Restaurant licenses
in Atlanta, Georgia
Start with the main licenses and permits below. For a checklist based on your own business, tell us what you’re opening and how it will operate.
Researched Sep 2026
About this example
The business is a restaurant located in Atlanta, Georgia, specifically in Fulton County, that prepares and serves food without selling alcohol. It will have W-2 employees and is subject to both state and local licensing requirements.
Requirement labels below refer to this setup. Conditional items depend on additional details.
Authorities researched
Details to confirm before you apply
- What is the specific EHS risk type assigned to this restaurant's menu?
- Will the restaurant operate under a trade name different from its legal name?
- What is the exact employee count at opening for workers' compensation insurance?
- Is the restaurant's location definitively within Atlanta city limits?
- What are the current fees for the City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate?
- What is the current fee schedule for the Atlanta Fire Rescue plan review and inspection?
- Confirm with the responsible agencies whether additional requirements apply in these areas: Federal employer obligations; Workers' compensation coverage; New-hire reporting; Food-handler training rules; Food-manager certification and presence rules; Business personal-property filing or exemption; Zoning or occupancy approval for the premises; Construction permits for the commercial premises. These areas remain unresolved in this guide.
The main licenses and permits
6 of 10- 01Food Service Establishment Permit (Permit to Operate)Fulton County Board of Health, Environmental Health Services · County
The business prepares and serves food to the public at a fixed commercial location, which Georgia defines as a food service establishment that must hold a permit from the county board of health.
RequiredAnnual (annual inspection fee paid each year; permit is not transferable and a new permit is required on change of ownership or relocation). - 02City of Atlanta Occupational Tax CertificateCity of Atlanta Office of Revenue · Atlanta
The restaurant must obtain a city business license to operate legally within Atlanta city limits.
RequiredAnnual (renewal required by March 31 each year) - 03City of Atlanta Grease Management Permit (FOG permit)City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, Grease Management Program · Atlanta
All food service facilities discharging into the city's wastewater collection system must obtain a grease management permit, pay fees, and be available for inspections.
RequiredAnnual (permit renewed annually; renewal required for facility operations) - 04Domestic entity formation (LLC or corporation) with the Georgia Secretary of StateGeorgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division · Georgia
A commercial restaurant with employees and liability exposure should be formed as a separate entity (LLC or corporation) authorized to do business in Georgia.
RequiredAnnual registration due January 1 – April 1 each year; $60 ($50 filing fee + $10 service charge); may be filed up to 3 years in advance - 05Sales and use tax registration (seller's permit)Georgia Department of Revenue · Georgia
The restaurant sells tangible goods (meals) at retail and meets the definition of a 'dealer' under O.C.G.A. 48-8-2, so it must collect and remit Georgia sales tax.
RequiredNo renewal; remains in effect as long as the business exists with no change in ownership or structure - 06Georgia income tax withholding registrationGeorgia Department of Revenue · Georgia
Any business with employees as defined in O.C.G.A. 48-7-100(4) must register for a withholding payroll number.
RequiredNo renewal; remains in effect while the business has employees whose wages are subject to Georgia withholding
This example includes 4 other potential requirements. A report based on your business explains which apply, how to file, published fees and timing, and what to complete first.
Make the checklist yours
Your location, activities, and business structure can change the list. Get a free preview for your business, then decide whether to unlock the full report for $49.
Questions people ask
What city business licenses or registrations should a restaurant in Atlanta check?
Our research identifies City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate, issued by City of Atlanta Office of Revenue, as required. The restaurant must obtain a city business license to operate legally within Atlanta city limits. Check the other city permits in this guide and confirm the requirements for your premises and activities.
How much do licenses and permits cost for a restaurant in Atlanta?
About $110 in published fixed fees, plus variable fees. Several items have fees that depend on your entity type, square footage, or payroll, so the full report lists each fee as the agency publishes it.
What should I do first?
Review Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service (IRS)), then Domestic entity formation (LLC or corporation) with the Georgia Secretary of State (Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division), then Sales and use tax registration (seller's permit) (Georgia Department of Revenue). Confirm each item's applicability and prerequisites before applying; the report provides a suggested order for the full checklist.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a research summary of public requirements published by government agencies, each linked to its official page. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.
Related guides
Researched from official government sources on September 2, 2026 for a typical restaurant. Requirements change and depend on your facts; this page is not legal advice. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.