Pre-trading approvals UK-wide

Pre-trading timeline: when to apply for what

A month-by-month countdown from three months before your trading day, showing when to apply for each registration, licence, and approval based on typical processing times.

Guide summary

Plan your applications backwards from your start date. Start with items that take the longest, like a premises licence (2-3 months) or FCA authorisation (6-12 months). Register with HMRC by their deadlines — PAYE before your first payday, VAT within 30 days of your turnover reaching £90,000, and Self Assessment by 5 October in your second tax year. Missing deadlines can mean fines and criminal offences.

  • Plan your applications backwards from your start date
  • Apply for a premises licence 2 to 3 months before trading
  • Apply for FCA authorisation 6 to 12 months in advance
  • Register your business structure first
  • Register for PAYE before your first payday
  • Register your food business 28 days before opening
  • Register for VAT within 30 days of hitting £90,000 turnover
  • Register for Self Assessment by 5 October in your second tax year
  • Register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of trading
  • Get employers' liability insurance before hiring anyone
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Use this timeline to plan your pre-trading applications. Start with the items that have the longest lead times and work forwards to your trading day.

Processing times at a glance

The table below shows typical processing times for common registrations and licences. Use these to work backwards from your intended trading date.

Month-by-month countdown

The checklist below provides a structured countdown from three months before trading to your first day, showing which applications to submit at each stage.

HMRC registration deadlines

Tax registrations have their own fixed deadlines that may not align with your trading date. The section below sets out each deadline and the penalties for late registration.

Sequencing tips

Some applications depend on others being completed first. Follow this order to avoid delays:

  • Register your business structure first — you need a company number or UTR before you can apply for most other registrations
  • Apply for premises licences early — these involve a 28-day public consultation period and can take two to three months in total
  • Register your food business at least 28 days before trading — this is free but cannot be done retrospectively
  • Arrange insurance before hiring — employers' liability insurance must be in place from your first employee's start date
  • Register for PAYE before your first payday — allow up to 15 working days for processing

If you are unsure whether a specific licence applies to your business, check the GOV.UK Licence Finder before you commit to a trading date. Discovering you need a premises licence after signing a lease can delay your opening by months.

Official guidance