Catering Business Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA
Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Louisiana
2 stopsLouisiana Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration
Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Louisiana. Louisiana's state sales tax rate is 4.45%. Louisiana has a complex tax structure with local parish sales taxes that can bring the total rate to 8–12%. Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and separately with each applicable parish.
Official government sourceFree1–5 business days (online)
Free
1–5 business days (online)
Louisiana Department of Health — Certified Food Protection Manager Requirement
Louisiana requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Must pass an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe.
Official government source$80–$1501–2 days
$80–$150
1–2 days
City of New Orleans / Orleans Parish
2 stopsOrleans Parish / New Orleans Catering / Food Service Establishment License
Catering businesses operating out of New Orleans must obtain a Food Service Establishment License from the local health department. This requires a licensed commercial kitchen (commissary) and an on-site inspection.
Official government source$200–$500/year2–6 weeks
$200–$500/year
2–6 weeks
City of New Orleans Bureau of Revenue / Department of Safety and Permits — Business License
New Orleans requires a City Business License (Annual Business Tax) and a Certificate of Occupancy for all businesses. The Bureau of Revenue handles business taxes; the Department of Safety and Permits handles occupancy and zoning. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.
Official government source$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues
1–3 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $500–$1,500 · 4–8 weeks
Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?
Official Sources
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