Sanitary Operation Permit (PSF) for Restaurants

The Sanitary Operation Permit (PSF) is the authorization from the Ministerio de Salud, mandatory for operating any restaurant or other food business in Costa Rica. It is processed through the Ventanilla Unica de Inversión (VUI), the platform that centralizes this and other business opening permits.

Documentary requirements (according to VUI and Decreto 43432-S):

• Application form, completed online on the VUI platform.
• Sworn statement according to the format in Annex 3 of Decreto 43432-S.
• Proof of payment corresponding to the establishment's risk group.
• Valid identification document of the applicant.
• Valid food handler card for personnel who prepare or serve food.
• Technical inspection reports when the activity involves gas handling (industrial kitchens, for example).

Fee classification according to health risk level:

• Group A (high risk): ₡55,000
• Group B (moderate risk): ₡27,500
• Group C (low risk): ₡16,500
• Registered microenterprise: ₡11,000, regardless of the risk group

Payment is made through the VUI platform, via SINPE. After submitting the application, the Ministerio de Salud conducts an inspection of the premises before granting the permit. The validity of the permit ranges from one to five years depending on the activity.

Note: the review of plans by Bomberos is a separate procedure that applies when there is new construction or remodeling. For more information on the requirements and necessary documents, you can consult the official VUI website at https://vui.cr or https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr before starting the process.