Restaurant Registration in Pakistan

You’ll need several licenses, including:
A food license from the provincial food authority (e.g., Punjab Food Authority or Sindh Food Authority)
A trade license from your local municipal authority
A health certificate from the health department
A fire safety certificate Additional registrations like NTN from the FBR and PRA (if applicable) are also essential to legally operate.

Registration costs vary depending on the business structure and location. On average, obtaining licenses and fulfilling initial legal requirements may cost around PKR 50,000 to PKR 100,000. However, costs may increase depending on additional permits and provincial requirements.

The registration process can take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of your business structure and the responsiveness of authorities. Obtaining an NTN is usually quick, but acquiring health, food, and trade licenses may take additional time as they involve inspections and verification.

Opening a restaurant in a residential area is generally restricted in Pakistan, as residential zones are not designated for commercial activity. You must check with local municipal authorities for zoning laws. Some areas may permit home-based food businesses with specific licenses, but larger establishments typically need to be in commercial areas.

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) enforces food safety and hygiene regulations for restaurants in Punjab. To operate legally, restaurants must obtain a food license from PFA, undergo regular inspections, and meet quality standards. Non-compliance can lead to fines, closures, or cancellation of the license.

Yes, you need to register your restaurant with the FBR and obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) to comply with income tax requirements. Restaurants also need to register with the PRA or Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) if they charge sales tax on services in Punjab or Sindh.

A health certificate is usually issued by the local health department after they inspect your restaurant for compliance with sanitation and hygiene standards. You can contact your local health department to apply, and they will guide you through the requirements and schedule an inspection.

Yes, a fire safety certificate is generally required for restaurants. The fire department conducts inspections to ensure that the restaurant premises meet fire safety standards, including having fire extinguishers, clear exit routes, and emergency response measures.

While not mandatory, trademarking your restaurant’s name and logo with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO) is highly recommended. This protects your brand identity legally and prevents others from using similar names or logos.

Yes, foreign nationals can own restaurants in Pakistan, but they must follow additional requirements. These may include registering with the Board of Investment (BOI) for foreign investments, meeting minimum capital requirements, and obtaining a work permit if they plan to manage the restaurant directly.

Annual requirements include renewing trade and food licenses, filing tax returns with the FBR, and undergoing periodic inspections by the food authority. Some provinces may also require renewal of health and fire safety certifications.

Yes, registered restaurants may qualify for tax benefits, especially those operating under the SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) category. These businesses often have reduced tax rates and are eligible for various government incentives if compliant with tax laws.

To renew your food license, contact the relevant provincial food authority before it expires. The process usually requires an inspection to ensure ongoing compliance with food safety standards. After the inspection, you may need to pay a renewal fee for license issuance.