Planning to open a cloud kitchen in India?
Well, Cloud Kitchens don’t really need heavy investments initially and you can actually kickstart your business quite early. However, don’t forget to apply for all the necessary cloud kitchen licenses required before you invest in anything major. Certain licenses are compulsory for all kinds of food businesses in India, and cloud kitchens are no exception.
With the latest state and central e-portals, applying for most licenses is faster and more transparent than before, but knowing the right steps and documents beforehand is still critical. Therefore, here we are with a guide for your rescue.
While obtaining all necessary licenses like FSSAI, Health & Trade, Fire Safety, and GST registration is critical, managing these through integrated digital solutions ensures smoother renewals, compliance tracking, and reduces risk of penalties. Solutions like Petpooja’s platform help cloud kitchens stay on top of statutory requirements without manual hassle.
Why Digital License Management Matters in 2025
Beyond just obtaining licenses, cloud kitchen owners today need to track renewal dates, maintain compliance documents, and stay updated with law changes. Many successful operators now use integrated digital compliance tools to store documents, set renewal reminders, and link license info with daily operations software. Platforms like Petpooja integrate license tracking, GST reporting, and vendor management alongside POS and inventory, making day-to-day management faster and error‑free.
Let’s See All The Licenses You Need To Open The Best Cloud Kitchen Business In India
1. FSSAI
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Restaurants need an FSSAI license in order to make sure that their cloud kitchen’s food standards meet the standards set by the authority of India. It also serves as a certificate of trust for your customers that the food served is safe and consumable. It doesn’t matter what restaurant type or locality your restaurant is in, you need to get an FSSAI license mandatorily.
FSSAI licensing now emphasizes transparency and accountability with online application portals and digital document management. Early application and proper documentation are key to avoiding delays.
Documents required for FSSAI License
For basic registration
- Form B – completed and signed
- Rent agreement or any proof of possession of premises
- List of food products served
- Food safety management system plan
- Photo Identity of FBO
- Partnership Deed / Certificate of Incorporation / Articles of Association etc.
For state registration
- Signed Form B
- List of Directors/ Partners/Proprietors with address, contact details and photo ID
- Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
- Proof of possession of premises
- Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
- List of food categories served
- Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
- NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
- Authority letter from the manufacturer nominated a responsible person’s name and address
- Analysis report of water that is going to be used
- Food safety management system plan or certificate
- Copy of certificate obtained under the Coop Act 1861/Multistate Coop Act 2002
For central registration
As of 2023, all FSSAI license and registration applications, whether Basic, State, or Central, must be submitted through the official online portal, Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).
The required documents for central registration can be uploaded directly on FoSCoS.
Physical submissions are generally no longer accepted, except in rare cases where the regional authority requests verification. Always apply online first and track your application status via the portal.
2. Health and Trade License
You need Health and Trade license for your cloud kitchen business to make sure you adhere to the hygiene concerns laid out by the health department. It makes sure that you achieve the necessary benchmark in the safety and hygiene levels at your particular Food Business.
Documents required for Health & Trade License:
- Ownership proof (sale deed/lease/rent agreement)
- NOC from landlord (if applicable)
- Indemnity bond
- Utility bill (electricity/water)
- Approved site plan
- Sewerage connection proof
- Hygiene/safety declaration (if required by local authorities)
Most major cities now offer online application for Health & Trade License; check your municipal corporation’s portal for specifics.
3. Fire Safety License
The purpose of a Fire Safety License is basically to protect your employees and property from any kind of danger caused due to fire hazards. It is a precautionary process to ensure fire safety in your cloud kitchen business so that you can deal with any incendiary crisis effectively.
Therefore, you need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department of your state for your cloud kitchen operations.
Applications for Fire Safety License (Fire NOC) can now be made online through your state’s fire department portal or designated municipal e-governance site. Requirements usually include:
- Approved building/site plan
- Building completion/occupancy certificate
- List of installed fire safety equipment
- Declaration of compliance with local fire safety norms
Check your state’s official portal or use all-India compliance guides for details.
