To open a restaurant in Hong Kong, you must apply for a license from the FEHD. For the lowest startup cost in 2026, the Light Refreshment Restaurant License (Snack License) is your best choice. It requires a food room as small as 4.5 sqm, allows simple cooking (boiling, steaming, pan-frying) with dine-in seating, and avoids expensive ventilation systems. With the new “License First, Inspect Later” system, you can launch your F&B business in weeks!

Based on Midland Commercial’s extensive experience helping F&B brands set up, site selection is the most critical factor for license approval. Many entrepreneurs rent shops with inadequate drainage or fire safety standards, leading to massive renovation costs. To find the perfect, fully compliant F&B shop, contact the expert team at Midland IC&I today for precise property matching!

Key Differences: General vs. Snack License

• General Restaurant License: No cooking restrictions (deep-frying/stir-frying allowed). Requires a full kitchen and larger food room area.
• Snack License: Limited to simple cooking (no deep-frying/stir-frying). Minimum food room area is only 4.5 sqm. Perfect for cafes, dessert shops, and takeaways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the minimum area requirement for a Snack License in 2026?
A: If your total floor area is 23 sqm or less, the minimum food room area required is only 4.5 sqm.

Q2: Can a Snack License offer dine-in services?
A: Yes. As long as simple cooking methods that do not produce heavy greasy fumes (like boiling, steaming, pan-frying) are used, dine-in seating is allowed. However, cooking at the tables (e.g., hotpot) is prohibited.

Q3: What are the benefits of the new “License First, Inspect Later” system?
A: Through the “Professional Certification System,” applicants only need to submit a certificate signed by an authorized person. The FEHD will issue the license first, allowing businesses to open earlier and significantly reducing time costs.