How to start a restaurant in Virginia (2026)
Everything a new restaurant in Virginia needs in the first months: registration, licenses, taxes, insurance and the yearly deadlines, with official links.
1. Register your business
Most owners form an LLC with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Once it's registered, find it here to claim a free website and see your exact dates.
2. Licenses
In Virginia, your county or city health department usually issues food service permits. Call them before you sign a lease; most review kitchen plans first.
Your city or county may also require a general business license or tax receipt.
3. Taxes
Get a free EIN from the IRS first. How. Register with Virginia before your first taxable sale. Register in Virginia
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, you pay estimated tax four times a year.
Virginia's yearly report
An annual registration fee is due by the end of your formation month each year. The state fee is about $50.
Example: an LLC formed today would have its first one due Oct 31, 2027.
Your first-month checklist
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Get your food service and health permits
In Virginia, your county or city health department usually issues food service permits. Call them before you sign a lease; most review kitchen plans first.
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Get food safety certified
Most places require a certified food manager on staff and food handler cards for the crew.
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Get your EIN
Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free
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Open a business bank account
Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC. See options
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Register for sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services
Register with Virginia before your first taxable sale. Register in Virginia
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Get general and liquor liability insurance
Liquor liability matters if you'll serve alcohol; landlords usually require both. See options
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Choose a POS system
Handles orders, card payments and tips, and feeds your bookkeeping. See options
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Payroll and workers' comp before your first hire
Most states require workers' comp once you have employees, and payroll software handles the tax filings. See options
What insurance costs
| Coverage | Median per month |
|---|---|
| General liability | $47 |
| Business owner's policy (BOP) | $190 |
| Workers' compensation | $100 |
| Liquor liability | $64 |
| Commercial auto | $222 |
Source: Insureon, Sep 2026. Your price depends on your work, location and history.
Other trades in Virginia
Sources: state agency sites linked above; annual report rules compiled from state sites (checked Oct 2026). Rules change, so confirm with the agency before filing.