Cloud kitchens (also known as ghost kitchens, dark kitchens, or delivery-only kitchens) are revolutionizing India's food industry. With no dine-in space and operations centered around food delivery apps, cloud kitchens have lower overheads but the same FSSAI compliance requirements as traditional restaurants.
Every cloud kitchen operating in India must be registered with FSSAI. This is non-negotiable for several reasons:
| License Type | Turnover | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 Lakh | Single-brand cloud kitchens, startup phase |
| State License | ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | Multi-brand operations, established cloud kitchens |
| Central License | Above ₹20 Crore | Cloud kitchen chains operating across states |
If you operate multiple virtual brands from a single cloud kitchen, you have two options:
Launch your cloud kitchen on the right foot. Apply for FSSAI registration through Pragati Services →
Discover detailed compliance guides specifically for your industry.
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Login to your account or create a new one on the Citizen Portal.
Browse services and select 'FSSAI Registration' from the list.
Make a secure online payment of the service fee.
Your application is submitted instantly to our team.
• An invoice is automatically generated and available for your records.
• You can track the live status of your application in the 'My Applications' section.
• Our dedicated Pragati support team will contact you within 4–5 hours to collect the required documents and complete the processing.
Everything you need to know about FSSAI registration in India
Can I run multiple brands under one FSSAI registration?
Yes, you can list multiple brand names and menus under a single FSSAI registration if they operate from the same kitchen premises.
Do cloud kitchens need a separate trade license?
Yes, apart from FSSAI, you need a trade license from the local municipal corporation and a fire safety NOC for commercial kitchen operations.
Is FSSAI enough to list on Swiggy and Zomato?
FSSAI is the primary requirement. You may also need GST registration and a current bank account for payment processing.
What if I operate from a shared kitchen space?
Shared/co-working kitchen operators must ensure the kitchen itself has FSSAI registration. Individual operators may also need their own registration.
How long does FSSAI registration take for cloud kitchens?
Through Pragati Services, basic registration takes 7-15 working days. State license may take 30-60 days.
Can I start operations while my application is pending?
Once you submit the application and receive an acknowledgment number, you can begin operations while awaiting the certificate.