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Pharmacy license (drug license) and registrations to open a medical store in Chennai

The drug license, also called the pharmacy license, medical store license or chemist license, and 3 other required registrations, with the official fee for each, the office that issues it and the documents to keep ready.

Fees last checked: 28 Oct 2026

The short answer

To open a pharmacy or medical store in Chennai you need 4 licences and registrations:

  • PAN
  • Retail drug licence (Form 20 and 21)
  • Trade licence (GCC)
  • Profession Tax (collected by your corporation)

Fixed official fees: ₹3,000

+ 2 fees that depend on size or location. See the fee table below

  • Trade licence (GCC) Up to ₹10,000
  • Profession Tax (collected by your corporation) Up to ₹1,250 per half-year (₹2,500 a year), by income; companies also pay Company Tax
Required licences
4
Fixed official fees
₹3,000
first year, plus 2 that vary
Issuing city body
Greater Chennai Corporation

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Required licences and official fees

For a pharmacy or medical store in Chennai (GCC), Tamil Nadu.

LicenceIssued byOfficial feeTimeApply at
PANCentralIncome Tax DepartmentFreeinstant e-PAN with AadhaarChecked on 27 Sep 2026 SourceSame dayincometax.gov.in (Instant e-PAN)
Retail drug licence (Form 20 and 21)StateTamil Nadu Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department (Drugs Control)₹1,500 per form₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21Checked on 18 Oct 2026 SourceAbout 30 days, with inspectiondrugscontrol.tn.gov.in
Trade licence (GCC)MunicipalGreater Chennai Corporation, Revenue DepartmentUp to ₹10,000per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 scheduleOnlinechennaicorporation.gov.in
Profession Tax (collected by your corporation)StateGreater Chennai Corporation (local body)Up to ₹1,250 per half-year (₹2,500 a year), by income; companies also pay Company TaxRegister with the corporation when you startchennaicorporation.gov.in

Fees are the official government fees, not agent charges. Some fees depend on your size or change by office, so confirm on the portal before paying.

Order to apply in

  1. Identity and tax registration: PAN. Do these first. Later forms ask for PAN and GST.
  2. Sector licence: Retail drug licence (Form 20 and 21). The licence that lets you legally run this type of business.
  3. Municipal licence: Trade licence (GCC). Permission from your city for these premises.
  4. State labour and tax: Profession Tax (collected by your corporation). Registers your workplace and staff with the state.

Documents to keep ready

  • Aadhaar linked to your mobile number
  • For a firm or company: incorporation certificate or partnership deed
  • Registered pharmacist: qualification, State Pharmacy Council registration, appointment letter
  • Premises of at least 10 sq m (15 sq m for retail plus wholesale)
  • Rent agreement or ownership proof
  • Site plan and key plan
  • Refrigerator purchase bill
  • Non-conviction affidavit
  • Photo ID of the owner
  • Property tax receipt
  • Tamil name board on the shop (5:3:2 ratio Tamil:English:other)
  • PAN
  • Aadhaar
  • Business address proof
  • GST or Shops and Establishments certificate
  • Employee list with salaries

Also check if these apply

  • GST registration: Free. Mandatory once turnover crosses ₹40 lakh a year for goods in Tamil Nadu.Checked on 27 Sep 2026 Source
  • Udyam (MSME) registration: Free. Free. Gets you the lower trademark fee, MSME loan schemes and protection against delayed payments.Checked on 27 Sep 2026 Source
  • FSSAI registration for nutrition products: ₹100. Needed only if you sell food items such as supplements or infant food.Checked on 27 Sep 2026 Source
  • Shops and Establishments registration: Free. Mandatory in Tamil Nadu only from 10 workers. Below that it is optional but banks often ask for it.

Pharmacy license, drug license and medical store license in Chennai

In Chennai the drug license (also called the pharmacy license, medical store license or chemist license) is a retail licence in Form 20, and Form 21 for Schedule C and C(1) medicines. It is issued by the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department (Drugs Control). The official fee is ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21), and it stays valid if you pay the retention fee every 5 years.Checked on 18 Oct 2026 Source

You need a Registered Pharmacist and premises of at least 10 square metres. Read the full guide: pharmacy license in India (forms, fees, eligibility, documents), drug license in Tamil Nadu and the free pharmacist consent letter.

Free formats for this business

Landlord NOC, declarations and consent letters that offices often ask for. Each is a printable sample, so check it with the issuing office. After you apply, the licence pages also show how to track an application and why it gets rejected.

Landlord NOC

A letter from the owner of a shop or office saying the tenant may run a business there.

Free format

Self-declaration (trade licence)

A short signed statement by the applicant that the details in the trade licence application are true and the business will follow the rules.

Free format

Affidavit (trade licence)

A sworn statement made before a notary, used by some municipal offices as proof that the premises and details in a trade licence application are true.

Free format

Partnership consent letter

A letter signed by all partners of a firm saying one partner may apply for, sign for and hold a licence on behalf of the firm.

Free format

Rent agreement

An 11 month agreement between the owner and the tenant of a house or flat that sets out the rent, deposit, notice period and rules of stay.

