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How to Open a Restaurant in France: Complete legal & regulatory guide
- 27 March 2026
- 30 March 2026
The French restaurant sector remains one of Europe’s most dynamic and resilient industries. France counts more than 175,000 restaurants, generating over €85 billion in annual turnover and employing approximately 1.2 million people. This represents nearly 5% of the country’s workforce.
Despite rising costs and ongoing recruitment challenges, the sector continues to attract entrepreneurs from around the world. In 2023, more than 45,000 new food service establishments were created, confirming the strong appeal of the French dining market.
However, opening a restaurant in France is not simply about finding a location and designing a menu. It requires understanding and complying with a structured and demanding legal framework. Alcohol licences, mandatory training, hygiene standards, and administrative procedures all play a key role.
This guide walks you through the essential legal requirements to open a restaurant in France and helps you anticipate each step with clarity.
What you'll find in this guide
French alcohol licences (Licences de Débit de Boissons)
In France, the sale of alcoholic beverages is strictly regulated under the Public Health Code. Before serving alcohol to customers, restaurant owners must obtain the appropriate licence. This is one of the first regulatory decisions you will need to make, as it directly impacts your business model.
Understanding alcohol categories and licence
Before choosing a licence, it is important to understand how alcohol is classified in France. The law distinguishes four main groups of beverages.
Here is a clear overview:
| Alcohol Group | Type of Beverages |
|---|---|
| Group 1 | Non-alcoholic drinks (water, soda, juice) |
| Group 3 | Fermented drinks (wine, beer, cider, perry) |
| Group 4 | Distilled spirits (rum, whisky, vodka, gin) |
| Group 5 | All alcoholic beverages |
Once this distinction is clear, the next step is to determine which licence corresponds to your activity.
For most restaurants, the choice will be between two types of licences.
- The Petite Licence Restaurant allows you to serve wine and beer, but only alongside meals.
- The Licence Restaurant goes further, allowing all types of alcohol, still strictly in connection with food service.
However, if your concept includes a stronger bar component, for example in a touristic area or with continuous service, you may consider a “débit de boissons” licence.
- A Licence 3 allows the sale of fermented drinks
- a Licence 4 allows the sale of all alcohol, even outside meal times.
This flexibility explains why the Licence 4 is often considered the most powerful licence. But it comes with a major constraint: it cannot be created. It must be purchased, and its price depends heavily on location and local demand. In addition, quotas apply, with one licence allowed per 450 inhabitants.
By contrast, restaurant licences are not subject to quotas, making them significantly easier to obtain.
How to apply for a licence
Once you have identified the appropriate licence, you must complete an administrative declaration.
This process is carried out at the local town hall (Mairie). In Paris, however, it is handled by the Police Prefecture. The declaration must be submitted at least 15 days before opening.
You will need to complete the official CERFA form (n°11542) and provide supporting documents, including proof of identity, company registration details, and most importantly your permis d’exploitation certificate.
This last requirement is often underestimated by entrepreneurs. In reality, you cannot obtain your licence without first completing this mandatory training.
Read more about our official permis d’exploitation course in English
The Permis d’Exploitation: a mandatory step
The permis d’exploitation is a central requirement for anyone wishing to open a restaurant serving alcohol in France. Introduced in 2007, it aims to ensure that operators fully understand their legal responsibilities and the public health implications of alcohol sales.
Beyond its regulatory nature, this training is also a practical tool. It gives you a clear understanding of how to operate your business safely and avoid common legal mistakes.
Training duration and formats
The duration of the training depends on your experience.
If you are a new operator, you must complete a 20-hour course, usually spread over 2.5 days. If you can prove more than 10 years of experience in the sector, a shorter one-day version is available.
Depending on your situation, you can choose the right course:
- Initial course (20h) : if you’re starting
- Expert course (1 day): if have more than 10 years operating an alcohol license in France
- Renewal course (after 10 years) : you already had your first permis d’exploitation and it’s expiring soon
- Table d’hote permis d’exploitation in english : if you are a guesthouse owner (chambre d’hôtes) and wish to serve alcohol during meals.
What you will learn
During the training, you will cover key topics such as alcohol regulations, administrative procedures, and public health responsibilities. Particular attention is given to the protection of minors, the prevention of alcohol-related risks, and the maintenance of public order.
You will also gain a clear understanding of your civil and criminal liability as a business owner, which is essential in the French legal context.
Once obtained, the permis d’exploitation is valid for 10 years. It must then be renewed through a shorter refresher course.
Need a permis d’exploitation course in English?
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During the training, you will cover key topics such as alcohol regulations, administrative procedures, and public health responsibilities. Particular attention is given to the protection of minors, the prevention of alcohol-related risks, and the maintenance of public order.
