Business opening and operating licence: step by step
The difference between sanitary and non-sanitary establishments, applying to the municipality, documents required, fire report and occupancy permit, timing and consequences of operating without a licence.
You have formed your company and received your tax plate. But before opening the door to customers, most workplaces need a business opening and operating licence from the municipality. Operating without one leads to the premises being sealed by municipal police and an administrative fine.
First determine the class
| Class | Example | Licence process |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary establishment | Office, shop, hairdresser, non-pharmacy retail, café without alcohol | Same-day licence on declaration; inspection afterwards |
| Non-sanitary establishment (1st, 2nd, 3rd class) | Workshop, car repair, bakery, printing house | Site selection and facility permit; review board |
| Public places of rest and entertainment | Restaurant serving alcohol, bar, internet café | Police opinion; distance rules |
Application steps
- Before signing the lease, check zoning, the occupancy permit and the building's permitted use. Some businesses cannot be licensed in a flat with a residential occupancy permit.
- Fire suitability report: fire extinguishers, emergency exits and electrical installation (mandatory before licensing in many municipalities).
- Application: form to the district municipality's licence unit or e-municipality system; activity, area and number of employees on the declaration.
- Documents: lease or title deed, occupancy permit, tax plate or trade registry gazette, ID, signature circular, and where required responsible manager and master craftsman certificates, disabled access and parking information.
- Fees and taxes: business opening fee, advertising tax (signage).
- Inspection: within 1 month after the licence for sanitary establishments; before the licence for non-sanitary ones.
Sector permits are separate
Food businesses register with the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, health institutions need Ministry of Health approval, and educational institutions Ministry of Education approval. Full list: Permits and licences.
FAQs
I work from home; do I need a licence? For office activities without customers, used only as a correspondence address, a licence is generally not required; check your municipality's practice.
In a virtual office? If there is no actual activity at the office shown as the registered seat, no separate licence is needed; keep the provider's licence and service agreement.
Can a licence be transferred? On transfer of the business, the licence is reissued in the new operator's name; a change of activity needs a new licence.