Quick Answer
Every restaurant in India must obtain an FSSAI License before starting operations. Restaurants with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh need Basic Registration; those between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore need a State License; larger restaurant chains need a Central License.
What is FSSAI License for Restaurant?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body governing food safety in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Every restaurant — whether a small dhaba, a fine dining establishment, a QSR chain, or a hotel restaurant — must obtain a valid FSSAI License to legally operate and serve food to customers.
The FSSAI License ensures that your restaurant meets the required hygiene, safety, and quality standards. It also builds customer trust and protects your business from legal action. Without this license, your restaurant can be fined, sealed, or shut down by food safety officers.
💡 Did You Know? The 14-digit FSSAI License number must be displayed at the entrance of your restaurant and printed on all menus, bills, and packaging.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Restaurant?
The following restaurant businesses require an FSSAI License:
- Standalone restaurants, dhabas, and eateries
- Fine dining and multi-cuisine restaurants
- Fast food outlets and quick service restaurants (QSR)
- Hotel restaurants and banquet halls serving food
- Canteens inside offices, factories, and institutions
- Restaurant chains operating across multiple locations
- Restaurants listed on Zomato, Swiggy, or any delivery platform
- Takeaway-only food counters
Key Benefits of FSSAI Registration for Restaurant
Registering your Restaurant under FSSAI is not just about avoiding penalties — it opens real business doors:
✓Legal Operation: The only way to legally manufacture, process, store, or sell food products in India
✓Food Delivery Platforms: Mandatory for Zomato, Swiggy, ONDC listing — without it, you cannot take online orders
✓Brand Credibility: 14-digit FSSAI number on packaging signals quality and builds consumer confidence
✓B2B Supply Opportunities: Hotels, airlines, hospital chains and retail chains mandate FSSAI from all suppliers
✓Financial Benefits: Required for GST, MSME, startup scheme eligibility and business bank account opening
✓Export Capability: International trade documentation requires FSSAI certification for all food products
Which License Type Does Your Restaurant Need?
| Annual Turnover | License Type | Issued By |
|---|
| Below ₹12 Lakh | Basic FSSAI Registration | State Food Authority |
| ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | State FSSAI License | State Food Authority |
| Above ₹20 Crore or multi-state operations | Central FSSAI License | FSSAI Central Office |
⚠️ Important: Restaurant chains with outlets in more than one state, or with central kitchens supplying to multiple states, require a Central FSSAI License regardless of turnover.
Documents Required for Restaurant FSSAI License
- PAN Card of proprietor/partner/director
- Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID (identity proof)
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant
- Proof of business premises (rent agreement or ownership document)
- NOC from municipality / local body (if applicable)
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan or certificate
- Layout plan / blueprint of the restaurant premises
- List of food products/menu to be served
- Partnership deed / Certificate of Incorporation (for companies/LLPs)
- Water test report (for restaurants using borewell/tanker water)
Penalties for Operating Restaurant Without FSSAI License
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 prescribes strict penalties for non-compliance. Every Restaurant owner must be aware of the legal consequences:
- Operating without registration/license: Fine up to ₹5 lakh per offence
- Non-compliance with FSSAI standards: Fine up to ₹2 lakh
- Selling sub-standard food: Fine up to ₹5 lakh
- Unsafe food causing injury: Imprisonment up to 6 months + fine up to ₹1 lakh
- Adulterated food causing serious harm: Imprisonment up to 7 years + fine up to ₹10 lakh
- Expired license not renewed in time: Treated as operating without a license
⚠️ Important: FSSAI authorities conduct regular market surveillance. New businesses and Restaurant units are frequently targeted in surprise inspections. It is illegal to commence food operations before obtaining your license.
Step-by-Step Process to Get FSSAI License for Restaurant
- Determine License Type — Based on your annual turnover and number of locations, decide whether you need Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.
- Register on FoSCoS Portal — Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in and create a new applicant account.
- Fill Application Form — Complete Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (State/Central License) with your restaurant details, menu, and premise information.
- Upload Documents — Attach all required documents in the specified formats (PDF/JPG).
- Pay License Fee — Pay the applicable government fee online via net banking, UPI, or card.
- Physical Inspection — A food safety officer may visit your restaurant for an inspection within 30 days.
- Receive License — Once approved, your FSSAI License certificate is issued and available for download.
Get Your Restaurant FSSAI License Fast
Our experts handle the entire process — from form filling to inspection coordination. Most restaurants get their license in 15–20 working days.
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🏠Basic Registration
₹499
Turnover < ₹12 lakh · 7–10 days
- Single business location
- Government fee ₹100/year
- Certificate valid 1–5 years
Apply Now → Most Common
🏢State License
₹3,499
₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore · 15–30 days
- State-level operations
- Inspection support included
- Government fee ₹2,000–₹5,000/yr
Apply Now →🏗️Central License
₹9,999
Turnover > ₹20 crore · 30–60 days
- Multi-state operations
- Dedicated account manager
- Government fee ₹7,500/year
Apply Now →
FSSAI License Fees & Timeline for Restaurants
| License Type | Government Fee (per year) | Processing Time |
|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100/year | 7–10 working days |
| State License | ₹2,000–₹5,000/year | 15–30 working days |
| Central License | ₹7,500/year | 30–60 working days |
FSSAI Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. You can choose a multi-year license to save on renewal costs. Renewal must be done at least 30 days before expiry.
Penalty for Operating Restaurant Without FSSAI License
Operating a restaurant without a valid FSSAI License is a punishable offence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Penalties include:
- Fine up to ₹5 lakh for manufacturing or selling unsafe food
- Fine up to ₹2 lakh for operating without a license
- Imprisonment up to 6 months in serious cases
- Restaurant can be sealed or shut down by food safety officers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate my restaurant while my FSSAI License application is pending?+
No. You must not start food operations before receiving your FSSAI License or Registration. However, once you submit your application and receive an acknowledgement number, you may display it during inspections as proof that your application is in process.
Do I need a separate FSSAI License for each restaurant branch?+
Yes. Each physical location of your restaurant requires a separate FSSAI License. However, if you have a Central License, it can cover your head office and all branches are covered under one registration at the state level with sub-units.
How long is the FSSAI License valid for a restaurant?+
FSSAI License for restaurants is valid for 1 to 5 years depending on what you choose at the time of application. You must renew it before the expiry date. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day.
Is FSSAI License required for a home-based restaurant or cloud kitchen?+
Yes. Even if you operate from home or run a cloud kitchen, you are legally required to obtain FSSAI Registration or License. Cloud kitchens supplying to Swiggy or Zomato specifically require a valid FSSAI License as per platform onboarding requirements.