How to Apply for FSSAI License for Swiggy & Zomato Partners?

With the rapid growth of online food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, thousands of restaurants, cloud kitchens, home chefs, and food entrepreneurs are joining these platforms every year. While onboarding on these apps opens doors to a massive customer base, it also comes with strict regulatory requirements. One of the most crucial legal necessities is obtaining an FSSAI license.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food safety and hygiene standards across the country. Whether you are running a small home kitchen, a cloud kitchen, or a full-scale restaurant, Swiggy and Zomato mandate a valid FSSAI registration or license before allowing you to list your food business. This ensures consumer trust, food safety compliance, and legal protection for both the platform and the food partner. In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a food license for Swiggy and Zomato—eligibility, license types, step-by-step process, required documents, fees, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why the FSSAI License Is Mandatory for Swiggy & Zomato?

Swiggy and Zomato operate under strict compliance policies to ensure food quality and consumer safety. An FSSAI license is mandatory because:

It certifies that your food business follows hygiene and safety standards
It builds customer trust and brand credibility
It protects you from legal penalties and business shutdowns
It is legally required under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Swiggy and Zomato will reject onboarding without a valid FSSAI number

Without FSSAI compliance, your food business cannot legally operate on these platforms.

Types of FSSAI Licenses for Food Delivery Partners

Choosing the correct type of food license depends on your business size, turnover, and operational scale.

FSSAI Basic Registration

Suitable for:

Home kitchens
Small food vendors

This is the most common option for home chefs and small cloud kitchens starting on Swiggy or Zomato.

FSSAI State License

Suitable for:

Restaurants
Medium-sized cloud kitchens
Turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore

Most standalone restaurants listed on Swiggy and Zomato fall under this category.

FSSAI Central License

Suitable for:

Large food chains
Businesses operating in multiple states
Turnover above ₹20 crore

Required mainly for national or international food brands.

Who Needs an FSSAI License for Swiggy & Zomato?

You must apply for an FSSAI license if you are:

A restaurant owner
A cloud kitchen operator
A home-based food seller
A bakery, café, or dessert brand
A food startup partnering with Swiggy or Zomato

Even if you are selling from home, FSSAI registration is compulsory.

Documents Required for FSSAI License

The documents may vary slightly depending on the license type, but generally include:

PAN card of the food business owner
Aadhaar card or ID proof
Passport-size photograph
Address proof of business premises
Kitchen or food preparation area photographs
Food safety management plan (for state/central license)
Rental agreement or ownership proof (if applicable)
List of food items to be sold

Ensuring accurate documentation helps avoid delays or rejection.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for FSSAI License

Identify the Correct License Type

Assess your turnover, business scale, and future expansion plans to select the appropriate FSSAI license.

Prepare Required Documents

Collect and scan all required documents in a clear, readable format.

Online Application Submission

Apply through the official FSSAI portal by filling Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central) with correct business details.

Pay the Applicable Fees

Fees vary based on license type and validity (1 to 5 years).

Inspection (If Required)

For state or central licenses, a food safety officer may inspect your premises.

License Issuance

Once approved, you receive a 14-digit food licence renewal number and certificate.

FSSAI Fees & Validity

Basic Registration: ₹100 per year
State License: ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year
Central License: ₹7,500 per year

Choosing longer validity reduces renewal hassles.

How Long Does It Take to Get an FSSAI License?

Basic Registration: 3–7 working days
State License: 10–20 working days
Central License: 20–30 working days

Delays can occur due to incorrect documents or inspection issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Selecting the wrong license category
Uploading unclear or incorrect documents
Providing mismatched address details
Ignoring renewal deadlines
Operating on Swiggy/Zomato without approval

How to Add FSSAI License on Swiggy & Zomato?

Once you receive your license:

Log in to the Swiggy or Zomato partner dashboard
Enter your 14-digit FSSAI number
Upload the certificate if required
Complete verification and go live

Final Thoughts

Getting a food license is not just a legal formality—it is the foundation of running a trustworthy and compliant food business on Swiggy and Zomato. Whether you are a home chef, cloud kitchen owner, or restaurant operator, having the right FSSAI registration ensures smooth onboarding, consumer confidence, and long-term business growth. While the application process may seem technical, professional assistance can make it quick and stress-free.

If you want a simple, fast, and error-free FSSAI license application, expert support from the FSSAI Registrar can help you obtain the right license without confusion or delays, ensuring your Swiggy or Zomato partnership starts on the right legal footing.