Licensing & Regulations
Overview
Section titled “Overview”Opening and operating a HoReCa business in Russia requires several permits and registrations. Requirements vary by region — always verify current rules with local regulatory authorities.
Business registration
Section titled “Business registration”Before starting operations:
- Register an LLC (ООО) or sole proprietor (ИП) with the tax authority
- Obtain a Tax ID (ИНН) and registration number (ОГРН / ОГРНИП)
- Choose a tax regime (general, simplified, patent)
- Open a business bank account
- Register with the Pension Fund and Social Insurance Fund (if employing staff)
Rospotrebnadzor notification
Section titled “Rospotrebnadzor notification”Before opening a food service establishment, you must file a notification with Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Service for Consumer Rights) about the start of operations (Government Resolution No. 584).
File via:
- In person at the local Rospotrebnadzor office
- MFC (multifunctional service center)
- Gosuslugi portal
Alcohol license
Section titled “Alcohol license”If the venue sells alcoholic beverages, a license from Rosalkogolregulirovanie (Federal Alcohol Regulatory Service) is required.
| License type | Description |
|---|---|
| Retail sale (food service) | Selling alcohol in a bar/restaurant for on-premises consumption |
| Retail sale (off-license) | Selling alcohol to take away |
| Production | For alcohol producers |
Processing time: up to 30 business days. State fee: ₽65,000 per year. More: rosalcohol.ru.
Staff health requirements
Section titled “Staff health requirements”All employees who handle food must:
- Hold a valid personal health record (medical book)
- Pass medical examinations per Ministry of Health Order No. 302n
- Complete hygiene training and certification (sanitary minimum)
Cash register compliance (54-FZ)
Section titled “Cash register compliance (54-FZ)”All customer payments must be processed through an online cash register under Federal Law 54-FZ. The register must be:
- Registered with the Federal Tax Service (FNS)
- Connected to a Fiscal Data Operator (OFD)
- Equipped with a fiscal storage device
More: Regulations → 54-FZ
EGAIS (alcohol tracking)
Section titled “EGAIS (alcohol tracking)”Venues that handle alcohol must connect to EGAIS (Unified State Automated Alcohol Accounting System).
More: Regulations → EGAIS
Labor law
Section titled “Labor law”All employers must comply with the Russian Labor Code (TK RF):
- Minimum wage requirements
- Working hours and overtime limits
- Leave entitlements (annual, sick, maternity/paternity)
- Anti-discrimination and workplace safety obligations
- HR documentation and payslip requirements
For labor disputes: Rostrud — rostrud.gov.ru
Inspections
Section titled “Inspections”Rospotrebnadzor conducts scheduled and unscheduled inspections. To pass successfully:
- Maintain all required logs (temperature control, cleaning, HACCP)
- Keep staff medical records current
- Keep the premises clean and in good repair
- Resolve technical issues promptly