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

   If your catering business sells packaged food products or operates in venues outside Multnomah County, the Oregon Department of Agriculture may require a food establishment license. Caterers operating exclusively within Multnomah County are typically covered under the county catering license.

   Official government source

   $100–$300/year·2–4 weeks

   $100–$300/year

   2–4 weeks

2. Oregon Food Handler Cards

   The Oregon Health Authority requires all food handlers employed by catering businesses to obtain a Food Handler Card within 30 days of employment. Cards are issued after passing an accredited food safety exam. Oregon has no sales tax, so catering invoices are not subject to sales tax.

   Official government source

   $10–$20 per employee·Same day (online exam available)

   $10–$20 per employee

   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 Catering License

   Multnomah County Environmental Health issues catering licenses for businesses that prepare food off-site and transport it to events. Caterers must operate from a licensed commissary kitchen — a home kitchen is not sufficient. Annual inspections are required, and fees are based on the risk level of food operations.

   Official government source

   $300–$500/year·2–4 weeks

   $300–$500/year

   2–4 weeks

2. City of Portland Business License

   Issued by the City of Portland Revenue Division, this license is required for all businesses operating within Portland city limits. The base fee starts around $100/year with an additional percentage of gross revenue above a threshold. Renewal is annual.

   Official government source

   $100+/year (based on revenue)·1–2 weeks

   $100+/year (based on revenue)

   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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