Self-assessment tool: open a new business
Enter your business details to find the relevant information, permits and forms that you need.
How to use the tool
- Select in the top tab whether you are opening a new business, taking over an existing business or modifying services or operating hours.
- Tick any options that apply to your business: the type of business, what your business sells or provides, and footpath use.
- Click on “Show results”
Your results will give you advice, forms and guides specific to your business type and activity. You can email or print your results for future reference.
1. Select the main activity
2. Select relevant options within each of the three categories
Type of business
What your business sells or provides
Footpath use
Assessment results
Introduction
To conduct business activities in the City of Melbourne there are a variety of permits, licences and registrations you'll need depending of the type of business.
Building and renovating: Typically, if you are building, renovating, displaying new signage or changing the way you use your property, you may need a planning permit and a building permit or other approvals from council.
Managing waste for your business: Before you open your business, you need to arrange private commercial collection of your waste. In the central city there are also specific requirements for how bins are stored and labelled.
Other permits and licences: You may also need permits or licences from other organisations. For example, if you plan to serve alcohol you'll need a liquor licence from Liquor Control Victoria. Certain businesses (including conveyancers, debt collectors, estate agents, introduction agencies, motor car traders, sex work service providers and travel agents) must obtain a licence from Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Learn more:
Prescribed accommodation business requirements: If you operate a prescribed accommodation business, you must be registered under and comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. Prescribed accommodation businesses include hotels, motels, boarding houses and accommodation facilities. Visit healthcare businesses for more information.
Food business requirements
If you are starting a food business you must contact the City of Melbourne to ensure you comply with the Food Act 1984 requirements. Find out more at Register a food business.
Managing food waste
City of Melbourne does not provide a kerbside bin collection service for food and drink businesses. However, there are five garbage compactors and recycling hubs available in the central business district which can be used by businesses that generate small quantities of waste.
Food business requirements
If you are starting a food business you must contact the City of Melbourne to ensure you comply with the Food Act 1984 requirements. Find out more at Register a food business.
Street trading requirements
City of Melbourne facilitates street trading in the city, covering the selling of goods and services in a public place. We issue permits and provide guidance on activities ranging from long-term flower kiosks to spruiking and busking.
Personal care business requirements
If you operate a personal care or body art business, you must be registered under and comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. Personal care businesses include hairdressing, beauty therapy, tattooing body and ear piercing businesses and any other process involving the penetration of skin. Solaria and massage businesses are not required to be registered under this legislation. Visit healthcare businesses for more information.
Commercial Noise
Noise restrictions may apply to your business whether you are working from commercial or residential premises. As a business owner you are responsible for ensuring that your noise levels are within appropriate limits.
Permit application forms
Food truck or temporary food premises
Food truck or temporary food premises
Pre-packed low-risk food
Fact sheets, fees and guides
Planning and building
Cafe / restaurant or bar
Food truck or temporary food premises
Personal care and body art
Food and drink
Did you know?
Small business grants
We offer small business grants to forward-thinking small businesses currently located or intending to locate within the municipality. Startups and established businesses from any sector are welcome to apply as long as you have a great idea and a sound business proposal that is going to proceed regardless of grant funding.
Building works and public space
Building works can only be carried out between 7am to 7pm (Monday to Friday) or 8am to 3pm (Saturday). Any work outside of these hours requires an out of hours permit, and if you intend to block public space during construction, other permits are required.
Property reports
You can generate a planning property report free of charge at VicPlanOpens in new tab.
Open Data
We offer free access to more than 150 datasetsOpens in new tab, including real-time pedestrian counters and an array of data to help you with your business decisions.
Other useful resources
You can find a range of helpful information in Business Victoria’s comprehensive guide, Start a businessOpens in new tab.
The Australian Government's Guide to starting a businessOpens in new tab will also help you through each step.
Smoke-free dining
Smoking is banned in all City of Melbourne permitted outdoor cafe areas. 'No Smoking' signs must be displayed so customers are reasonably likely to see one or more signs when entering, or from within, the outdoor cafe area.
You can order signs free of charge from Tobacco ReformsOpens in new tab, or by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1300 136 775.
Food truck sites
The City of Melbourne has 16 dedicated food truck sites located across the city. This includes eight permanent sites and eight rotational sites. Permits have been issued until March 2020. Other food truck opportunities exist at markets, events, festivals or privately managed public space at Queen Victoria MarketOpens in new tab, Federation SquareOpens in new tab and State Library of VictoriaOpens in new tab.
Event permits
If you are organising a public or private event in any of City of Melbourne's public spaces, you may need an event permit.
Liquor licences in the Capital City Zone
Restaurant and cafe liquor licences in the Capital City Zone are exempt from the requirement for a planning permit for the sale and consumption of liquor. Visit Liquor enquiries for more information.
Need more assistance?
Contact us on 9658 9658 (press 1 for business) between 7.30am and 6pm Monday to Friday, or request an appointment with our Business Concierge team for further support and advice.
Business Concierge
Our team provides support and advice on how to start or grow your business.
Investing in Melbourne
Our team can help you unlock your business potential in Melbourne.
