Pre-trading approvals

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.

UK-wide
Guide summary

Plan your licence applications before trading. Start with those taking longest to process, like alcohol licences (2-3 months). Register your food business at least 28 days before opening. Check deadlines for tax registrations to avoid penalties.

  • Apply for premises licence 2-3 months before trading
  • Register food business 28 days before opening
  • Incorporate at Companies House 2 months before
  • Register for PAYE before first payday
  • Get employers' liability insurance before hiring
  • Register with ICO for data protection
  • Check local council for street trading licences
  • Register for VAT if turnover exceeds £90,000
  • Late tax registration can lead to penalties
  • Use GOV.UK Licence Finder for additional requirements
On this page
UK-wide

Related guides in Compliance & Legal

Pre-trading compliance checklist

A concise yes/no checklist to verify you have completed all mandatory pre-trading requirements, including business registration, tax, insurance, …

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