Licences
Shop and establishment registration
Most shops, offices and other commercial premises must register under their state's Shops and Establishments Act soon after they open. We apply to the department that handles it in your state, online where the state allows, and send you the registration certificate. Banks also commonly accept it as proof of a business when you open a current account.
- Rules for your state checked first
- Application filed with the department
- Registration certificate for your premises
- Commonly accepted as business proof by banks
- 4.9 on Google (222 reviews)
- Work done by chartered accountants
- 100% online, anywhere in India
- Since 2017
Price
Shop and establishment registration
₹1,999+ ₹360 GST
7–15 working days, subject to the department
- Check of your state's Act and rules
- Application prepared and filed, online where available
- Employee and working-hours details set out
- Replies to queries from the department
- Registration certificate
- Note on display, registers and renewal
Fees are before 18% GST. The state's registration fee, which depends on the state and the number of employees, is paid at actuals.
Who needs shop and establishment registration
- Shops, showrooms and retail outlets
- Offices of companies, LLPs, firms and professionals
- Restaurants, cafés, hotels and places of entertainment
- Proprietors who need business proof to open a current account
Documents you'll need
- PAN and Aadhaar of the owner or authorised signatory
- Photo of the owner or authorised signatory
- Proof of the business premises: a utility bill, rent agreement or ownership document
- Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed or other constitution document
- Number of employees, with their names if the state asks
- Business name, nature of business and date of opening
- Photo of the shop front showing the name board, where the state asks for it
You upload these from your order page after you pay. Scans or clear phone photos are fine.
How it works
- 1
Your premises and staff
Tell us where the premises are, what you do there, when you opened and how many people work there.
- 2
State rules
We check your state's Act and rules: whether a registration or only an intimation is needed, the fee, and the documents.
- 3
Application
We prepare and file the application, online where the state allows, and pay the fee.
- 4
Certificate
Once the department approves it, we send the registration certificate with a note on display, registers and renewal.
One law in each state
Shops and establishments are regulated by state law, so the rules depend on where your premises are. Each state's Act covers registration, working hours, weekly holidays, leave and the records an employer keeps.
Some states issue a registration that lasts as long as the business runs; others need renewal every few years. Some ask only for an intimation when you have few or no employees. We follow your state's current rules.
Each premises, its own registration
Registration is for a premises, so each branch or office in a different place usually needs its own. Changes to the name, address, ownership or number of employees are reported to the department, usually within a set time.
When you close the premises, tell the department so the registration is cancelled. If you move, you may need a new registration for the new address.
Frequently asked questions
Is shop and establishment registration compulsory?
In most states, yes, for shops, offices and commercial premises, often even with no employees. A few states exempt very small units or ask only for an intimation. We check your state's rule.
Does a home office need it?
It depends on the state and on whether you run a commercial establishment from home. Many states don't require it for a home office with no staff; we check before you apply.
Is it the same as a trade licence?
No. Shop and establishment registration comes under the state's labour law. A trade licence is the municipal body's permission to carry on a particular trade at your premises. Many businesses need both.
How long is the registration valid?
That depends on the state. Some issue it for the life of the business; others for a fixed period, after which it must be renewed.
Can I use it to open a current account?
Usually, yes. Banks commonly accept it as proof of a proprietorship's business, along with other documents.
Do I need one for each branch?
Usually yes. Registration is for each premises, so each branch or office in a different place needs its own.