Free format

Shop or office lease agreement

A lease between the owner of a shop, office or godown and a business tenant, with the rent, deposit, yearly increase, lock in and notice terms.

Free format

Shops Act declaration

A declaration by the owner of a shop, office or restaurant giving the details asked for when registering under the state Shops and Establishments Act.

Free format

GST authorised signatory letter

A letter in which the owner, partner or director of a business authorises one person to sign and file GST applications and returns on its behalf.

Free format

GST owner consent letter

A letter from the owner of a shop or office saying that the applicant may use the address as the place of business for GST registration.

Free format

Reply to ASMT-10 notice

Reply to a notice in Form GST ASMT-10 that points out differences in your returns after scrutiny.

Free format

Reply to DRC-01A

Reply to a pre show cause intimation in Form GST DRC-01A.

Free format

Reply to GST show cause notice (DRC-06)

Reply to a GST show cause notice for demand of tax, with grounds and a request for a personal hearing, prayer, verification and annexures.

Free format

Reply to registration notice (REG-04)

Reply to a notice from the officer asking you to clarify or add details on a GST registration application.

Free format

Reply to cancellation notice (REG-18)

Reply to a show cause notice proposing to cancel your GST registration.

Free format

Reply to ITC mismatch notice

Reply to a GST notice about input tax credit claimed in GSTR-3B that does not match GSTR-2B, with a reconciliation table you fill in.

Free format

GST notice adjournment request

A letter asking the GST officer for more time to reply, or to move the date of a hearing, with the reason and the new date you ask for.

Free format

GST authorisation letter for a CA

A letter that authorises a chartered accountant, advocate or other representative to appear and file replies for you before the GST officer.

Free format

Pharmacist consent letter

A letter from a Registered Pharmacist saying he or she agrees to work as the qualified person in charge of a pharmacy or medical store, for the drug licence application (Forms 20 and 21).

Free format

Pharmacist affidavit

A sworn statement by a Registered Pharmacist giving registration details and confirming he or she will personally supervise the pharmacy named in the drug licence application.

Free format

Premises declaration

A declaration by the owner of a pharmacy or medical store giving the area, storage and ownership details of the premises, for the drug licence application.

Free format

All free formats

Common questions

How do I get a pharmacy license (drug license) in Chennai?
Hire a Registered Pharmacist, take premises of at least 10 square metres, and apply in Form 19 on the portal of the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department (Drugs Control). A Drugs Inspector inspects the premises before the licence in Form 20 and 21 is issued. Read the full steps in our pharmacy license guide.
Is a medical store license or chemist license in Chennai the same as a drug license?
Yes. Drug license, pharmacy license, medical store license and chemist license all mean the retail sale licence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
How much do licences cost for a pharmacy or medical store in Chennai?
The known official fees for the required licences add up to about ₹3,000 in the first year, plus 2 fees that depend on your size or the office (Trade licence (GCC), Profession Tax (collected by your corporation)). This is the government fee only. Agents and consultants charge extra, which you can avoid by applying yourself on the official portals.
Which licence should I apply for first?
Start with PAN and GST registration, because almost every later form asks for them. Then apply for the sector licence (Retail drug licence (Form 20 and 21)), followed by the municipal licence and the state labour registration.
Do I need a trade licence from the Greater Chennai Corporation?
Yes. For a pharmacy or medical store you need the Trade licence (GCC). The official fee is Up to ₹10,000 (per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 schedule). Apply at chennaicorporation.gov.in.
How long does it take to get all the licences?
Most registrations like PAN, GST and Udyam come through within a week. Sector and municipal licences can take 30 to 60 days where an inspection is needed, so apply for those as early as possible and before you open.
Is Govt License a government website?
No. Govt License is an independent guide. We link to the official government portals where you apply and pay. Always confirm the fee on the portal before paying.

அடிக்கடி கேட்கப்படும் கேள்விகள் (தமிழில்)

ஆங்கிலத்திலிருந்து மொழிபெயர்க்கப்பட்டது. ஆங்கிலப் பக்கமே அடிப்படை; கட்டணங்களை அதிகாரப்பூர்வ தளத்தில் உறுதிசெய்து கொள்ளுங்கள்.

