Food Safety Authority permits

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.

• Learn more about street vending

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.

- Learn more about lodging establishments

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.

• Learn more about Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority