Every USVI food business — home-based or commercial — needs at least a business license and a Health Card. Here's the complete permit map, step-by-step, with every agency contact you'll need.
More permits than most states, no cottage food shortcut. Because USVI has no cottage food law, there's no simplified registration pathway for home food sellers. The permitting structure here is the same one that applies to any food business in the territory — business license, health permit, Health Card, and event permits as applicable. The good news: the process is manageable, and free support is available through the VI SBDC and VIABC.
Based on your situation
| Permit / License | Issuing Agency | Requirement | Fee | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Card Food handler clearance |
VI Dept. of Health Div. of Environmental Health |
Always Required All food handlers at markets or events |
[VERIFY] | Walk-in, Mon–Fri 8:30am–3pm STT: (340) 774-9000 x4642 STX: (340) 718-1311 x3701 |
| Special Event Health Permit For markets, festivals, fairs |
VI Dept. of Health Div. of Environmental Health |
Event Required Required before every food sale event |
[VERIFY] | Apply before event at same DEH offices doh.vi.gov/resources/forms-applications |
| Health Permit Food establishment permit |
VI Dept. of Health Div. of Environmental Health |
Required for TCS Foods TCS food sellers & commercial kitchen operators |
[VERIFY] | Download application at doh.vi.gov/resources/forms-applications Inspection required before permit issued |
| Business License General business license |
Dept. of Licensing & Consumer Affairs (DLCA) |
Required All commercial food businesses |
[VERIFY] | dlca.vi.gov/businesslicense/steps.htm Processing: 6–8 weeks Separate application per island |
| Trade Name / DBA Registration Business name registration |
Office of the Lieutenant Governor Div. of Corporations & Trademarks |
Required if using a trade name | $50 every 2 years | corporationsandtrademarks.vi.gov (Catalyst online system) |
| Gross Receipts Tax Registration BIR registration for GRT |
VI Bureau of Internal Revenue | Required All businesses — 5% GRT on gross receipts |
No fee to register 5% tax applies to sales |
vibir.gov STT: (340) 715-1040 STX: (340) 773-1040 |
| Farmers License For farm-based sellers |
VIDA / DLCA | If operating as a farm May cover farm-stand shelf-stable food sales [VERIFY] |
[VERIFY] | doa.vi.gov/forms/ Application processed via DLCA |
Fees marked [VERIFY] are not publicly listed online. Contact each agency directly to confirm current fees before beginning your application. Fee schedules in USVI are not consistently published on agency websites. The VI SBDC at (340) 692-4294 can help you navigate the process and often knows current fee structures.
Follow these steps in order. Some can run in parallel; others depend on prior steps. Plan for a 2–3 month timeline from start to first legal sale. USVI government processing runs on "island time" — build buffer into your launch plan.
Visit the VI Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health on your island. Bring a government-issued ID. You'll submit a stool sample for parasitic disease testing at a certified lab. This is required for every person who handles food for sale at any USVI market or event — and it's the fastest item on this list to complete.
⏱ Timeline: 1–2 weeks for lab resultsIf you're operating under a name other than your legal name, register your trade name with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Division of Corporations and Trademarks via the Catalyst online system at corporationsandtrademarks.vi.gov. Fee: $50, renewable every 2 years. If you're forming an LLC, file your Articles of Organization through the same system.
⏱ Timeline: 1–4 weeksBefore DLCA will issue a business license, you need a tax clearance letter from the VI Bureau of Internal Revenue showing you're in good standing. Contact BIR at (340) 715-1040 (STT) or (340) 773-1040 (STX), or visit vibir.gov. New businesses can request this early in the process.
⏱ Timeline: 1–2 weeksComplete the business license application at dlca.vi.gov/businesslicense/steps.htm. Assemble your supporting documents: trade name or corporation registration, tax clearance letter, police records check, zoning approval from DPNR, and fire inspection certificate. Note: if you plan to sell on both St. Croix and St. Thomas, you must file separate applications for each island.
⏱ Timeline: 6–8 weeks after all documents submittedIf your products require a health permit (TCS foods, prepared meals, commercial kitchen operations), download the Health Permit Application from doh.vi.gov/resources/forms-applications and submit to your island's DEH office. A DOH Environmental Health inspector will review and inspect your production space. Your health permit, Health Cards, and business license must be visibly posted at your business location.
⏱ Timeline: Varies — contact DOH for current processing times [VERIFY]Register your business with the VI Bureau of Internal Revenue for Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). The GRT is 5% on all gross receipts. If your annual receipts are under $225,000, the first $9,000 per month is exempt — file Form 720-B annually by January 30. Over $225,000, file Form 720VI monthly. Contact BIR at vibir.gov.
⏱ Timeline: Can register anytime; file annually if under $225k/yrEvery time you sell food at a public event — a farmers market, festival, food fair, or community event — you must have a Special Event Health Permit from DOH DEH in place before the event. Apply at your island's DEH office (walk-in, Mon–Fri 8:30am–3:00pm). All food handlers must have current Health Cards. Both must be on hand at the event.
⏱ Apply at least 1–2 weeks before the eventIf your food business requires a DOH health permit — either because you're selling TCS foods or operating a food production facility — a DOH Environmental Health inspector will visit your production space before the permit is issued. The inspection evaluates your kitchen or production area against the VI Food Code (based on the FDA 2001 Food Code).
Inspectors typically assess: the condition and cleanliness of food contact surfaces, handwashing facilities, refrigeration and temperature control equipment, pest control measures, waste disposal, and the separation of food production from non-food areas. A home kitchen that has not been modified may not meet all food establishment standards — particularly for ventilation, three-compartment sink requirements, and commercial refrigeration. Discuss your specific situation with a DOH inspector before applying to understand what modifications may be needed.
The VI SBDC and VIABC (see agency contacts below) can help you prepare for the inspection process. Connecting with a local food business consultant is recommended if this is your first time navigating USVI food business licensing.
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