Start a Business in Sydney

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

✔ 7 permits⏱ 2-8 weeks💰 $0-$500+ (varies by business type — food registration, outdoor dining, signage)

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Overview

Starting a business in Sydney requires a Council Registration / Development Approval through the City of Sydney Council. Base fee: $0-$500+ (varies by business type — food registration, outdoor dining, signage). No general state business licence — licensing is council-level. NSW Food Authority handles food business licences statewide. Development Applications (DAs) go through local council for change of use. Councils charge annual food premises registration fees.

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: $0-$500+ (varies by business type — food registration, outdoor dining, signage) depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

City of Sydney Council

Phone: 02 9265 9333

Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ No general business licence required — but food, outdoor dining, mobile vending, and skin penetration businesses need council registration
⚠ Development Application (DA) usually required for new restaurant/café/takeaway — contact planning BEFORE signing a lease
⚠ Food truck approval: $600 minimum, requires separate approval per trading location
⚠ Liquor licence freeze in parts of CBD and Kings Cross — check before signing a lease
⚠ Food premises must register with council AND notify NSW Food Authority
⚠ No pre-trading inspection — council does random unannounced inspections after registration

Choose Your Business Type

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

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