How to Register a Business in Aberdeen, UK (2026)

The Quick Version

Starting a business in Aberdeen involves registration with several bodies — Companies House for your legal entity, HMRC for tax, and your local council for any premises-specific licences. The process is generally straightforward, but requirements vary by business type and location within the city.

Contact the Aberdeen City Council Licensing Board at 01224 522000 for local requirements. More information: aberdeencity.gov.uk/licensing.

PermitBoard generates a complete, ordered roadmap for your specific business type in Aberdeen — with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form. Get My Roadmap →

What Makes Aberdeen Different

Aberdeen has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:

The Registration Stack

Companies House: Register as sole trader, partnership, or limited company.

HMRC: Register for Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT (if applicable), and PAYE.

Local Council (Aberdeen): Premises Licence / Food Registration and any premises-specific licences from the Aberdeen City Council Licensing Board. Phone: 01224 522000.

How Long Does It Take?

Most businesses in Aberdeen can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.

The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.

Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap

Every business type has different requirements, and Aberdeen has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Aberdeen's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.

Get My Permit Roadmap for Aberdeen →