Types of Food Establishment Licenses in Bangkok

There are two types of food establishment licenses in Bangkok, a restaurant license and a food vendor license. A restaurant license is required for food establishments that have seating, while a food vendor license is required for establishments that do not have seating. It is important to obtain the correct license for your food establishment to avoid any legal issues.

Requirements for Obtaining a Food Establishment License in Bangkok

To obtain a food establishment license in Bangkok, you will need to follow certain steps and provide specific documentation. The following is a list of requirements for obtaining a food establishment license in Bangkok:

Business Registration - First, you will need to register your business with the Department of Business Development (DBD) in Thailand. This can be done either in person or online, and the cost is approximately ฿3,000-฿5,000.

Food Safety Certification - Next, you will need to obtain a food safety certification from the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand. This can be obtained by attending a food safety training course, which costs approximately ฿1,500-฿2,500.

Building and Fire Safety - You will also need to obtain a building and fire safety certificate from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). This involves having your establishment inspected to ensure that it meets the necessary safety requirements, such as having fire extinguishers and emergency exits.

Health Inspection - A health inspection will also need to be conducted by the Ministry of Public Health to ensure that your establishment meets the necessary health standards.

Work Permit - If you are a foreigner, you will also need to obtain a work permit in Thailand before you can apply for a food establishment license.

Costs of Obtaining a Food Establishment License in Bangkok

The costs of obtaining a food establishment license in Bangkok can vary depending on the type of establishment and the specific requirements. However, the following is a rough estimate of the costs involved:

Business registration: ฿3,000-฿5,000

Food safety certification: ฿1,500-฿2,500

Building and fire safety certificate: ฿2,000-฿5,000

Health inspection: ฿1,500-฿2,500

Work permit (for foreigners): ฿2,000-฿4,000

Additional Options for Foreigners

If you are a foreigner looking to open a food establishment in Bangkok, there are a few additional options to consider. One option is to partner with a Thai national who can act as the majority shareholder of the business. This will allow you to obtain a food establishment license without the need for a work permit.

Another option is to apply for a business visa in Thailand, which allows you to stay in the country for a longer period of time and conduct business activities. This can be useful if you plan to spend an extended period of time in Bangkok to oversee your food establishment.

Obtaining a food establishment license in Bangkok, Thailand, is a necessary step for anyone looking to open a food establishment in the city. While the process can be complex and require a significant investment of time and money, it is important to ensure that your establishment meets the necessary safety and health standards.