Food Safety Authority permits
The Food Safety Authority issues operating permits to companies that produce or distribute food, as well as to lodging establishments.
Please note that restaurants need two permits: an operating permit under food legislation and registration under public health legislation.
Operating permit proposals for lodging establishments must be posted for 4 weeks under public health legislation. Reykjavík Public Health then has up to 4 weeks to review any comments received.
Before you apply
Business operators must apply for an operating permit from Reykjavík Public Health. For restaurants, you must also apply for registration with the Environment and Energy Agency before starting operations. Before applying for a permit, applicants must obtain confirmation from the Building Commissioner that their premises and operations comply with planning requirements and building regulations. The applicant must also verify that the premises and the operations they intend to conduct comply with the most recently approved building plans.
- Which permit do I need?
- Apply for Building Commissioner confirmation
- Apply for an operating permit
- Apply for restaurant registration
What is the process?
The application will be processed once a complete application for a permit has been received from an operator along with all required supporting documents — including information about the operator, description of activities and their scope, details about internal monitoring systems, confirmation from the Building Commissioner, and any other documentation requested by the health inspector. Please note that application processing will not begin until Reykjavík Public Health has received all required documentation.
The permit process includes an on-site inspection of the applicant's facility to evaluate operations, food safety systems (internal controls), food information, premises, equipment, and more.
Operating permit proposals for lodging establishments must be posted for four weeks on the public health authority's website. The public health authority then has up to 4 weeks to review any comments received. During this review period, anyone may submit substantive comments regarding the proposal to heilbrigdiseftirlit@reykjavik.is.
After the public notice period (when applicable), the application is submitted to Reykjavík Public Health's permit review meeting for final decision. Permit Review Meetings are held weekly on Thursdays.
How do I get issued an operating permit?
The public health authority sends a notification of permit approval with an invoice for the permit. The operating permit takes effect when the invoice has been paid. The permit letter is then sent to the permit holder. It is prohibited to start operations requiring a permit before the permit has taken effect.
Usage permit for street vending
Applicants for operating permits for food trucks, food stalls or food markets may need a use permit from Reykjavík's Department of Environment & Planning.
Lodging establishments
Lodging establishments offer accommodations for a maximum of 30 consecutive days for a fee, such as in hotels, guesthouses, lodges, apartments, and summer houses, with or without meals.
Meat processors, dairies, and fish processors
The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority generally oversees meat processors, dairies, and fish processors. Direct all inquiries about these businesses to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority.
Reporting businesses
Reykjavík Public Health oversees reporting food businesses, including vegetable producers who only grow their products (primary producers) but packaging and other processing occur at facilities by the Public Health Committee. Primary production also includes wild plant harvesting.
Manufacturers and importers of food contact materials must notify Reykjavík Public Health of their operations. Food contact materials include packaging, containers, utensils, equipment, tableware, and their components. Manufacturers and importers of food contact materials who distribute food need an operating license.
For more information on food contact materials, visit the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority website. The website also lists relevant laws and regulations.
A form to notify Reykjavík Public Health about primary producers and food contact material businesses is in development.
Fees apply for notification and inspection according to Reykjavík Public Health's current fee schedule.
Reykjavík Public Health
For inquiries, suggestions, or complaints, please use the form available on My Pages.
- Email: heilbrigðiseftirlit@reykjavik.is
- Borgartún 12, 105 Reykjavík
- Phone 411 1111