UrbanDox helps businesses obtain Shop & Establishment (Gumasta) license swiftly, enabling legal operations, employee hiring, and government benefits—completely online.
- Pan-India support for Shop & Establishment license
- Expert advisory on local labour department norms
- Quick turnaround time – registration in 3–5 days
- Ideal for physical stores, offices, freelancers, and service units
- Assistance with renewals and amendments
- Trusted by startups, retailers, salons, and professionals
Why Trust Us
Why Trust Us
What is Shop & Establishment License?
The Shop & Establishment license is a legal requirement under the respective state’s Labour Department for any commercial establishment operating in India. Whether you’re running a shop, office, salon, warehouse, or online business, registration is mandatory within 30 days of commencement.
Often referred to as Gumasta License (especially in Maharashtra), this license governs working conditions, employee rights, wages, and hours of operation. It serves as proof of business existence, enabling bank account creation, GST registration, and participation in government schemes.
UrbanDox makes this tedious process simple with digital documentation, local regulatory knowledge, and prompt service.
Why You Need a Shop & Establishment License
The Shop & Establishment Registration not only fulfills legal compliance but also enhances business credibility. It’s often the first mandatory registration for most MSMEs, freelancers, and early-stage businesses.
-
Mandatory to operate physical or online commercial establishments
-
Required to open business bank accounts
-
Needed for GST registration and trade licenses
-
Acts as proof of business existence for vendors and partners
-
Helps in employee compliance under labour laws
-
Useful while applying for tenders, loans, or funding
-
Validates business for MSME and Startup India benefits
Who Must Get Shop Act Registration?
Almost all businesses that operate from a physical or virtual setup require this license. The type and scale of business don’t matter—if you’re involved in commercial activity, compliance is mandatory.
-
Retail shops and showrooms
-
Offices and IT service companies
-
Freelancers and consultants
-
Warehouses, godowns, and logistics hubs
-
Salons, spas, and fitness centers
-
Restaurants, cafes, and food joints
-
E-commerce sellers and Amazon/Flipkart vendors
-
Home-based businesses and tiffin services
Most states require this license within 30 days of starting operations.
Documents Required for Shop & Establishment License
Accurate documentation ensures your application is processed without delays or rejections. The documents typically verify your identity, address, and place of business. Some states may request additional declarations, affidavits, or photographs.
-
Aadhaar card of proprietor/partners/directors
-
PAN card of applicant or business
-
Recent passport-sized photograph
-
Address proof of establishment (rent agreement or utility bill)
-
NOC from landlord (if rented premises)
-
Company registration proof (if any)
-
Bank account details (cancelled cheque/passbook copy)
-
Mobile number and email ID
-
Declaration of number of employees
-
Nature of business and working hours
Note: Some states may ask for additional forms or affidavits. UrbanDox will guide you based on your location.
Shop License Registration Process
The entire registration process can be done online through your state’s Labour Department portal. After verifying your documents and application, the department issues a digital license that can be used for all business-related compliances.
-
Step 1: Document collection and eligibility check
-
Step 2: State-wise portal account creation (Labour Department)
-
Step 3: Fill application form online with business & employee details
-
Step 4: Upload supporting documents and pay government fees
-
Step 5: Verification and inspection (in some cases)
-
Step 6: License issued digitally within 3–5 working days
-
Step 7: Guidance on renewal and amendments (if needed)
Important Things to Remember
Before applying, ensure your business name, documents, and address proofs are consistent. License validity varies from state to state, and renewal is mandatory. Many business owners miss out on this basic registration—resulting in fines or compliance delays.
-
Registration must be done within 30 days of business start
-
License must be displayed at your premises
-
Renew the license as per your state’s validity period
-
Inform labour department in case of address or ownership change
-
Applicable even for businesses with no employees
-
Details like business hours and weekly offs must be declared
-
Physical verification may be required in some locations
-
Different states have different validity and fee structures
-
Digital license is acceptable for most official purposes
-
UrbanDox handles renewals and compliance support post-registration
Talk to Our Team Our Experts Are Ready
What is Shop & Establishment License?
The Shop & Establishment license is a legal requirement under the respective state’s Labour Department for any commercial establishment operating in India. Whether you’re running a shop, office, salon, warehouse, or online business, registration is mandatory within 30 days of commencement.
