A restaurant or cloud kitchen needs an FSSAI registration or licence for each kitchen address. Under the 2026 rules, a kitchen with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore needs Registration, up to ₹50 crore a State licence, and above ₹50 crore a Central licence. Licences no longer expire, but the annual fee must be paid every year.
Which licence for a restaurant or cloud kitchen
| Annual turnover of the kitchen | FSSAI type (from 1 April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹1.5 crore | Registration |
| Above ₹1.5 crore, up to ₹50 crore | State licence |
| Above ₹50 crore | Central licence |
Most single restaurants and cloud kitchens fall under Registration or a State licence. Check the exact kind of business on FoSCoS, because some activities need a higher licence at any turnover.
One licence per kitchen, not per brand
The licence is tied to the premises. A cloud kitchen running several virtual brands from one address needs one registration or licence for that address, with the food categories covered. A chain with five kitchens needs five registrations or licences, one for each address. Opening a new kitchen means a new application before you start.
Food Safety Supervisors
Licensed food businesses need at least one trained and certified Food Safety Supervisor for every 25 food handlers, or part thereof, at each premises. For restaurants and cloud kitchens the relevant FoSTaC course is a catering course. See FoSTaC training and supervisor rules for restaurants.
Documents you will usually need
- Photo identity and address proof of the owner, partners or directors
- Proof of possession of the kitchen (rent agreement or ownership)
- List of food categories you prepare
- For a licence: kitchen layout, equipment list and a food safety management plan
- For a licence: water analysis report where water is used in food preparation
Other permissions
FSSAI registration is only one of the permissions a food-service business needs. Local municipal trade, shop and establishment, fire and, in some cities, eating-house permissions are separate and depend on the city.
After you get it
- Display the licence number at the premises and on your delivery-app listings.
- Pay the annual fee on time; an unpaid fee means the licence is deemed suspended.
- Apply for modification when you add food categories or change the premises details.
Not sure which applies to you? Use the FSSAI licence checker or see FSSAI consultants by city.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate FSSAI licence for each brand in my cloud kitchen?
No. The registration or licence is for the kitchen premises. One address with several brands needs one registration or licence covering the food categories you prepare.
Do I need a new FSSAI licence for a new outlet?
Yes. Each premises needs its own registration or licence, so a new outlet or kitchen needs its own application.
Does my restaurant still need FSSAI renewal?
No. Since March 2026, licences stay valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered. The annual fee must still be paid every year.