Key highlights of Hong Kong’s 2026 food establishment licence regulations include the “Integrated Restricted Food Selling Permit” which streamlines the application process for online stores, and the “Pet‑Friendly Restaurant” licence endorsement. Whether it is a traditional restaurant, a two‑dish rice shop, or an online food store, you are required to apply for a “General Restaurant Licence”, a “Light Refreshment Restaurant Licence”, or a “Food Factory Licence” depending on your business model. Before applying, be sure to check the latest regulations, site selection, and fire safety requirements, and allow 2–3 months for approval. This article provides detailed information on licence types, application procedures, fees, and key considerations to help you operate legally and seize business opportunities.

As an international culinary capital, Hong Kong’s catering industry is thriving. However, before opening your business, it is essential to understand and comply with the licensing regulations of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). Based on the latest 2026 regulations, this article provides a detailed analysis of the requirements, application procedures, required documents, fees, and key considerations for various types of food establishment licences (commonly known as “food licences”) in Hong Kong, with particular guidance for emerging business models such as online stores and two‑dish rice shops, to help you successfully obtain a licence and operate legally.

2026 Key New Food Licence Regulations

Integrated Restricted Food Selling Permit (for online sale of restricted foods)

Since 1 January 2025, the FEHD has introduced the “Integrated Restricted Food Selling Permit”, simplifying the application process for online sale of multiple types of restricted foods (e.g., sashimi, sushi, non‑bottled beverages, dairy products, cup ice cream, etc.). Applicants need only one integrated permit to sell various restricted foods on the same online platform, replacing the previous model where a separate application was required for each type of food.

Pet‑Friendly Restaurant Licence Endorsement

The Food Business (Amendment) Regulation which came into effect on 18 May 2026, allows eligible licensed eateries to apply for a “dog access” licence endorsement to become pet‑friendly restaurants. The first‑phase quota is approximately 500–1,000 premises, with an application fee of HK$140. Restaurants must meet floor area requirements (over 20 square metres), must not operate hotpot/grilled meat/teppanyaki, and must comply with a series of operational codes and owner guidelines.

Overview of Food Establishment Licence Types

Depending on your business model and the types of food sold, the type of catering licence you apply for will differ. The common types of food establishment licences in Hong Kong are as follows:

Which food licence should online stores and two‑dish rice shops apply for?

Online stores selling food

With the rise of online shopping, online food stores are increasing. Opening an online food store is not “zero‑threshold” – a licence must also be obtained in accordance with the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) and related legislation:

• Selling restricted foods – such as sashimi, sushi, oysters intended to be eaten raw, etc. – you need to apply for a “Restricted Food Selling Permit (online sale of restricted food)”. From 1 January 2025 onwards, you can apply for the “Integrated Restricted Food Selling Permit” to simplify the process.
• Selling bakery products and other baked goods – such as cakes, bread, etc. – you need to apply for a “Bakery Licence”. If you also deal with cooked food or processed food other than cakes, you will need an additional “Food Factory Licence”.
• Making food yourself and delivering it – if you produce food at home or elsewhere and sell and deliver it through an online store, you must apply for a “Food Factory Licence”.

Two‑dish rice shops / takeaway shops

• Pure takeaway model – if the two‑dish rice shop only offers takeaway service and does not provide dine‑in, you must apply for a “Food Factory Licence” (commonly known as a “takeaway licence”).
• Providing dine‑in service – if the two‑dish rice shop also offers dine‑in service, you need to apply for a “General Restaurant Licence”.
• Temporary operation – if you rent a temporary stall to reheat and sell pre‑cooked food at public events (e.g., exhibitions, concerts), you need to apply for a “Provisional Food Factory Licence”. This licence is valid for up to 7 days and can be renewed once. It only permits reheating of pre‑cooked food; on‑site cooking is not allowed.

Restaurant licence application procedure and required documents

Applying for a restaurant licence generally follows the steps below:

1. Determine the type of restaurant and the licence required – Based on your business model and the types of food sold, choose the appropriate catering licence. You may refer to the FEHD website or consult a licensing consultancy firm.

2. Find a suitable premises – The premises must comply with town planning, lease conditions, and fire safety requirements. It is advisable to check with the FEHD on whether the address is suitable for licensing before signing a tenancy agreement. Special attention: residential leases and industrial leases cannot be used for licensing; if the premises has only one staircase, is a basement restaurant, or has an elderly home/kindergarten/school above, stricter fire safety and ventilation requirements apply.

