocery retailers?

    Yes, even online-only retailers that ship food must register.

    Read more