How to Register a Business in Dundee, UK (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Dundee 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 Dundee City Council Licensing Board at 01382 434000 for local requirements. More information: dundeecity.gov.uk/licensing.
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What Makes Dundee Different
Dundee has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005
- V&A Dundee — waterfront regeneration
- Game development hub
- Minimum unit pricing
- Free food registration
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 (Dundee): Premises Licence / Food Registration and any premises-specific licences from the Dundee City Council Licensing Board. Phone: 01382 434000.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Dundee 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 Dundee has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Dundee's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.