Catering Business Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

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. Oregon Department of Agriculture Food Establishment License

   Catering businesses in Oregon are licensed by the county public health department where they are based (under Oregon Health Authority food sanitation rules) — this applies statewide, not only in Multnomah County. An Oregon Department of Agriculture license (retail, bakery, or food processing) is needed only if you also manufacture or sell packaged food products. Note: catering from a home/domestic kitchen is not allowed under Oregon law; a licensed commercial kitchen is required.

   Official government source

   Varies by county and license type — verify with your county health department and ODA·2–4 weeks

   Varies by county and license type — verify with your county health department and ODA

   2–4 weeks

2. Oregon Food Handler Cards

   Oregon requires all food service workers to obtain a food handler card within 30 days of beginning work. Cards are issued after passing an approved food safety test (online or through your local county environmental health office), cost $10, are valid for three years, and are honored statewide. Oregon has no sales tax on food sales.

   Official government source

   $10 per person (valid 3 years)·Same day (online exam available)

   $10 per person (valid 3 years)

   Same day (online exam available)

3. Oregon Secretary of State Business Registration

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

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC filing fee)·1–2 weeks

   $100 (LLC filing fee)

   1–2 weeks

1. Multnomah County Environmental Health - Food Service (Catering) License

   Caterers in Portland are licensed by Multnomah County Environmental Health as food service establishments and must prepare food in a licensed commercial kitchen - a home kitchen is not sufficient. Expect a plan review for a new kitchen and unannounced routine inspections. Confirm your exact license classification (restaurant vs. limited service) with the county at 503-988-3400.

   Official government source

   Restaurant-category license: $970/year for 0-15 seats; $890/year limited service (2026 fees; ~6% higher in 2027). Plan review for a new kitchen: $1,265.·2–4 weeks

   Restaurant-category license: $970/year for 0-15 seats; $890/year limited service (2026 fees; ~6% higher in 2027). Plan review for a new kitchen: $1,265.

   2–4 weeks

2. City of Portland Business License Tax Registration (Revenue Division)

   Portland has no flat-fee general business license. All businesses operating in Portland - including sole proprietors and home-based businesses - must register for the City of Portland Business License Tax with the Revenue Division within 60 days of starting business. Registration is free. The tax is 2.6% of net business income with a $100 minimum, filed annually on a combined return with the Multnomah County Business Income Tax (2% of net income; gross receipts under $100,000 are exempt from the county tax). Businesses with gross receipts under $75,000 (tax years beginning in 2026; rising to $100,000 in 2027) are exempt from the city tax but must still register. The Metro Supportive Housing Services 1% business income tax applies only to businesses with gross receipts over $5 million.

   Official government source

   Free to register; no annual license fee. Tax: 2.6% of net income ($100 minimum) only if gross receipts exceed $75,000 (2026 threshold; $100,000 from 2027)·1–2 weeks

   Free to register; no annual license fee. Tax: 2.6% of net income ($100 minimum) only if gross receipts exceed $75,000 (2026 threshold; $100,000 from 2027)

   1–2 weeks

3. Commissary Kitchen Agreement

   Portland and Multnomah County require caterers to use a licensed commissary kitchen for all food preparation, storage, and equipment cleaning. You must provide a signed commissary agreement to Multnomah County Environmental Health when applying for your catering license. Commissary rental typically costs $15–$30/hour.

   Official government source

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

   $300–$800/month (commissary rental)

   Arranged before licensing

Official Sources

• Multnomah County Environmental Health — Food Businesses
• Oregon Department of Agriculture — Food Safety
• City of Portland Revenue Division — Business License
• Oregon Secretary of State — Business Registration

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