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Shop license fees in Kerala (Shops and Establishments registration)
All shops and commercial establishments, except those registered under the Factories Act, must register whatever the number of workers. Apply online with the fee and a copy of the local body licence or lease agreement. Here is the official fee, documents, steps and where to apply.
Fees last checked: 28 Oct 2026
The short answer
All shops and commercial establishments, except those registered under the Factories Act, must register whatever the number of workers. Apply online with the fee and a copy of the local body licence or lease agreement. Here is the official fee, documents, steps and where to apply. Key facts: Shop license fee, 1 to 5 employees: ₹100 (up to 5 workers) (small shop); Apply: Within 60 days of starting; Validity: Renew every year from November, online, with the list of employees.
Source: lc.kerala.gov.in, checked 2 Oct 2026.
Shop license fee in Kerala: ₹100 (up to 5 workers) for a small shop with 1 to 5 employees. Larger shops pay more, see the table below.
Official fee Checked on 2 Oct 2026 Source
What it is and who must register
Shops and Establishments registration is a state law requirement for shops, offices, restaurants and similar places that employ people. In Kerala it comes under the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1960.
All shops and commercial establishments, except those registered under the Factories Act, must register whatever the number of workers. Apply online with the fee and a copy of the local body licence or lease agreement.
Authority: Labour Department, Kerala (Assistant Labour Officer).
Official fee by size
| Employees | Official fee |
|---|---|
| No employees | ₹50 (no workers) |
| 1 to 5 employees | ₹100 (up to 5 workers) |
| 6 to 9 employees | ₹200 (6 to 10 workers) |
| 10 to 19 employees | ₹200 to ₹400 (10 workers ₹200; 11 to 20 workers ₹400) |
| 20 to 49 employees | ₹400 to ₹1,000 (20 workers ₹400; 21 to 30 ₹600; 31 to 50 ₹1,000) |
| 50 or more employees | ₹1,000 to ₹4,000 (50 workers ₹1,000; 51 to 100 ₹2,000; over 100 ₹4,000) |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay.
Documents to keep ready
- Photo ID and address proof of the owner
- Proof of premises
- Photo of the shop front with name board
- Employee details (names, roles, wages)
Steps to apply
- Collect the documents listed here.
- Apply: Within 60 days of starting.
- Apply online at lc.kerala.gov.in.
- Pay the official fee: ₹100 (up to 5 workers).
- Keep the certificate safe. Validity: Renew every year from November, online, with the list of employees.
Where to apply
Labour Department, Kerala (Assistant Labour Officer). Official portal: lc.kerala.gov.in.
After you apply
What to do once the form is submitted: where to track it, how long it takes, why it gets rejected and what the law says if you do not have it.
Track your application
Typical time
No time limit published by the authority. Track your application on the official portal linked above.
Not officially verified
If you operate without it
Running a shop or office that needs registration without it is an offence under Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1960. The fine and any jail term differ by state and have been changed in recent years, so we do not show an amount here.
Law: Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1960
Not officially verified
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Premises proof is missing or does not match the address in the form | Upload the rent agreement with the landlord NOC, or the latest property tax receipt, with the same address as the form. |
| Number of workers is wrong or not stated | Count every worker, including part-time and contract workers, and enter the same number in the form and the declaration. |
| Owner ID, photo or signature is unclear | Upload a clear scan or photo of the owner's ID and a recent passport photo. |
| Fee not paid or payment failed | Pay the official fee on the portal again and keep the receipt. |
| Wrong category chosen (shop, restaurant, office) | Pick the category that matches your business and apply again if the office sends it back. |
Not officially verified
Govt License is an independent guide. Fines and rules change, so confirm on the official portal. Items marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Free formats you may need
Printable samples you can copy, fill in and print. Each is only a sample, so check it with the issuing office.
Landlord NOC
A letter from the owner of a shop or office saying the tenant may run a business there.
Free formatAffidavit (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 formatPartnership 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 formatRent 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 formatShop 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 formatShops 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 formatCommon questions
Do I need Shops and Establishments registration in Kerala?
How much does Shops and Establishments registration cost in Kerala?
When should I register in Kerala?
Where do I apply in Kerala?
Is Govt License a government website?
Related guides in Kerala
Every business guide below includes Shops and Establishments registration, with all the other licences that business needs.