Start a Business in Aberdeen

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

✔ 6 permits⏱ 2-8 weeks💰 Varies

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Overview

Starting a business in Aberdeen requires a Premises Licence / Food Registration through the Aberdeen City Council Licensing Board. Base fee: Varies. Different licensing laws from England. Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Minimum unit pricing on alcohol. Business rates set by Scottish Government.

Required Permits

✓Register business with HMRC (free — sole trader or limited company)

✓Companies House registration (£12 online, if limited company)

✓Local council premises licence (if food/drink/entertainment — £100-£635)

✓Food business registration with local council (FREE, mandatory for all food)

✓Alcohol licence from local council (if applicable — £100-£635)

✓Planning permission (if change of use — ~£462)

Step-by-Step Process

Companies House registration (£12 online, if limited company)

Local council premises licence (if food/drink/entertainment — £100-£635)

Food business registration with local council (FREE, mandatory for all food)

Alcohol licence from local council (if applicable — £100-£635)

Planning permission (if change of use — ~£462)

Costs

Estimated total: Varies depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Aberdeen City Council Licensing Board

Phone: 01224 522000

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005

⚠ Oil and gas capital of Europe

⚠ Granite City — construction/planning rules

⚠ Minimum unit pricing

⚠ Free food registration

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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