You will also gain a clear understanding of your civil and criminal liability as a business owner, which is essential in the French legal context.
Once obtained, the permis d’exploitation is valid for 10 years. It must then be renewed through a shorter refresher course.
Food Hygiene Training (HACCP): a legal requirement
In addition to alcohol regulations, food hygiene is another fundamental pillar of restaurant compliance in France.
The law requires that at least one person in your establishment has completed a certified HACCP training course. This obligation applies to all types of food businesses, from traditional restaurants to fast food outlets and food trucks.
What the HACCP training covers
The HACCP training, which lasts 14 hours, provides a comprehensive understanding of food safety. It covers microbiological risks, hygiene best practices, temperature control, cleaning procedures, allergen management, and traceability.
More importantly, it helps you structure your internal processes and implement a reliable food safety system.
Exemptions
Some professionals may be exempt from this requirement if they hold a relevant diploma or can prove sufficient experience. However, even in these cases, training is strongly recommended to stay up to date with current regulations.
Unlike the permis d’exploitation, HACCP certification does not expire.
Starting your restaurant soon?
Get your mandatory food hygiene certificate in France
Terrace Regulations (Public space occupation)
If you plan to operate a terrace, you will need specific authorization from your local municipality.
This authorization, known as an Autorisation d’Occupation Temporaire (AOT), allows you to use public space for tables, chairs, and equipment.
The application process generally requires detailed plans, photographs, and proof of insurance. Fees are also charged annually and vary depending on the location.
Business registration and Legal structure
Opening a restaurant in France also involves choosing a legal structure and completing administrative registration.
Entrepreneurs typically choose between structures such as SARL, SAS, EURL, or micro-entrepreneur status, depending on the size and ambition of the project.
Since 2023, all business registrations must be completed online via the INPI platform. The process includes drafting company statutes, publishing a legal notice, and obtaining a SIRET number.
Additional Obligations
Restaurants in France are classified as establishments open to the public (ERP), which means they must comply with specific safety and accessibility regulations.
Fire safety requirements include extinguishers, alarm systems, and emergency exits. Accessibility rules ensure that your establishment can accommodate people with disabilities.
Most restaurants fall into category 5, which involves relatively simple compliance requirements.
In addition, restaurant owners must comply with French labour law, including employment contracts, working hours, and minimum wage regulations.
Conclusion: opening a Restaurant in France successfully
Opening a restaurant in France may seem complex at first, but the process becomes much clearer once you understand the key steps.
In practice, your priorities should be to complete the permis d’exploitation training, obtain the appropriate alcohol licence, and ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations.
These are not just administrative constraints , they are essential foundations for running a safe, compliant, and sustainable business.
With the right preparation, the French restaurant market remains a highly attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Ready to open your restaurant in France?
Make sure you comply with all legal requirements
Stéphane Gely
Managing Director and trainer at AVENTUM. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he specializes in supporting restaurant and bar owners with regulatory compliance, including permis d’exploitation (operating licence) and HACCP food hygiene training.
Questions about opening a restaurant in France
Do I need a licence to open a restaurant in France?
Yes, you need specific licences depending on your activity.
If you serve alcohol, you must obtain a restaurant licence (licence restaurant or licence 3 or licence IV) and complete a permis d’exploitation training beforehand. Without this permit, you are not legally allowed to sell alcoholic beverages.
Is HACCP training mandatory for restaurants in France?
Yes. At least one person in your establishment must have completed a certified food hygiene (HACCP) training. This is a legal requirement for all food businesses handling prepared food, including restaurants, cafés, and food trucks.
What licence do I need to serve alcohol in a restaurant?
You typically need a restaurant licence (petite licence restaurant or licence restaurant) to serve alcohol with meals.
If you want to serve alcohol outside of meals, you may need a licence III or licence IV, which are more restrictive and sometimes require purchasing an existing licence.
How long does it take to open a restaurant in France?
Opening a restaurant in France usually takes a few weeks to a few months. You need time for business registration, completing mandatory training (permis d’exploitation and HACCP), and submitting licence declarations at least 15 days before opening.
How much does it cost to open a restaurant in France?
osts vary widely depending on location, concept, and size. However, you should plan for administrative costs, training fees (permis d’exploitation and HACCP), licence acquisition (especially licence IV), rent, equipment, and staffing. The total investment can range from €50,000 to several hundred thousand euros.
Can a foreigner open a restaurant in France?
Yes, foreigners can open a restaurant in France. However, you must comply with French legal requirements, including business registration, hygiene regulations, and mandatory training such as the permis d’exploitation and HACCP certification.
How long is the permis d’exploitation valid?
It is valid for 10 years and must then be renewed.
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