சென்னையில் மருந்துக் கடை (மெடிக்கல் ஸ்டோர்) திறக்க என்ன லைசென்ஸ் தேவை? லைசென்ஸ் எப்படி வாங்குவது?
சென்னையில் மருந்துக் கடை (மெடிக்கல் ஸ்டோர்) திறக்க 4 அவசிய உரிமங்கள் மற்றும் பதிவுகள் தேவை: PAN (நிரந்தரக் கணக்கு எண்), Retail drug licence (Form 20 and 21) [மருந்து விற்பனை உரிமம்], Trade licence (GCC) [மாநகராட்சி உரிமம்], Profession Tax (collected by your corporation) [தொழில் வரி]. முதலில் PAN, பிறகு Retail drug licence (Form 20 and 21) [மருந்து விற்பனை உரிமம்], அதன் பிறகு மற்ற பதிவுகளைச் செய்யுங்கள்.
சென்னையில் மருந்துக் கடை (மெடிக்கல் ஸ்டோர்) திறக்க மொத்தம் எவ்வளவு அரசு கட்டணம் ஆகும்?
முதல் ஆண்டில் தெரிந்த அரசு கட்டணங்கள் மொத்தம் சுமார் ₹3,000. மேலும் இவற்றின் கட்டணம் உங்கள் தொழிலின் அளவு அல்லது அலுவலகத்தைப் பொறுத்து மாறும்: Trade licence (GCC) [மாநகராட்சி உரிமம்], Profession Tax (collected by your corporation) [தொழில் வரி]. இவை அரசு கட்டணங்கள் மட்டுமே. முகவர்கள் தனியாகப் பணம் வாங்குவார்கள்; அதிகாரப்பூர்வ தளத்தில் நீங்களே விண்ணப்பித்தால் அந்தச் செலவைத் தவிர்க்கலாம்.
சென்னையில் டிரேட் லைசென்ஸ் எப்படி வாங்குவது? மருந்துக் கடை (மெடிக்கல் ஸ்டோர்) திறக்க அது தேவையா?
ஆம். சென்னையில் இந்த உரிமத்தை வழங்கும் அமைப்பு: பெருநகர சென்னை மாநகராட்சி (Greater Chennai Corporation). உரிமம்: Trade licence (GCC) [மாநகராட்சி உரிமம்]. அதிகாரப்பூர்வ கட்டணம்: ₹10,000 வரை. விண்ணப்பம்: chennaicorporation.gov.in தளத்தில் ஆன்லைனில்.
சென்னையில் மருந்துக் கடை (மெடிக்கல் ஸ்டோர்) திறக்க என்ன ஆவணங்கள் தேவை?
இந்த ஆவணங்களைத் தயாராக வைத்திருங்கள் (அரசுப் படிவங்களில் உள்ளபடி ஆங்கிலத்தில்): Aadhaar linked to your mobile number; For a firm or company: incorporation certificate or partnership deed; Registered pharmacist: qualification, State Pharmacy Council registration, appointment letter; Premises of at least 10 sq m (15 sq m for retail plus wholesale); Rent agreement or ownership proof; Site plan and key plan.
எல்லா லைசென்ஸ்களும் கிடைக்க எத்தனை நாட்கள் ஆகும்?
PAN, GST, Udyam பொதுவாக ஒரு வாரத்துக்குள் கிடைக்கும். FSSAI மற்றும் மாநகராட்சி உரிமத்துக்கு ஆய்வு காரணமாக 30 முதல் 60 நாட்கள் ஆகலாம்; எனவே தொழில் தொடங்கும் முன்பே விண்ணப்பியுங்கள்.
சென்னையில் மருந்துக் கடை (மெடிக்கல் ஸ்டோர்) திறக்க எங்கே விண்ணப்பிக்க வேண்டும்?
விண்ணப்பிக்கும் இடங்கள்: PAN (நிரந்தரக் கணக்கு எண்): Income Tax Department, incometax.gov.in (Instant e-PAN); Retail drug licence (Form 20 and 21) [மருந்து விற்பனை உரிமம்]: Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department (Drugs Control), drugscontrol.tn.gov.in; Trade licence (GCC) [மாநகராட்சி உரிமம்]: Greater Chennai Corporation, Revenue Department, chennaicorporation.gov.in; Profession Tax (collected by your corporation) [தொழில் வரி]: Greater Chennai Corporation (local body), chennaicorporation.gov.in. பணம் செலுத்தும் முன் கட்டணத்தை எப்போதும் அதிகாரப்பூர்வ தளத்தில் சரிபாருங்கள்.

Nearby cities in Tamil Nadu

This guide in other languages: हिंदी · தமிழ்

Pharmacy or Medical Store licences in other cities

Delhi New Delhi (NDMC) Mumbai Pune Kolkata West Bengal towns Bengaluru Hyderabad Ahmedabad Lucknow Kanpur Ghaziabad Noida Patna Jaipur Indore Bhopal Gurugram Faridabad Surat Vadodara Nagpur Thane Coimbatore Howrah Kochi Thiruvananthapuram Visakhapatnam Vijayawada Ludhiana Amritsar Bhubaneswar Guwahati Ranchi Raipur Dehradun Panaji Chandigarh Shimla Jammu Srinagar Gaya Muzaffarpur Bhagalpur Darbhanga Varanasi Prayagraj Agra Meerut Bareilly Gorakhpur Aligarh Moradabad Saharanpur Mathura-Vrindavan Jhansi Gwalior Jabalpur Ujjain Jodhpur Kota Udaipur Ajmer Bikaner Dhanbad Jamshedpur Bilaspur Durg-Bhilai Panipat Ambala Hisar Karnal Rohtak Haridwar Haldwani

Other businesses in Chennai

Restaurant or Café Cloud Kitchen Bakery or Sweet Shop Home Food or Tiffin Business Catering Business Grocery or Kirana Store Retail Shop Online Selling Business Salon or Beauty Parlour Gym or Fitness Studio Clinic Coaching or Tuition Centre Office or Agency Import Export Business

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Drug license in Tamil Nadu: pharmacy license, medical store license and chemist license

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