Start a Business in Gold Coast

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

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

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Overview

Starting a business in Gold Coast requires a Food Business Licence / Development Approval through the City of Gold Coast. Base fee: $200-$600+ (food licence, footpath dining, temporary event permits). 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

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: $200-$600+ (food licence, footpath dining, temporary event permits) depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

City of Gold Coast

Phone: 07 5581 5000

135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Common Mistakes

⚠ Published annual food business licence fee
⚠ Very strict tourist-zone outdoor dining approvals
⚠ Surfers Paradise entertainment precinct has different trading hour rules
⚠ Beach-front trading requires specific council permit — limited locations
⚠ High-rise strata buildings have additional body corporate rules

Choose Your Business Type

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

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