Restaurant License Get Licensed
Every restaurant, café, and food business in Thailand needs a license to operate legally, including online-only and cloud kitchen setups without a physical dine-in space. Getting it wrong can mean real fines or closure, not just paperwork delays. We handle the application, the inspection, and the compliance details, so you can focus on opening rather than navigating the Public Health Act.
FIND OUT MORE
Requirements For Restaurant License
To legally operate a restaurant in Thailand, you must obtain a Restaurant License under the Public Health Act. Operating without a valid license can lead to fines or imprisonment under various regulations, it isn't just an administrative formality. Thai staff must complete a hygiene and safety test at the district office, with at least 40/50 correct answers required to pass. A medical certificate is also mandatory before the license is issued.
1 Year
License validity, must be renewed annually
15 Days
To collect your license after approval, or it may be canceled
Requirements by Establishment Size
Under 200 sqm
Must submit a Certificate of Notification to the local authorities.
Over 200 sqm
Requires a Food License from the municipality or district office.
-
Official logo, in its exact color format
-
House registration document of the restaurant location
-
Consent letter from the property owner, or a copy of the lease agreement (with a duty stamp)
-
Copy of the company director's ID card and house registration
-
Copy of the business owner's ID card and house registration
-
Completed application form (SorAor1)
-
Map showing the restaurant's location
-
Printed photos of the restaurant's exterior and interior
-
Detailed floor plan showing the layout of tables, kitchen, counters, and other areas
-
Total area of the restaurant, including seating, kitchen, and service spaces
-
Food sanitation certificate for the business operator/owner
-
Proof of property ownership, such as a sale and purchase agreement, title deed (all pages), or construction permit (depending on the case)
-
Company registration documents
-
Work permits for any foreign employees
FROM START TO FINISH
The Application Process
STEP 1
Confirm Your Building Is Approved for Commercial Use
The building itself must be legally approved for restaurant or commercial use before you can apply. This is a prerequisite, not a step you can complete alongside the application, we'll confirm exactly which documentation your specific building needs.
STEP 2
Submit Documents to the District Office
STEP 3
Premises Inspection
STEP 4
Staff Hygiene Test and Medical Certificates
STEP 5
License Issued
STAY COMPLIANT
Related Licenses
Alcohol License
Required to legally serve alcoholic beverages within an establishment.
Music License
For playing copyrighted music, whether live or recorded.
Cannabis License
Required if your restaurant plans to sell or use cannabis-infused food and beverages.
Entertainment License
Needed for hosting live performances, DJs, or other entertainment activities.
Get the guidance you need Consult with us for free
TRUST AND ACCOUNTABILITY
What Clients Say
LUKAS KIRCHBERGER
Very professional and reliable law firm with excellent communication. They were clear, responsive, and provided practical legal advice without unnecessary complications. I felt well supported throughout the entire process and can highly recommend Attori Law to both individuals and businesses seeking legal assistance in Thailand.
CONRADO CATIMBANG
I had the pleasure of working with this company for registering my business, as well as handling my visa, work permit, and trademark filing. The entire process was seamless and efficient. They were consistently professional, knowledgeable, and provided amazing suggestions whenever I had concerns. They also kept me updated every step of the way, making the experience stress-free. Their kindness and helpfulness truly stood out. I highly recommend them!
SANKET VELHAL
I was handling a complicated situation around Thai business compliance + immigration/Non-B visa process, with deadlines and a lot of moving parts. Their team stayed calm, explained things clearly, and gave me realistic options instead of false promises... ... If you’re an expat or business owner in Thailand and you need help with visa/work permit, company filings, or compliance, I would definitely recommend Attori Law. They know what they’re doing and they treat clients with respect.
TRYSTAN TRESTCHENKOFF
Me and my partner registered a company with Attori and for now the service is reliable, good and on time. I recommend them to anyone willing to register a company in Thailand.
Scott
Simple and straightforward to talk to for all business and work permit related matters. Excellent customer service!
JOHN BEARDMORE
Attori Law provides excellent legal support. Golf offers a very personalized service, taking the time to understand every detail and making the whole process smooth and professional. Highly recommended.
Common mistakes and reasons for rejection
-
Signing a lease before confirming the building is approved
You can't retrofit commercial-use approval after signing. Confirm this before you commit to a lease, not after you've already paid a deposit.
-
Underestimating how long the process can take
This isn't a quick registration. In some cases, the certificate can take up to a year, and starting too close to your planned opening date can mean delaying it significantly.
-
Applying for the restaurant license before sorting your work permit
If you're planning to get a work permit and your business is registered as a restaurant, Immigration and Labour will expect to see the restaurant certificate as part of that process. It's best to complete your visa and work permit process before applying for the restaurant license, not after.
-
Assuming a delivery-only or cloud kitchen model is exempt
It isn't. If you're preparing and selling food, the same requirements apply, regardless of whether customers ever set foot inside.
-
Assuming the restaurant license covers alcohol too
It doesn't. Serving alcohol requires a separate license under a different Act entirely.
FAQs
Does the license expire?
Yes, restaurant licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Do my staff really need to pass a test?
Thai employees are required to pass a hygiene and food safety test at the district office, 50 multiple-choice questions, with at least 40 correct to pass. The district office provides a study booklet beforehand.
How long does the application take?
Roughly a month, sometimes slightly longer, depending on inspection scheduling and the condition of the premises. We'll give you a more specific estimate once we understand your situation.
What if I want to serve alcohol as well?
A separate alcohol license is required in addition to the restaurant license. The two are regulated under different Acts, and operating without the alcohol license carries its own penalties.
What happens if I operate without the license?
Operating without a valid license can lead to fines or imprisonment under the Public Health Act. We'd need to confirm the specific consequences for your situation, but it's a real risk, not just a formality.
I run a small food stall under 200 sqm, do I still need to do all of this?
The process is lighter, you submit a Certificate of Notification rather than applying for a full Food License, but you're not exempt from the requirement entirely.
Do I need this license if I only sell through Grab or other delivery apps?
Yes. Selling through a delivery platform doesn't change the underlying requirement, if you're preparing and selling food to the public, you need the license regardless of how orders reach you.
Does a cloud kitchen with no dine-in space still need a license?
Yes. The requirement is based on whether you're preparing and selling food, not on whether customers eat on-site. A cloud kitchen still needs to meet the same licensing and hygiene requirements as a traditional restaurant.