Catering Business Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Verified 2026-09-02 6 stops $500–$1,300 est. 3–8 weeks to obtain all permits, pass inspection, and complete certifications
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Georgia

3 stops

  1. Georgia Food Safety Certificate

    Georgia requires at least one certified food safety manager per food service establishment. The manager must pass an ANSI-accredited food safety manager exam (ServSafe, Prometric, etc.). Georgia Environmental Health inspectors verify certification during inspections.

    Official government source

    $80–$150 (course + exam)1–2 days

  2. Georgia Sales Tax Registration

    Catering services are taxable in Georgia (as sales of prepared food, a tangible product). Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration. The combined sales tax rate in Atlanta (Fulton County) is 8.9% (4% state plus Fulton County, City of Atlanta MARTA/MOST, and other local option taxes).

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  3. Food Service Establishment Permit (Georgia DPH Rule 511-6-1, issued by the county)

    Georgia does not issue a separate state food service license. The Department of Public Health writes the Food Service Rules and Regulations, Chapter 511-6-1 (effective 11/1/2015, revised 2/12/2025 to adopt the 2022 FDA Food Code), and the county board of health issues and enforces the permit. Catering establishments are expressly within the definition of a food service establishment, so a caterer operating in Atlanta needs one permit, from Fulton County Environmental Health Services - there is no second GDPH permit.

    Official government source

    No state fee. The permit fee is set and collected by the county board of health and is published with the Fulton County Food Service Permit application.Plan review, application, and an inspection by county environmental health before opening.

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

2 stops

  1. Fulton County Board of Health — Food Service Permit

    Caterers operating in Atlanta and Fulton County must obtain a Food Service Permit from the Fulton County Board of Health, Environmental Health Division. A pre-opening inspection of the catering kitchen is required, and caterers must operate from a permitted commercial kitchen or commissary. Contact Fulton County Environmental Health at (770) 520-7500 (serves the Central, North, and South district offices).

    Official government source

    Fees vary by category/risk level; not published online -- confirm with Fulton County Environmental Health at (770) 520-75002–6 weeks (application, plan review, and inspection)

  2. City of Atlanta Business License

    All businesses operating within Atlanta city limits must obtain a business license from the Atlanta Office of Revenue. Apply online through the Atlanta City portal.

    Official government source

    For tax year 2026: $191 annual registration fee + $50 flat tax + $25 per employee (first employee exempt) + a gross-receipts tax of (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 x the NAICS tax-class rate. The registration fee was $75 for tax year 2025 and prior. Source: Atlanta Municipal Code Sec. 30-62 / Office of Revenue fee page.1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,300 · 3–8 weeks to obtain all permits, pass inspection, and complete certifications

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