MSME (Udyam) registration
Free government registration that gives your business MSME status and benefits.
Trade licence and shop registration
Get the local licences your shop, office or business place needs to operate legally.
About Trade licence and shop registration
Most businesses that operate from a physical place need local permissions. In Tamil Nadu, shops, offices and commercial establishments are generally registered with the Labour Department under the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act. Businesses in a municipal or corporation area may also need a trade licence from the local body, for example the Greater Chennai Corporation for businesses within the city limits.
Some sectors need additional licences, such as food safety (FSSAI), drug licence, fire safety clearance or pollution control consent. The exact list depends on what you do, the size of the premises and the number of employees, so we check this with you first.
Who needs it
- New shop, showroom, office or warehouse owners
- Existing businesses whose licences have lapsed or never been obtained
- Businesses moving to a new premises
Documents required
Owner / business
- PAN and Aadhaar of the proprietor, partners or directors
- Constitution documents: partnership deed, LLP agreement, or certificate of incorporation, MOA and AOA
- GST and Udyam certificate, if available
Premises
- Rent agreement with owner's no-objection letter, or ownership document
- Latest property tax receipt and electricity bill
- Photographs of the premises and signboard, if asked
- Layout or site plan for some trades
Business details
- Nature of business, date of commencement and number of employees
- Passport-size photographs
- Fire safety or other certificates, where applicable to the trade
Exact requirements can vary with your case and the authority. We confirm the final list when you contact us, so you collect everything once.
How we do it
- Check the requirementWe confirm which registrations apply to your trade and location.
- Prepare the applicationWe fill the online applications and list the supporting documents.
- Submit and follow upWe submit to the Labour Department or local body and track the application.
- Receive the certificateDisplay it at the premises and keep renewal dates in the compliance calendar.
Time it takes
Usually 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the authority and the trade. Some licences need an inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Is a trade licence the same as shop registration?
No. They are issued by different authorities. Shop and establishment registration is under labour law, while a trade licence is issued by the local body for the activity at the premises.
Do home-based businesses need a licence?
It depends on the activity and local rules. We tell you what applies.
Do these licences need renewal?
Many do, either yearly or after a few years. We note the renewal date for you.
Related services
GST registration
Get your GSTIN so you can charge GST, claim input credit and file returns.
Proprietorship setup
Start a sole proprietorship with the right registrations and a business bank account.