Start a Business in Brisbane

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

✔ 7 permits⏱ 2-8 weeks💰 $200-$600+ (food licence, footpath dining, signage)

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Overview

Starting a business in Brisbane requires a Food Business Licence / Development Approval through the Brisbane City Council. Base fee: $200-$600+ (food licence, footpath dining, signage). No state business licence. Council handles food licensing and development approvals. Queensland has SARE (Simplified Assessment of Relocatable Enterprises) for food vans. Business Launchpad is excellent free tool.

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

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)

Costs

Estimated total: $200-$600+ (food licence, footpath dining, signage) depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Brisbane City Council

Phone: 07 3403 8888

Brisbane Square, 266 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Largest local government area in Australia by population — single council covers entire metro

⚠ Food business licence fees: $959.85 (minor <250m²) to $4,097.05 (major >1000m²)

⚠ 3 licence types: fixed premises, temporary food stall, mobile

⚠ Business Hotline: 133 BNE (133 263) — book advisory call with Environmental Health Officer before applying

⚠ Eat Safe Brisbane rating — 3+ stars saves on annual licence renewal fees

⚠ Non-profits, charities, and religious organisations exempt from application fees

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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