Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Restaurant License in Thailand
Opening a restaurant in Thailand can be an exciting venture, whether we’re dreaming of a cozy beachfront café, a stylish urban bistro, or an elegant fine dining establishment.
However, to make that dream a reality, we’ll need to navigate the process of obtaining the right licenses and permits.
Don’t worry — we’re here to walk you through every step, from deciding what type of restaurant we want to open to getting the necessary approvals to serve our first customer.
Let’s break down the process into manageable steps so You can focus on what you do best — preparing a fantastic dining experience!
1. Decide on the Type of Restaurant you Want to Open
Before diving into the licensing process, it’s important to clarify what type of restaurant you want to open.
This decision will determine the type of licenses we need.
Here are a few common types of restaurants in Thailand:
- Full-Service Restaurant:
A traditional dining establishment where guests are seated and served by waitstaff.
This could be a family-style eatery, fine dining restaurant, or themed bistro.
- Café or Coffee Shop:
A smaller establishment, often with a more casual vibe, focusing on coffee, tea, light snacks, and possibly breakfast or lunch items.
- Street Food Stall or Hawker Stand:
A small, often mobile unit selling quick bites, snacks, or drinks.
These are popular throughout Thailand and usually located in markets or along busy streets.
- Bar or Pub:
An establishment primarily serving alcoholic beverages, with a focus on nightlife.
Many bars also serve light snacks or a limited menu.
- Bakery or Patisserie:
A specialized shop selling baked goods, pastries, and desserts, which might offer limited seating.
- Food Truck:
A mobile restaurant offering a limited menu, typically focusing on a specific type of cuisine or specialty item.
Each type of restaurant has unique requirements, and the licenses we need will depend on our specific business model.
Let’s dive into the licensing details!
2. Understand the Licenses and Permits We Need
To open and operate a restaurant legally in Thailand, we will need several key licenses and permits.
Here’s a breakdown:
A. Food License (Food Shop License)
This is the most fundamental license we need to operate any type of restaurant in Thailand.
It confirms that our establishment complies with the health, safety, and sanitation standards set by local authorities.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Who Needs It?
Any business that prepares, cooks, or sells food to the public.
- What’s Required?
Proof that our restaurant meets hygiene standards, proper waste disposal systems, and suitable food storage facilities.
- How to Apply?
We’ll need to submit an application to the local District Office (Amphur) where our restaurant is located, along with a copy of our ID, proof of address, and a floor plan showing the kitchen and dining areas.
SiamConsult can help you prepare these documents and guide you through the submission process.
- How Long Does It Take?
Usually around 30 days, depending on the local office.
B. Alcohol License
If we plan to serve beer, wine, or spirits at our restaurant, we’ll need an alcohol license.
The type of license depends on the kind of beverages we want to serve and how we plan to serve them:
- Restaurant License for Alcohol:
Allows us to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises.
Perfect for most restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Takeaway License:
Needed if we plan to sell alcohol for customers to take home.
- Temporary License:
For special events or temporary stands.
How to Apply?
We’ll need to apply at the Excise Department and provide a copy of our restaurant’s business registration, a floor plan, and details of our alcohol inventory and serving methods.
SiamConsult can help with the paperwork and ensure it’s all in order.
How Long Does It Take?
Typically 10-15 days, but it can vary depending on our location.
C. Music License
If we plan to play music in our restaurant (whether live or recorded), we’ll need a music license.
This ensures that we comply with copyright laws and protect the rights of musicians and composers.
- Who Needs It?
Any establishment that plays copyrighted music, whether through a sound system, radio, or live performances.
- How to Apply?
We’ll need to contact the Performing Rights Organization (like the Music Copyright Thailand or similar agencies) to get the appropriate license.
- How Long Does It Take?
Usually 7-14 days, depending on the type of music and usage frequency.
D. Signage Permit
If we plan to display a sign outside our restaurant, we must get a signage permit.
This permit ensures that our sign complies with local regulations concerning size, placement, and content.
- Who Needs It?
Any restaurant displaying an outdoor sign.
- How to Apply?
Apply at the local municipal office with our sign design, dimensions, and location details.
- How Long Does It Take?
About 10-14 days.
E. Fire Safety Certificate
A Fire Safety Certificate is required to ensure that our restaurant meets all fire safety regulations, such as having adequate fire exits, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms.
- Who Needs It?
Any restaurant or business where people gather, especially if we have seating for over 50 people.
- How to Apply?
We will need to submit a safety plan and undergo an inspection by local fire authorities.
- How Long Does It Take?
Around 14-30 days, depending on our location.
F. Building Permit
If we plan to build or modify the structure of our restaurant, we will need a building permit to ensure that our property complies with zoning and construction regulations.
- Who Needs It?
Any restaurant planning new construction, renovation, or structural modifications.
- How to Apply?
Submit our application to the local District Office with architectural plans and engineering documents.
- How Long Does It Take?
Usually, 15-30 days.
3. Gather the Required Documents
Now that we know which licenses we need, let’s talk about the documents required for our applications:
- Business Registration:
A copy of our company’s registration with the Department of Business Development.
- ID Documents:
A copy of the owner’s and/or manager’s ID card or passport.
- Lease Agreement:
Proof of the property lease or ownership documents.
- Floor Plan:
Detailed drawings of our restaurant, including kitchen layout, dining areas, exits, and restrooms.
- Health and Safety Plans:
Documentation showing compliance with local health, safety, and fire regulations.
- Menu and Pricing:
A list of food and beverages we plan to serve, including pricing.
Gathering these documents can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry!
SiamConsult is here to guide us through the process and help get everything in order.
4. Submit Our Applications
Once we have all the necessary documents, it’s time to submit our applications.
Here’s how:
- Find the Right Office:
Most licenses must be applied for at our local District Office or Municipal Office.
Some, like the alcohol license, require a visit to the Excise Department.
- Submit the Applications:
Bring our documents, fill out the application forms, and pay the applicable fees.
SiamConsult can assist by ensuring we’re going to the right places and meeting all requirements.
- Track Our Applications:
Follow up regularly with the relevant offices to check the status of our applications.
This can help us address any issues that might arise promptly.
5. Prepare for Inspections
After submitting our applications, local authorities will typically inspect your restaurant to ensure it meets all the legal requirements.
- Health Inspection:
To verify food hygiene and safety standards.
- Fire Safety Inspection:
To ensure fire exits, alarms, and fire suppression systems are adequate.
- Building Inspection:
To check that the restaurant structure is sound and complies with all regulations.
SiamConsult can help us prepare for these inspections, making sure our restaurant is ready to meet all requirements.
6. Obtain Our Licenses and Permits
Once we pass the inspections and your applications are approved, you will receive our licenses and permits.
Make sure to:
- Display Them Prominently:
Keep our licenses visible to show customers and authorities that we are operating legally.
Put them in a nice frame where they are easy spotted. Also a picture of the Royal Thai Family is not required, but expected.
- Keep Copies Safe:
Have copies in a secure place in case of loss or damage.
7. Plan for Ongoing Compliance
Running a restaurant is not just about opening day; it’s about staying compliant with Thai laws and regulations.
Here’s what we need to do:
- Renew Licenses Annually:
Many licenses, such as the food and alcohol licenses, need to be renewed annually.
- Stay Up to Date with Health Inspections:
Regular health inspections will be conducted to ensure our restaurant maintains high hygiene standards.
- Fire Drills and Safety Checks:
Schedule regular fire drills and checks to keep up with fire safety regulations.
- Update Our Licenses:
If we make any changes to our restaurant, such as renovating, changing our menu significantly, or adding more seating, we may need to update our licenses.
8. Celebrate Our Opening!
Congratulations!
Once we have all our licenses and permits, it’s time to open your doors and welcome our first customers.
Celebrate this milestone and enjoy the journey ahead.
How SiamConsult Can Help You
We know that dealing with Thai bureaucracy can be challenging, especially if we’re new to the country.
That’s where SiamConsult comes in! We offer:
- End-to-End Support:
From consultation to licensing, we handle it all for us.
- Document Preparation:
We help gather and prepare all necessary documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Application Submission:
We submit our applications to the correct offices and keep track of their progress.
- Inspection Preparation:
We guide us through preparing for inspections to ensure we pass without any issues.
- Ongoing Compliance:
We help with annual renewals and keep us updated on any regulatory changes.
- Ongoing Bookkeeping & Accounting: We help you with daily accounting services, Vat & Tax, Social Security. HR, Payroll, set up of POS and many more services.
Ready to Get Started?
Reach out to us, and let’s Us begin the process of making Your restaurant dream a reality in Thailand!
