Start a Business in Hobart

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

7 permits2-8 weeks💰 $100-$400+ (food registration, outdoor dining, signage)

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Overview

Starting a business in Hobart requires a Food Business Registration / Planning Permit through the City of Hobart. Base fee: $100-$400+ (food registration, outdoor dining, signage). No state business licence. Smallest state by population — council processes tend to be faster. Food business registration through council under Food Act 2003 (TAS). Business Tasmania offers free advisory service.

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: $100-$400+ (food registration, outdoor dining, signage) depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

City of Hobart

Phone: 03 6238 2711

16 Elizabeth Street, Hobart TAS 7000

Common Mistakes

Heritage-building rules heavily affect restaurant approvals
Smallest state capital — faster processing times
Salamanca Market has separate vendor permit process
Business Tasmania offers free advisory service

Choose Your Business Type

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

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