Business licences and permits in Kosovo

Many owners assume that the ARBK certificate means they're ready to go. For most activities that's true. But for regulated activities, registration is only step one. Without a licence or permit, you can be shut down and fined.

Registration, licence and permit#

• ARBK registration creates the business legally. See Registering an individual business or How to open an SH.P.K..
• A licence gives you the right to carry out a regulated activity. It's usually issued by a ministry, agency or regulator and often requires qualifications, equipment or capital.
• A municipal permit relates to where you work: the premises, hours, signage, terrace or environment.

Activities that usually need a licence#

The full list depends on sector laws, but typical categories are:

• Healthcare: clinics, practices, laboratories, dentistry;
• Pharmacies and trade in medicines;
• Financial services: banks, microfinance, insurance, currency exchange. The regulator is the Central Bank of Kosovo;
• Education: private kindergartens and schools, higher-education institutions;
• Transport: passenger and freight transport, taxis, driving schools;
• Food: food production and processing, which requires registration or licensing with the Food and Veterinary Agency (AUV);
• Private security: guarding companies;
• Construction: some work requires professional licences, and projects need building permits;
• Energy, mining and telecoms, each with its own regulator;
• Gambling, under very strict rules;
• Travel agencies and some accommodation services.

If your activity is on this list, start the licensing process before you rent premises or buy equipment.

What municipalities usually require#

Even activities without a sector licence may need a municipal permit or have to meet local conditions:

• a permit for the premises, or approval for a given activity at a given location, especially for hospitality;
• opening hours, particularly for nightlife venues;
• signage and terraces on public space;
• hygiene and fire-safety conditions;
• municipal business fees, under the municipality's regulations.

Rules differ from one municipality to another. Ask at the office of the municipality where you'll operate, e.g. Prishtina, Prizren or Peja, before signing a lease. See Renting business premises.

How to plan it#

1. Pick the right NACE code. The code shows whether the activity is regulated. See NACE codes.
2. Find the institution. The ministry, agency or regulator covering your sector.
3. Get the requirements in writing. Documents, qualifications, equipment, capital and inspection.
4. Budget the time. Some licences take weeks, some take months.
5. Don't open before you have the licence.
6. Track renewal dates. Many licences expire and need renewing.

For customers#

If you're choosing a clinic, pharmacy or transport company, ask about its licence. A business registered with ARBK isn't necessarily licensed. Every business's registered activities are shown on its Kerko profile. How to check a business is covered in How to check a business.