3. Prepare the required documents – Generally, the following documents are needed:

• Completed restaurant licence application form (available for download on the FEHD website)
• Copy of Business Registration Certificate
• Copy of Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
• Floor plan of the premises (showing kitchen, seating, washrooms, etc.)
• Fire service installation certificate (issued by a registered fire service installation contractor)
• Food handler training certificate (at least one employee must hold one)
• Other relevant documents (depending on the specific case, e.g., a permit for selling restricted food)

4. Submit the application and pay the fee – Submit the documents to the FEHD office and pay the application fee. Submission can be done in person or by post. The FEHD has introduced electronic licensing and online progress enquiry services.

5. Await approval and on‑site inspection – The FEHD will review the documents and inspect the premises’ facilities, hygiene, and fire safety conditions.

Fees and Approval Times for Various Food and Beverage Licenses

Food and beverage license fees vary by type, generally ranging from several thousand to over ten thousand HKD. The approval time is typically 2 to 3 months, but the actual time will vary based on individual circumstances, such as the completeness of the application documents and whether the shop complies with regulations.

*The above are basic application fees. Actual costs may be adjusted depending on the shop’s floor area, district, or other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Food Licence Applications

Q1: Is a washroom mandatory for a food licence application?
A1: According to FEHD regulations, food premises must have adequate sanitary facilities, including washrooms. However, if the premises itself does not have a washroom but the commercial building in which it is located has public toilets available for customers and staff, the FEHD may consider accepting this, provided that the location of the public toilets is clearly indicated within the premises.

Q2: What are the main differences in premises specifications between a General Restaurant Licence and a Light Refreshment Restaurant Licence?
A2: The main differences lie in the food handling area size and kitchen requirements. A General Restaurant Licence requires that the food handling area occupies 10‑25% of the total floor area and is at least 8 square metres, and must have at least one kitchen. A Light Refreshment Restaurant Licence requires that the food handling area occupies 9‑20% of the total floor area and is at least 4.5 square metres, and has no mandatory kitchen requirement.

Q3: What licence is required for an online store selling homemade cakes?
A3: If you only sell baked bread and other bakery products (such as cakes), you need to apply for a “Bakery Licence”. However, if you also deal with cooked food or processed food other than cakes, you will need an additional “Food Factory Licence”.

Q4: What are the application requirements for pet‑friendly restaurants?
A4: Applicants must be licensed food premises, with an area exceeding 20 square metres, and must not operate hotpot/grilled meat/teppanyaki. Upon successful application, operators must comply with operational codes, such as displaying the official “Dog Access” sign at the entrance, and must not cook food for dogs.

Q5: How long does the approval process for a food licence usually take?
A5: The approval process typically takes 2 to 3 months, but the actual time may vary depending on the completeness of application documents, whether the premises meet the requirements, and other specific circumstances.

Important Considerations for Opening a Restaurant

• Premises selection: Must comply with town planning and lease conditions. Residential leases and industrial leases cannot be used for licensing. If the premises has special circumstances (e.g., single staircase, basement, or with a school/elderly home above), stricter fire safety and ventilation requirements apply. It is advisable to consult the FEHD and the Fire Services Department before signing a lease.
• Fire safety and building safety: Ensure the premises comply with the Fire Safety Ordinance and the Buildings Ordinance, such as installing sufficient fire safety equipment and maintaining unobstructed escape routes.
• Environmental hygiene: Keep the premises clean and hygienic, properly dispose of waste and sewage, and prevent rodent and pest infestations.
• Food safety: Strictly comply with food safety and hygiene requirements, such as proper food handling, preventing cross‑contamination, and ensuring staff hold valid food hygiene certificates.
• Licence renewal: Food establishment licences are valid for one year. Renewal procedures must be completed before expiry to avoid penalties for operating with an expired licence.
• Professional assistance: It is advisable to seek professional help, such as lawyers, accountants, interior designers, or licensing consultants, to ensure a smooth application.

Applying for a food establishment licence is an important step in starting a catering business. We hope this article helps you fully understand Hong Kong’s new 2026 food licence regulations and the relevant application procedures and key considerations. With thorough preparation, we wish you a prosperous catering business!

Need help finding the most suitable and cost‑effective industrial, commercial, or shop premises to open a restaurant? Feel free to contact Midland IC&I for enquiries.