Build the permission map before launch
Describe each proposed activity in plain language: what is sold or supplied, to whom, through which channel and at which premises. Add the genuine ownership, equipment, imports, staff roles and any regulated product or service. Use this description to identify the responsible national and local authorities.
Separate corporate registration, foreign-business permission, sector and premises licences, product approvals, tax registrations and work authorisation. One certificate should not be treated as evidence that every other permission has been granted.
Prepare applications in a workable sequence
Ask each authority for the current activity-specific checklist, eligible applicant, premises evidence, technical conditions, fees and inspection arrangements. Identify dependencies before signing an unsuitable lease or buying equipment. Confirm who prepares the file, who may sign and what evidence demonstrates compliance.
BOI promotion and foreign direct investment questions have their own criteria and conditions. Promotion is not a universal substitute for operational licences. Keep the actual approval, permitted scope and outstanding conditions in the project plan.
Maintain a live permissions register
For every licence or approval, record the holder, activity, address, issuing authority, reference, issue and expiry dates, conditions, reporting and change procedures. Assign an owner and retain copies, receipts and inspection records. Investigate renewals early enough to resolve missing evidence.
Review the register before a new location, service, product, owner or operating method. Ask whether an amendment, additional approval or new application is needed. Do not assume an old licence transfers automatically to a different entity or premises.
Useful next steps
Business licence checklist
Build an activity-specific readiness list.
Business licence checklist: operator information
Business licences
Identify the relevant operating permissions.
Business licences: operator information
Industry permits
Prepare the sector and premises questions.
Industry permits: operator information
BOI promotion
Understand the separate promotion route.
BOI promotion: operator information
Foreign direct investment
Review ownership and permission questions.
Foreign direct investment: operator information
Renewals and reporting
Maintain conditions and evidence after approval.