Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.
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Starting a business in Geelong requires a Food Business Registration / Planning Permit through the City of Greater Geelong. Base fee: $200-$600+ (food registration by class, outdoor dining, signage). No state business licence. Food registration through local council (4-class risk system). Planning permits for change of use through council. Victoria has SmartBusinessLicence.vic.gov.au — one-stop portal to find all 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)
Estimated total: $200-$600+ (food registration by class, outdoor dining, signage) depending on permits and inspections.
City of Greater Geelong
Phone: 03 5272 5272
100 Brougham Street, Geelong VIC 3220
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