Often referred to as Gumasta License (especially in Maharashtra), this license governs working conditions, employee rights, wages, and hours of operation. It serves as proof of business existence, enabling bank account creation, GST registration, and participation in government schemes.
UrbanDox makes this tedious process simple with digital documentation, local regulatory knowledge, and prompt service.
Why You Need a Shop & Establishment License
The Shop & Establishment Registration not only fulfills legal compliance but also enhances business credibility. It’s often the first mandatory registration for most MSMEs, freelancers, and early-stage businesses.
-
Mandatory to operate physical or online commercial establishments
-
Required to open business bank accounts
-
Needed for GST registration and trade licenses
-
Acts as proof of business existence for vendors and partners
-
Helps in employee compliance under labour laws
-
Useful while applying for tenders, loans, or funding
-
Validates business for MSME and Startup India benefits
Who Must Get Shop Act Registration?
Almost all businesses that operate from a physical or virtual setup require this license. The type and scale of business don’t matter—if you’re involved in commercial activity, compliance is mandatory.
-
Retail shops and showrooms
-
Offices and IT service companies
-
Freelancers and consultants
-
Warehouses, godowns, and logistics hubs
-
Salons, spas, and fitness centers
-
Restaurants, cafes, and food joints
-
E-commerce sellers and Amazon/Flipkart vendors
-
Home-based businesses and tiffin services
Most states require this license within 30 days of starting operations.
Documents Required for Shop & Establishment License
Accurate documentation ensures your application is processed without delays or rejections. The documents typically verify your identity, address, and place of business. Some states may request additional declarations, affidavits, or photographs.
-
Aadhaar card of proprietor/partners/directors
-
PAN card of applicant or business
-
Recent passport-sized photograph
-
Address proof of establishment (rent agreement or utility bill)
-
NOC from landlord (if rented premises)
-
Company registration proof (if any)
-
Bank account details (cancelled cheque/passbook copy)
-
Mobile number and email ID
-
Declaration of number of employees
-
Nature of business and working hours
Note: Some states may ask for additional forms or affidavits. UrbanDox will guide you based on your location.
Shop License Registration Process
The entire registration process can be done online through your state’s Labour Department portal. After verifying your documents and application, the department issues a digital license that can be used for all business-related compliances.
-
Step 1: Document collection and eligibility check
-
Step 2: State-wise portal account creation (Labour Department)
-
Step 3: Fill application form online with business & employee details
-
Step 4: Upload supporting documents and pay government fees
-
Step 5: Verification and inspection (in some cases)
-
Step 6: License issued digitally within 3–5 working days
-
Step 7: Guidance on renewal and amendments (if needed)
Important Things to Remember
Before applying, ensure your business name, documents, and address proofs are consistent. License validity varies from state to state, and renewal is mandatory. Many business owners miss out on this basic registration—resulting in fines or compliance delays.
-
Registration must be done within 30 days of business start
-
License must be displayed at your premises
-
Renew the license as per your state’s validity period
-
Inform labour department in case of address or ownership change
-
Applicable even for businesses with no employees
-
Details like business hours and weekly offs must be declared
-
Physical verification may be required in some locations
-
Different states have different validity and fee structures
-
Digital license is acceptable for most official purposes
-
UrbanDox handles renewals and compliance support post-registration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Shop & Establishment license mandatory for online businesses?
A: Yes, most states require it for all commercial establishments, even online.
Q: What is the validity of the license?
A: Typically 1 to 3 years, depending on state rules.
Q: Can I register without employees?
A: Yes, registration is needed even for solo proprietors.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Usually 3–5 working days with UrbanDox support.
Q: What is Gumasta license?
A: It is the Shop Act license name used in Maharashtra.
Q: Can I use home address for registration?
A: Yes, with proper rent agreement and NOC.
Q: Is physical inspection required?
A: Rarely, but some state officials may conduct verification.
Q: Is it needed for freelancers or consultants?
A: Yes, it’s legally advisable and often required by banks.
Q: What happens if I don’t get it?
A: You may face fines and inability to open business accounts.
Q: Will UrbanDox handle renewals?
A: Yes, we offer end-to-end support including renewals and amendments.
