Which licences and registrations does my business need?
2 min read
Updated 02 Oct 2026
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AI summary
A checklist of registrations by business activity, staff size and industry, with when each one becomes compulsory.
7 sections
Almost every business
| Registration | When you need it | Where |
|---|---|---|
| PAN | Always. A proprietor uses their own PAN | Income-tax portal |
| Current account | To keep business money separate | Any bank |
| Shop and Establishment | Shops, offices, restaurants, warehouses and most commercial premises, usually within 30 days of starting | State labour department |
| Trade licence | Commercial premises in most municipal areas | Municipal corporation or council |
| Udyam | Optional and free, but needed for MSME benefits such as the 45-day payment rule and priority lending | Udyam portal |
Depending on turnover and activity
| Registration | When you need it |
|---|---|
| GST | Turnover above ₹40 lakh (goods) or ₹20 lakh (services), or any compulsory case such as inter-state sale of goods |
| TAN | Before you deduct TDS on salary, rent, contractor or professional payments |
| IEC | Before you import or export goods or services |
| FSSAI | Any food business: basic registration up to ₹12 lakh turnover, state or central licence above that |
| Trademark | Not compulsory, but file early to protect your brand name and logo |
Depending on employees
| Registration | When you need it |
|---|---|
| EPF | 20 or more employees (voluntary below that) |
| ESI | 10 or more employees, covering those earning up to ₹21,000 a month |
| Professional Tax | In states that levy it: employer registration to deduct from salaries, plus enrolment for the business itself |
| Labour Codes | Appointment letters, wage slips and registers for every employer |
Industry-specific examples
- Drug licence: chemists, pharma wholesalers and distributors.
- Pollution consent (CTE and CTO): most manufacturing units, from the State Pollution Control Board.
- Factory registration: manufacturing units above the worker threshold under the OSH Code.
- Fire NOC: restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools and large premises.
- Legal Metrology registration: packers and importers of pre-packaged goods.
- BIS certification: products covered by a Quality Control Order.
- RERA: real estate projects and agents.
- Startup India (DPIIT): optional, for tax and funding benefits.
Worked example
A bakery-café in one state with 12 staff and ₹60 lakh turnover needs: PAN, current account, Shop and Establishment, trade licence, FSSAI state licence, GST, ESI, Professional Tax (if the state levies it) and a Fire NOC. Udyam is recommended. EPF is optional until it reaches 20 employees.
Tips
- Keep every certificate in one folder and display GST and shop licences at the premises.
- Put renewal dates (FSSAI, trade licence, Fire NOC, pollution consent) in your compliance calendar.
- Rules and fees vary by state and city. Confirm with the local authority or your CA.
Related
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