Catering Business Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Minnesota Department of Agriculture Catering Establishment License

   The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) may require a catering establishment license for caterers operating across multiple counties or selling packaged food products. MDA licensing covers food safety compliance and includes a facility inspection.

   Official government source

   $100–$300/year·2–4 weeks

   $100–$300/year

   2–4 weeks

2. Food Safety Manager Certification

   Minnesota requires at least one certified food protection manager per catering establishment. The certification is obtained through an accredited exam (ServSafe or equivalent). All staff handling food must comply with Minnesota food handler training requirements.

   Official government source

   $100–$200 (exam and certification)·1–4 weeks

   $100–$200 (exam and certification)

   1–4 weeks

3. Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration

   All formal business entities operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. An LLC is strongly recommended for catering businesses due to liability exposure at events.

   Official government source

   $155 (LLC filing fee)·1–2 weeks

   $155 (LLC filing fee)

   1–2 weeks

4. Minnesota Department of Revenue Sales Tax License

   Catering services in Minnesota are generally subject to sales tax. Caterers must register for a sales tax license with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and collect and remit applicable state and local sales taxes on taxable services.

   Official government source

   Free·1 week

   Free

   1 week

1. Hennepin County Environmental Health Catering License

   Hennepin County Environmental Health issues catering establishment licenses for businesses that prepare food off-site and transport it to events in Hennepin County. A licensed commissary kitchen is required — catering from a home kitchen is not permitted. Annual inspections and renewal are required, with fees based on the risk level of food operations.

   Official government source

   $300–$450/year·2–4 weeks

   $300–$450/year

   2–4 weeks

2. City of Minneapolis Business License

   The City of Minneapolis Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI) requires a business license for catering companies operating in Minneapolis. The license must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $50–$150/year·1–2 weeks

   $50–$150/year

   1–2 weeks

3. Commissary Kitchen Agreement

   Hennepin County requires caterers to operate from a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation, storage, and equipment cleaning. A signed commissary agreement must be provided to Hennepin County Environmental Health as part of the licensing application.

   Official government source

   $300–$800/month (commissary rental)·Arranged before licensing

   $300–$800/month (commissary rental)

   Arranged before licensing

Official Sources

• Hennepin County Environmental Health — Food Businesses
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture — Food Licensing
• City of Minneapolis — Business Licenses
• Minnesota Department of Revenue — Sales Tax

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