Start a Business in Belfast

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

✔ 6 permits⏱ 2-8 weeks💰 Varies

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Overview

Starting a business in Belfast requires a Premises Licence / Entertainment Licence through the Belfast City Council Building Control. Base fee: Varies. Different licensing laws from England/Scotland. Licensing (NI) Order 1996. Different business rates system.

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

Belfast City Council Building Control

Phone: 028 9032 0202

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Northern Ireland has SEPARATE licensing law from England, Wales, and Scotland

⚠ Licensing handled by courts (not council)

⚠ Different planning permission system (Northern Ireland planning portal)

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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