Business licensing process

First, before even starting a business permit procedure with the local authorities, finding the suitable location for your business if of the utmost importance. Once this decision has been made, a preliminary inspection in the location of the intended property is required. The purpose if this inspection is to review the building permits as well as the property’s compatibility with the local zoning rules. The plans will be drawn by a licensing architect. It is possible that in addition to the plans, you will be required to submit environmental forms and a technical affairs document, according to the business’ type and realm. The final stage, after preparing the plans, is submitting them to the local authority in five signed copies, which include everything the specific authority demanded. Demands vary between authorities. 

Having provided a general description of the application process, it is important to note that we advise consulting with a professional, who is capable of executing this process in the best, most efficient way.

1. Holding a meeting between the business owner/project commissioner and a licensing architect.
2. Arriving in the business in order to review it closely, get acquainted with it and understand how it operates.
3. Summarizing all of the information the architect had collected until that point, and formulating a decision on the best way to move forward.
4. Explaining which licensing process is the most suitable one for the particular business. Discussing necessary requirements and locating chances that must be made (if any).
5. Preparing architectural plans for submission to the relevant authority and bodies, in accordance with the regulations of the authorizing bodies (Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environmental Protection, fire department, police).
6. Filing the business licensing application with the local authority, according to the business’ jurisdiction area.
7. Handling special requests made by the business owner—only after receiving a temporary business licensing permit*—such as a permit for closing off an outdoor area, for chairs and tables, or for working during nighttime.

*Temporary business licensing permit: most local authorities and councils do not advance a temporary permit without the authorization of the fire or police departments.

**A temporary permit is granted for one year, as long as the business does not pose a threat to the public. According to amendment 34 to the Licensing of Business Law, it is possible to extent this permit by another year (for two years total.)

• The food realm, which includes all the business which store food of any kind such as bakeries, cafes, event halls, restaurants, pubs, kiosks, bodegas, pizzerias, ice cream parlors, sandwich bars, snack bars, delis and fish shops.
• Buildings required by law to be licensed such as factories, commercial buildings, workshops, office buildings, supermarkets, colleges, HMOs and movie theaters.
• Each business registered in the Business Licensing Warrant which is subject to licensing such as dental labs, upholsteries, garages, printing houses, carwashes, nail salons and hair salons.  

**Any comments or additional demands from one of the parties involved might lead to further delays.

**This timetable depends on the businessowner’s cooperation with the firm which is handling the procedure, in order to make any requested improvements and operate in accordance with any comments that were given.

***This timetable is only relevant to businesses where the owner meets all required regulations, and after having received the authorizations of the various required bodies.

We specialize in the business licensing process. Our firm has a licensing architect that handles and accompanies all businesses in need of this service. For a price quote and additional information, please contact us at  03-903-3003