Business licences and permits
Not all businesses need licences or permits, but it’s always a good idea to check before you get started.
Depending on your industry or trade, you may need official permission (known as licences and permits) to operate legally.
The specific requirements depend on what your business does and where it’s located in Tasmania.
Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) Tool
The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) is a free website that helps you find out which licences and permits you may need for your business in Tasmania.
ABLIS gives you:
- a list tailored just for your business
- information about each licence or permit
- an indication of approval timeframes
- forms you might need
- contact details if you have questions.
Need help using ABLIS?
The ABLIS tool may seem complex to use. If you would like help, contact the Business Tasmania team and they can assist you through the process.
Call 1800 440 026 or email ask@business.tas.gov.au. The team can also tell you about other support that is available to help you start or run a business.
Talk to your local council
Your local Tasmanian council has rules you may need to follow depending on what zoning and council you fall within. It is a good idea to check with them about:
- planning rules
- building and construction
- land use and zoning rules
- health and safety (food and personal services)
- waste management
- environmental impact
- signage and advertising
- parking, traffic and footpath use
- animal-related businesses
- operating hours or noise restrictions
- special rules if you work from home.
Paying for licences and permits
You may need to pay for some licences or permits which you can usually do at Service Tasmania locations across the state.
Find a Service Tasmania location
Cutting the Red Tape
Red tape refers to extra rules or paperwork that can make things harder. The Tasmanian Government wants to make it easier for you to start and run a business.
If rules and procedures are slowing you down, then you can share your suggestions on how they could be simplified through the Red Tape Reduction eHub.