Start a Business in Melbourne

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

✔ 7 permits⏱ 2-8 weeks💰 $200-$700+ (food registration by risk class, signage, outdoor dining)

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Overview

Starting a business in Melbourne requires a Business Registration / Planning Permit through the City of Melbourne. Base fee: $200-$700+ (food registration by risk class, signage, outdoor dining). 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.

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-$700+ (food registration by risk class, signage, outdoor dining) depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

City of Melbourne

Phone: 03 9658 9658

Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

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Common Mistakes

⚠ No general business licence — but food, street trading, personal care, and body art businesses need registration
⚠ Food businesses classified into 4 risk classes: Class 1 (hospitals) to Class 4 (pre-packaged only) — fees scale with risk
⚠ Food premises plan assessment: 15 working days standard, 5-day fast-track for extra fee
⚠ Mobile/temporary food premises register through FoodTrader (state-wide VIC system) — allow 21 days, cannot trade until registered
⚠ Planning permit required for change of use — apply through council
⚠ Self-assessment tool on council website tells you exactly which permits you need

Choose Your Business Type

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

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