Business Licensing Service

How to Apply for a Food & Beverage License in Thailand

We assist food and beverage businesses in obtaining the proper license in Thailand so they can operate legally and comply with public health, hygiene, and safety standards.

Introduction

Businesses that prepare, sell, or distribute food and beverages in Thailand are required to obtain a Food & Beverage License from the relevant local authorities before commencing operations. This license ensures that food establishments meet public health, hygiene, and safety standards set by Thai regulations.

Food and beverage businesses such as restaurants, cafés, bakeries, food stalls, catering services, and food manufacturing facilities must obtain approval from the local Municipality or District Office, and in certain cases, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Obtaining the correct license is an essential step for operating legally and ensuring compliance with food safety laws in Thailand.

UnionSPACE Corporate Services assists entrepreneurs and business owners with the preparation and submission of Food & Beverage License applications, helping businesses meet regulatory requirements and begin operations smoothly.

The Scope

01
Business eligibility and license type assessment

We review the nature of the food business and identify the correct license category, based on the business model, operations, and applicable regulatory requirements.

02
Premises and health compliance

We assess whether the premises meet required sanitation, kitchen, ventilation, storage, waste disposal, and safety standards before application submission.

03
Preparing and submitting the application

We assist in preparing the required documentation, completing government forms, coordinating with local health officers, and submitting the application to the relevant local authority.

04
License approval and issuance

Once approved, the business receives its official Food & Beverage License, allowing legal preparation and sale of food and beverages in Thailand, subject to renewal and ongoing compliance requirements.

Common food and beverage establishments that require licensing

Restaurants and cafés

Dining establishments serving prepared meals, beverages, and on-site customer service.

Bakeries and dessert shops

Businesses preparing and selling baked goods, desserts, pastries, and related food products.

Food stalls and takeaway outlets

Small-format food businesses that prepare or sell ready-to-eat food for takeaway or quick service.

Catering businesses

Food service providers preparing and delivering food for corporate, private, or event-based functions.

Beverage shops and juice bars

Businesses focused on drinks, juices, smoothies, coffee, tea, and related beverage offerings.

Food manufacturing or processing businesses

Operations involved in producing, processing, or packaging food products for distribution or sale.

Premises and health compliance requirements

Proper kitchen and food preparation areas

The premises should include suitable and hygienic areas for food preparation, cooking, and service operations.

Ventilation and waste disposal systems

Adequate ventilation and proper waste management systems are commonly required for health and sanitation compliance.

Clean water and sanitation facilities

The establishment should have a safe water supply and proper sanitation facilities for staff and operations.

Food storage and safety standards

Food storage facilities should be appropriate for maintaining hygiene, temperature control, and safe handling of ingredients.

Building safety and fire compliance

The premises should also comply with applicable building safety and fire prevention requirements.

Health and safety inspections

Local authorities may conduct inspections before approval to verify compliance with health and operational standards.

What we typically need from the client

Company registration documents

If the business is operated through a company, we usually require the company registration set.

Identification documents

Identification documents of the business owner, directors, or other responsible persons.

Company affidavit and shareholder list

Latest corporate records confirming the business structure and authorized persons.

Premises documents

Lease agreement or proof of ownership, together with the layout plan of the restaurant, kitchen, or operating area.

Photographs of the premises

Photos of the food business location, kitchen facilities, and operational setup are typically required.

Operational description and permits

Description of food and beverage activities and any existing business permits, if already available.

Additional documentation may be requested depending on the type of food establishment and local authority requirements.

Deliverables

Official Food & Beverage License

License issued by the relevant Municipality or District Office authorizing lawful food and beverage operations.

Confirmation of legal business operation

Confirmation that the business is legally authorized to prepare and sell food and beverages in Thailand.

Renewal and compliance guidance

Practical guidance on ongoing compliance requirements and annual license renewal procedures.

Ongoing Compliance

Maintaining hygiene and sanitation standards

Businesses must keep food preparation, storage, and service areas clean and compliant with public health requirements.

Proper food handling and storage procedures

Food must be handled, stored, and managed in accordance with applicable safety and sanitation standards.

Health inspections by local authorities

Businesses must allow inspections and comply with directions issued by health or local regulatory officers.

Annual renewal and continued compliance

The license must generally be renewed each year, and the business must continue meeting applicable sanitation and safety standards.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the license.

Service Fee

Application Fee for F&B License varies

Contact Us

Typical timeline

Estimated timeframe Approximately 2-4 weeks
Possible delay factors Additional inspections or approvals

Consult With Our License & Permit Team

Our multilingual team is ready to assist you.

Thank you Ton for your excellent service and for the step by step guide and genuine support to our company when you are applying for our tourism license.

Saul Goodman

Ceo & Founder

We like your professionalism and the way in keeping us updated with the whole process. We are delighted that we have chosen Unionspace to process our FDA application.

Sara Wilsson

Entrepreneur

Although applying for a factory license takes about 6 months, we understand it is not your fault. You guys keep up on your end of commitment and that is rare in Thailand. Thank you unionspace.

Jena Karlis

Store Owner

You helped us obtain our hotel license in only 3 months. That is quick. We also like to commend you on your flawless execution.

Matt Brandon

CEO

Your multilingual support works perfectly for us as we all came from different country. We thank you for your support in applying for our business license.

Kimn

Entrepreneur