How do I get a street vending permit?

Opening hours

The standard processing time for market vending by individuals is 1 week, but it can take up to 2 months for daytime and nighttime vending, district vending, and summer vending.

Make sure to include all the required documentation, or your application may be dismissed.

Table of fees

The permit fee is determined by a schedule of fees which is revised annually.

The rental fee is charged through the applicant's online bank.

It is mandatory to pay the permit fee for the market vending of individuals before signing the contract. The permit fee for daytime and nighttime vending must be paid within 30 days of the permit being issued. If payment is not received within that time, the vending area will be re-allocated.

Note that the permit fee is not refundable after a permit has been issued.

Permit conditions

The main conditions for a street vending permit are the following:

  • The safety and accessibility of pedestrians must be ensured and a path of at least 1.5 m must be unobstructed on the sidewalk.
  • Unrestricted access to first responders must be ensured.
  • The vending area must be kept clean and returned tidy.
  • Waste must be sorted and disposed of at a recycling center.
  • Street vending permits may not be transferred or subleased.
  • The permit holder may not engage in street and square vending anywhere other than provided for in the permit. The permit certificate must be visible in vending facilities.
  • Vending facilities must be removed from the vending area at the close of business.
  • The distance from the entrance of the nearest operator with a comparable product shall be at least 20 m in the city center and 50 m within district areas.
  • Care must be taken to ensure that vending activities are in harmony with the local environment and comply with rules regarding noise and light pollution.
  • Other necessary permits, such as authorization from the Public Health Authority for the sale of foodstuffs, must be obtained.
  • The permit holder must take care of snow removal and ice clearing in the immediate vicinity of the vending area.
  • The permit holder must return the municipal land in the same condition it was before the activities. If there is damage to municipal land, it will be repaired by the City of Reykjavík at the permit holder's expense.

If the permit conditions are not met, Reykjavík City may, following a warning, have the vending facilities removed and clear the area at the expense of the permit holder and revoke the permit.

Inquiries and suggestions can be sent to the email address torgsala@reykjavik.is