Shop & Establishment Registration
ℹ️ What is Shop & Establishment Registration?
What is Shops & Commercial Establishment Registration?
Shops & Commercial Establishment Registration is a state labour law registration required for any business operating from a physical commercial premises, Including shops, offices, warehouses, agencies, and service centres. This registration is known by different names in different states, such as Shops & Establishment Certificate, Shops & Commercial Establishment Licence, or Gumasta Licence (in Maharashtra), but they all refer to the same labour department registration.
It certifies that the business complies with rules related to:
- Opening & closing hours
- Employee working conditions
- Wages and holidays
- Workplace safety
- Basic labour welfare norms
This is separate from a Trade Licence, which is issued by municipal corporations for specific trades.
- Why is It Needed?
Businesses obtain this registration to:
- Legally operate a shop, office, or commercial workplace
- Comply with labour laws
- Hire employees officially
- Open a business current account (banks often request it)
- Obtain other registrations such as trade licence (in some states)
- Establish legal presence at a commercial location
It is one of the first registrations for any business setting up a physical establishment.
- Applicability Trigger: When Is It Required?
Registration is required when a business:
- Opens a physical shop, office, or commercial establishment
- Hires any number of employees (even one)
- Operates from a rented, leased, or owned premises
- Runs retail, wholesale, service-based, or back-office operations
- Operates a warehouse, godown, agency, coaching centre, clinic, etc.
Simple rule:
If your business has a physical commercial address, this registration is generally required.
- Who Can Apply?
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnership firms
- LLPs
- Private Limited / OPC
- Trusts and societies
- Agencies, service providers, consultants
- Retail and wholesale traders
- Home-based businesses with a dedicated workspace
📋 Document Checklist
Document Checklist
Documents vary by state but generally include:
Business Address Proof (Any One)
- Rent agreement + Owner NOC
- Property tax receipt
- Electricity/water/gas bill/Telephone/Broadband BIll
- Allotment letter (if applicable)
Identity Proof of Owner / Authorised Person
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Passport / DL / Voter ID (any one)
Business Documents
- PAN of business/entity
- Partnership deed / LLP agreement / COI (if applicable)
- Board/Partner authorisation letter (if applicable)
Additional (If applicable)
- Employee details (if hiring)
- Photograph of premises (some states require it)
- Business activity details
✅ How to Apply
How and where to apply?
Application is done through the state labour department or respective state portal.
Each state has its own online system.
Examples of Official Portals :
- Maharashtra: https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/en/Login/Login
- Karnataka: https://www.ekarmika.karnataka.gov.in/ekarmika/static/home.aspx
- Tamil Nadu: https://labour.tn.gov.in/services/shop-establishments/registration
- Telangana: https://labour.telangana.gov.in
- Delhi: https://labourcis.nic.in/FSE01_Registration.asp
Simple Flow:
- Visit the state labour department portal
- Fill basic business details
- Upload identity & address proof
- Pay the prescribed fees
- Download certificate after approval
Note: Actual procedures vary state-by-state.
Cost
Cost depends on:
- Number of employees
- Nature of business activity
- City / state
Typical range (indicative): ₹200 – ₹5,000.
Validity
Depends on the state’s rules:
- Some states: Lifetime certificate
- Others: 1-year or 3-year validity (renewal required)