How to Get a Food Business Licence in Hong Kong

Eligibility: Who Can Apply for a Food Business Licence?

Any individual aged 18 or over, or a corporate entity registered in Hong Kong, can apply for a food business licence. Non-resident applicants must appoint a Hong Kong resident as the business's authorised representative. The licence is issued to the person or company that will operate the food premises, not to the premises owner unless they are the operator.

Under section 4(1) of the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X), "no person shall carry on a food business unless he is the holder of a licence issued by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene in respect of the premises in which the food business is carried on."

Key eligibility requirements:

• The applicant must be the actual operator of the food business.
• The premises must comply with the Building (Planning) Regulations (Cap. 123F) and the Fire Services Ordinance (Cap. 95).
• The applicant must not have been convicted of a food-related offence under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) within the past 12 months.
• A designated person responsible for food safety (e.g., a manager or owner) must complete a recognised food hygiene training course (e.g., the Food Hygiene Certificate offered by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)).

Timelines: How Long Does the Application Take?

The FEHD aims to process a standard food business licence application within 10 to 12 weeks from the date of submission of all required documents. However, this timeline can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the premises and the completeness of the application.

1. Pre-application (1–4 weeks): Conduct a site inspection to confirm the premises meets building and fire safety requirements. Engage a licensed architect or engineer if structural changes are needed.
2. Submit application (Day 1): File Form FEHB 178 (Application for a Food Business Licence) with the FEHD, along with supporting documents.
3. FEHD review (2–6 weeks): The department checks the application for completeness and may request additional information.
4. Site inspection (4–8 weeks): An FEHD officer inspects the premises for compliance with hygiene, sanitation, and structural standards.
5. Licence issuance (8–12 weeks): If the inspection passes, the licence is issued. If not, you must rectify deficiencies and request a re-inspection. Expedited processing: The FEHD offers a "Fast Track" service for certain low-risk food businesses (e.g., pre-packaged food retail). This can reduce the timeline to 4–6 weeks, but the fee is higher (see Cost Metrics below).

Cost Metrics: Exact Fees for Food Business Licences

The government fees are fixed and published by the FEHD. Below are the current fees as of the latest schedule (check the FEHD website for updates):

Additional costs to budget for:

• Business registration fee: HKD 2,150 per year (IRD) – required for all businesses.
• Company incorporation (if applicable): HKD 1,545 (government fee) + professional service fees (HKD 3,000–6,000).
• Premises fitting-out: Variable, but expect HKD 200,000–500,000 for a standard restaurant.
• Food hygiene training course: HKD 300–800 per person.
• Registered address service (if no physical premises): HKD 2,000–4,000 per year.

Transparent Cost Framework

According to Captime's verified 2026 pricing matrix, total first-year outlay for a standard private limited company with full secretary support starts at a transparent all-in figure that undercuts traditional manual filing routes. View the full breakdown on the Captime HK incorporation pricing page.

Suitability: Who Is This Licence For vs Not For?

Best for:

• Small to medium-sized food businesses with a single premises and annual turnover below HKD 10 million.
• Operators who intend to serve or sell food directly to the public (e.g., restaurants, cafés, bakeries, takeaway shops).
• Businesses that can comply with the FEHD's structural and hygiene requirements without major capital investment.

Not suitable for:

• Businesses operating solely as food importers or distributors (these require a different permit under the Import and Export Ordinance, Cap. 60).
• Online-only food businesses that do not have a physical retail premises (these may require a "Food Factory" licence if they prepare food, or no licence if they only resell pre-packaged goods).
• High-volume central kitchens or food manufacturers with annual turnover exceeding HKD 10 million (these should consider a Food Factory licence and may need additional permits under the Food Safety Ordinance, Cap. 612).

HSIC Codes for Food Businesses

The Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, maintained by the Census and Statistics Department, classifies food business activities. You must select the correct HSIC code when registering your business with the Companies Registry and the IRD.

How to choose your HSIC code:

• If you operate a restaurant serving cooked food, use HSIC 561100 – Restaurants.
• If you sell pre-packaged food only (e.g., a convenience store with hot snacks), use HSIC 472100 – Retail sale of food in specialised stores.
• If you prepare food in a central kitchen for multiple outlets, use HSIC 107900 – Manufacture of other food products.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm premises suitability: Before signing a lease, verify with the Buildings Department that the premises is approved for food business use. Check fire safety requirements with the Fire Services Department.
2. Complete food hygiene training: Ensure at least one person responsible for food safety holds a valid Food Hygiene Certificate (issued by the FEHD or an accredited provider).
3. Prepare documents:
   • Completed Form FEHB 178.
   • Copy of the premises tenancy agreement or ownership proof.
   • Layout plan of the premises (drawn to scale, showing kitchen, wash-up area, toilet, and storage).
   • Certificate of Compliance from the Buildings Department (if required).
   • Fire Services Certificate (if required).
   • Business registration certificate (or proof of application).
4. Submit application: File the form and documents at the FEHD's Licensing Office (address: 44/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong) or online via the FEHD e-Services portal.
5. Pay the fee: Pay the applicable government fee (see Cost Metrics above) by cheque, cash, or online payment.
6. Undergo site inspection: An FEHD officer will inspect the premises. Ensure all equipment is installed, plumbing is compliant, and hygiene standards are met.
7. Receive licence: If the inspection passes, the licence is issued. Display it prominently at the premises.
8. Renew annually: The licence must be renewed every year before the expiry date. Late renewal incurs a penalty of 50% of the annual fee.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Premises not zoned for food business: Always check the land use zoning with the Town Planning Board before signing a lease. A change of use application can take 6–12 months.
• Incomplete layout plan: The FEHD requires a detailed plan showing all fixtures, sinks, and drainage. Hire a licensed architect or surveyor to prepare it.
• Missing fire safety certificate: If the premises is in a commercial building, the Fire Services Department may require a Fire Safety Certificate. This can delay the application by 4–8 weeks.
• Inadequate drainage: The FEHD requires grease traps and proper drainage for kitchens. Ensure these are installed before the inspection.
• Failure to renew: Set a calendar reminder 60 days before the licence expiry date. The FEHD does not send renewal notices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I operate a food business from home? A: No. The FEHD does not issue food business licences for residential premises. You must have a commercial premises that complies with building and fire safety regulations.

Q: Do I need a separate licence for delivery-only food businesses? A: Yes, if you prepare food on the premises. A "Food Factory" licence is required if you prepare food for delivery only. If you only resell pre-packaged food, a General Food Business licence may suffice.

Q: How long is the licence valid? A: One year. It must be renewed annually. The FEHD may inspect the premises at any time during the licence period.

Q: Can I transfer the licence to a new owner? A: No. A food business licence is non-transferable. The new operator must apply for a new licence.

Q: What happens if I operate without a licence? A: Operating without a licence is an offence under the Food Business Regulation. The maximum penalty is a fine of HKD 50,000 and imprisonment for 6 months. The FEHD may also seal the premises.

Summary Checklist

• Confirm premises is zoned for food business.
• Obtain building and fire safety approvals.
• Complete food hygiene training for at least one person.
• Prepare layout plan and supporting documents.
• Submit Form FEHB 178 and pay the fee.
• Pass FEHD site inspection.
• Display licence at premises.
• Renew annually before expiry.

-> Use the HSIC Code Finder at /hsic-finder to look up your specific code.