4. Shop and Establishment License
This license of Shop and Establishment License was introduced to monitor and regulate work conditions and to protect the rights of employees in an unorganized sector of employment under the Indian Labor Law.
Under this act, a cloud kitchen business owner needs to disclose the following things:
- The working hours of your cloud kitchen business
- Opening & closing hours
- Break time of employees
- Health and safety measures
- National and religious holidays
- Wages for overtime work
It is also mandatory to register the shop or establishment within 30 days of commencement of work.
Documents Required For The Shop And Establishment Act License
- Pan Card of the Proprietor/Partners/Directors of the company
- Id and Address Proof of the Proprietor/Partners/Directors of the company
- Address Proof of the proprietor/Partners/Directors of the company
- Details of the Employees
5. GST Registration
Any and all restaurants with a turnover of INR 20 lakhs and above need a GST registration by law. Moreover, restaurants in special category state will require GST registration for their restaurant if turnover crosses INR 10 lakhs and more.
As of 2025, GST registration is mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover of ₹20 lakh or more (₹10 lakh for North-Eastern and hill states).
Businesses below this threshold can still opt for voluntary GST registration. Advantages include eligibility to claim input tax credit, offering GST invoices to customers, and gaining supplier trust.
Restaurants who does not have a GST registration cannot charge GST to the customers on their bill.
Documents required for GST registration
- Photograph of the cloud kitchen business owner/managing partners/proprietor
- Partnership deed (in case of partnership firm)
- Electricity bill of the restaurant
- Tax receipt of the restaurant
- Copy of NOC
- Rent agreement (in case of rent)
- Bank statement/passbook
Apart from these licenses, you should also make sure you have the following clearances as well to be on the safer side:
- Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC)
- Prevention of Food and Adulteration Act Clearance Certificate (PFA)
- Night Operations License (if required)
To save yourself from any legal penalties or scrutinies make sure you have all the applicable licenses and clearances before time.
Staying License-Compliant the Smart Way
With multiple licenses to manage, from FSSAI to GST, it’s easy to miss a renewal date or compliance update. Using an integrated restaurant management platform lets you store license copies, track expiry dates, and align compliance with your daily POS, payroll, and purchase operations. This not only avoids penalties but also builds long-term trust with your customers and regulators.
Conclusion
Starting a cloud kitchen in India is an exciting opportunity, but it comes with a critical responsibility, ensuring that all the right licenses and legal registrations are in place before operations begin.
From FSSAI and Health & Trade licenses to Fire Safety NOC, Shop & Establishment registration, and GST compliance, each requirement plays a role in building trust, ensuring safety, and keeping your business on the right side of the law.
Thanks to state and central online licensing portals, the process is now faster and more transparent than before, but it still demands proper documentation, timely renewals, and regular compliance checks.
By staying updated with the latest regulations and using digital tools to track your licenses, cloud kitchen owners can avoid penalties and focus on what matters most, delivering great food and growing their business.
Hope this helps you in applying for necessary licenses and your cloud kitchen business planning. Want to read more about cloud kitchen? Click here.
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Yes, you must have essential licenses such as FSSAI, Health & Trade License, Fire NOC (if required), Shop & Establishment License, and GST Registration (based on turnover) before you start operations. This ensures legal compliance and smooth business functioning.
Timelines vary depending on the license type, basic registrations can take 7–15 days, while State or Central licenses may take 30–60 days. Applying online via the FoSCoS portal and submitting complete documentation can speed up the process.
It depends on your kitchen’s size, state regulations, and building type. Many states require even small food businesses to obtain a Fire NOC if the premises handle gas cooking or electrical equipment.
Operating without necessary licenses can result in fines, legal action, closure orders, and loss of customer trust. Authorities such as the FSSAI have the power to penalize and shut down non-compliant food businesses.
You can maintain a digital calendar, set reminders, or use integrated business management platforms that include compliance tracking as part of their features, ensuring you don’t miss a renewal date or fall out of compliance.
