Start a Business in Adelaide

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 7 permits⏱ 2-8 weeks💰 $150-$500+ (food registration, outdoor dining, signage)

Skip the research

Get your full roadmap instantly

Get My Roadmap →

Overview

Starting a business in Adelaide requires a Food Business Registration / Development Approval through the City of Adelaide. Base fee: $150-$500+ (food registration, outdoor dining, signage). No state business licence. SA Health notification required for food businesses. Planning approval through council. South Australia has streamlined small bar licensing.

Required Permits

✓Federal: ABN registration (free, instant at abr.gov.au)
✓Federal: TFN (Tax File Number, free)
✓Federal: GST registration (if turnover >$75K)
✓State: Business name registration with ASIC ($39/year)
✓Local: Council business registration / planning permit
✓Local: Food premises registration (if food — council health dept)
✓State: Liquor licence (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: ABN registration (free, instant at abr.gov.au)

2

Federal: TFN (Tax File Number, free)

3

Federal: GST registration (if turnover >$75K)

4

State: Business name registration with ASIC ($39/year)

5

Local: Council business registration / planning permit

6

Local: Food premises registration (if food — council health dept)

7

State: Liquor licence (if applicable)

Costs

Estimated total: $150-$500+ (food registration, outdoor dining, signage) depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

City of Adelaide

Phone: 08 8203 7203

25 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Food business notification is FREE — one of the cheapest cities in Australia to register a food business
⚠ Mobile food vendor inspection fee: $47.50 per inspection (from March 2025)
⚠ Online application portal: customer.cityofadelaide.com.au
⚠ $20M public liability insurance required naming City of Adelaide as interested party
⚠ Up to 6 mobile food vendors per city square at any one time
⚠ Small venue liquor licence available for venues under 120 capacity — streamlined process

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

Get your full permit roadmap

Everything in the right order with links, fees, and timelines.

Get My Roadmap → $29
Read our complete Adelaide business license guide →