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Quick answer: To list on Swiggy or Zomato you need FSSAI registration or licence, PAN, a bank account, your menu with prices and dish photos, and usually GST registration. You sign up in each company’s partner app, and going live typically takes a few days to two weeks. Expect to pay a commission of roughly 15% to 30% of each order, plus payment and other charges, so price your delivery menu higher than your counter menu.
Delivery apps bring customers you’d never reach from one shop front. They also take a big share of every order, so the businesses that do well on them plan the delivery menu and its prices separately from day one.
Commission and fees change often and differ by city and outlet. The figures here are typical ranges; your partner agreement has the exact numbers.
Documents checklist
| Document | Why it’s needed | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI registration or licence | Required by law and by both apps | FSSAI registration guide |
| PAN (owner’s or business) | Identity, payouts and tax deduction | Already have, or apply on the income tax site |
| GST registration | Usually asked for; needed above the turnover limit | GST for food businesses |
| Bank account and cancelled cheque | Weekly payouts | Your bank |
| Menu with prices | Your listing | Write it with your delivery prices (below) |
| Dish photos and logo | Customers order with their eyes | Phone photos in daylight work for a start |
| Shop or trade licence (some cities) | Proof the premises can run a food business | Municipal office |
Step-by-step onboarding
- Get FSSAI first
Neither app will list you without a valid FSSAI number in the business name and address you’re registering.
- Plan a delivery menu
12 to 25 items that travel well. Drop dishes that go soggy or cold in 30 minutes.
- Download the partner apps
Register as a restaurant partner on each company’s partner app or website with your phone number.
- Fill in the details and upload documents
Address and map pin, opening hours, FSSAI, PAN, GST if you have it, and bank details.
- Upload menu and photos
Clear names, short descriptions, veg or non-veg tags and one photo per bestseller.
- Accept the agreement
Read the commission rate, payout cycle and cancellation rules before you sign.
- Go live and test
Place a test order from a friend’s phone. Check packing time, rider pickup and how the food arrives.
What each order really leaves you
One ₹300 order
- Order value (menu price)
- ₹300.00
- App commission (25%)
- −₹75.00
- GST on commission (18%)
- −₹13.50
- Payment charge (≈2%)
- −₹6.00
- Food cost (35%)
- −₹105.00
- Packaging
- −₹15.00
The app also collects the 5% GST on the customer’s bill and pays it to the government for you, so it isn’t shown here. That ₹85.50 still has to pay rent, staff and gas. Selling the same food at your counter for ₹300 leaves about ₹195 after food cost. That’s why most restaurants set delivery prices 10% to 20% higher than counter prices. Work out your own numbers with how to price your menu.
Costs at a glance
| Cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Onboarding or listing fee | ₹0 to a few thousand, varies by city and offers |
| Commission per order | 15% to 30% of order value |
| Payment processing | about 2% of order value |
| Ads and discounts (optional) | You choose a daily budget |
| Packaging | ₹8 to ₹30 per order |
Ads and discount offers can easily cost more than the commission. Start without them, then test one small offer at a time.
Money tip
Recommended tools
- Leak-proof delivery containers, bulk pack
- Tamper-proof stickers for delivery bags
- Billing and POS software that pulls Swiggy and Zomato orders into one screen
- Thermal receipt printer for printing order slips (KOTs)
FAQ
Can I list on Swiggy and Zomato without GST? Possibly, but don’t count on it. Swiggy lists a GST certificate among its usual documents, while FSSAI, PAN and bank details are always needed. Check in each partner app when you sign up, and read our GST guide.
Can a home kitchen list on Swiggy or Zomato? Yes, if it has FSSAI registration for that address and can handle rider pickups. Many tiffin services and home bakers start this way.
How long does it take to go live? Usually a few days to two weeks after all documents are uploaded and checked.
How much commission do Swiggy and Zomato charge? Typically 15% to 30% of the order value (some outlets negotiate lower), depending on your city, whether the app’s riders deliver, and the plan you choose. The exact rate is in your partner agreement.
Is it better to start a cloud kitchen or a dine-in restaurant for delivery? For delivery-only, a cloud kitchen costs far less. See our cloud kitchen setup cost guide.
Related: Cloud kitchen setup cost · How to price your menu · FSSAI registration guide
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