Before applying for a work permit
Operators must apply for an operating permit from the Public Health Authority of Reykjavík before operations begin.
Reykjavík Public Health issues operating permits for the following businesses
- Food production and distribution businesses under Act No. 93/1995 on Foodstuffs
- Businesses that can cause pollution according to Act No. 7/1998 on Health and Pollution Control
- Services provided to the public related to industries and institutions under Act No. 7/1998 on Hygiene and Pollution Prevention
Operators must apply for an operating permit from the Public Health Authority of Reykjavík before operations begin.
Business license
Operators of lodging establishments or restaurants must also apply for a business license from the district commissioner in the capital area, unless otherwise specified by law (see table below).
Those planning to operate home-based lodging, as per Act No. 85/2007 on Restaurants, Lodging Establishments, and Entertainment, with subsequent amendments, and Regulation No. 1277/2016 on Restaurants, Lodging Establishments, and Entertainment, must register their business with the district commissioner in the capital area or on a central website managed by the commissioner.
Usage permit
When applying for a permit for a food cart, booth, or food market, the applicant needs a street vending permit from Reykjavík City's Department of Environment & Planning.
Which permit do I need?
| Business / Activity | Reykjavík Public Health operating permit | District commissioner business license | Registration / notification requirement | Street and square sales permits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (including dining establishments, fast food outlets, bars, cafes, event halls, and catering services) | X | X (only restaurants serving alcohol in categories II and III) | ||
| Lodging establishments (including hotels, guesthouses, homestays, apartment rentals) | X (not for homestay) | X (not for homestay) | Homestay (maximum of 90 days per calendar year) | |
| Grocery stores | X | |||
| Import and sale of dietary supplements | X | |||
| Wholesale of food products | X | |||
| Wholesale food distribution | X | |||
| Cafeteria | X | |||
| Food transport and distribution centers | X | |||
| Convenience stores (kiosks) | X | |||
| Water distribution | X | |||
| Food carts | X | X | ||
| Food stalls / markets | X | X | ||
| Producers and/or importers of food contact materials | X | |||
| Vegetable producers | X (cultivation, packaging, and other processing) | X (cultivation only) |
Official statements for business licenses
The Food Safety Authority provides official statements to the district commissioner in the capital area for issuing business licenses to restaurants and lodging establishments according to Act No. 85/2007.
The licensing department of the district commissioner in the capital area, phone 458 2000, provides detailed information about business licenses. Reykjavík Public Health charges an hourly fee for work on official statements for temporary permits. The hourly rate follows the current fee schedule of Reykjavík Public Health.