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Business Licences in India: A Checklist Beyond GST and Incorporation
A checklist of the licences Indian businesses commonly need beyond GST and incorporation, by type of business, with who issues each and how long they last.
Think Filing Team30 September 2026 2 min read
Incorporating a company and registering for GST doesn't give you permission to do everything. Depending on your activity and premises, you may need several more licences. This checklist helps you work out which.
Almost Every Business With Premises
- Shops and Establishments registration, under your state's law, for shops, offices and commercial establishments.
- Trade licence from the municipal corporation, for trading at a particular premises.
- Professional Tax registration, in states that levy it.
Food Businesses
- FSSAI registration or licence, depending on turnover and activity — for manufacturers, restaurants, cloud kitchens, home kitchens, traders and online sellers.
- Health or eating house licences from local bodies, in some places.
Importers and Exporters
- Import Export Code from the DGFT.
- AD code registration at ports, for exporters of goods.
- Registration with an export promotion council, for some benefits.
Manufacturers
- Factory licence, above employee thresholds.
- Consent to establish and consent to operate from the State Pollution Control Board.
- Fire safety approval.
- Building and occupancy permissions.
Packaged Products
- Legal Metrology registration for packers and importers of packaged commodities.
- BIS certification for products under compulsory certification.
Regulated Sectors
- Drug licences for pharmacies, wholesalers and manufacturers.
- Licences for alcohol, fireworks, or other controlled goods.
- Sector regulator approvals, such as for financial services.
Employers
- EPF and ESIC registration once headcount crosses the thresholds.
- Contract labour registration, where contract workers are engaged above the threshold.
Tips
- List every activity and every premises.
- Check both central and state requirements.
- Apply in the right order — some licences depend on others.
- Track renewals in one calendar.
Getting Help
Think Filing maps the licences your business needs and handles applications and renewals.