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Trade license in Chennai (trade licence)
The trade licence fee for every business type in Chennai, the documents and where to apply.
Fees last checked: 28 Oct 2026
The short answer
The trade licence fee for every business type in Chennai, the documents and where to apply. Key facts: Issued by: Greater Chennai Corporation; Fee, retail shop: ₹1,000 to ₹20,000 (per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 schedule); Apply at: chennaicorporation.gov.in.
Source: calcguru.in. Not yet matched to an official page; confirm on the official portal before paying.
Fee for a retail shop Not officially verified Source
What it is and who needs it
A trade licence is permission from your city to run a trade or business at your premises. In Chennai it comes from the Greater Chennai Corporation.
Premises licence under the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919, s.287.
Depends on the city and trade. See the Metro Guide for each city's rules.
Official fee by business
The fee depends on the type of business. Some fees also depend on size or seats.
| Business | Licence | Official fee | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant or Café | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹5,000eating house, up to 1,000 sq ft (Council Resolution 232/2024)Checked on 27 Sep 2026 Source | Online |
| Cloud Kitchen | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹5,000eating house, up to 1,000 sq ft (Council Resolution 232/2024)Checked on 27 Sep 2026 Source | Online |
| Bakery or Sweet Shop | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹2,000 / ₹5,000 / ₹10,000per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 scheduleNot officially verified Source | Online |
| Home Food or Tiffin Business | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaNot officially verified Source | Online |
| Catering Business | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹5,000eating house, up to 1,000 sq ft (Council Resolution 232/2024)Checked on 27 Sep 2026 Source | Online |
| Grocery or Kirana Store | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹3,500provisions shop, up to 1,000 sq ft (Council Resolution 232/2024)Checked on 27 Sep 2026 Source | Online |
| Retail Shop | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹1,000 to ₹20,000per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 scheduleNot officially verified Source | Online |
| Pharmacy or Medical Store | Trade licence (GCC) | Up to ₹10,000per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 scheduleNot officially verified Source | Online |
| Online Selling Business | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaNot officially verified Source | Online |
| Salon or Beauty Parlour | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹2,500 / ₹5,000 / ₹10,000per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 scheduleNot officially verified Source | Online |
| Gym or Fitness Studio | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaNot officially verified Source | Online |
| Clinic | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaNot officially verified Source | Online |
| Coaching or Tuition Centre | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaNot officially verified Source | Online |
| Office or Agency | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaNot officially verified Source | Online |
| Import Export Business | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaNot officially verified Source | Online |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay.
Documents to keep ready
- Property tax receipt
- Rent agreement or ownership proof
- Photo ID of the owner
- Tamil name board on the shop (5:3:2 ratio Tamil:English:other)
Steps to apply
- Collect the documents listed here.
- Apply online at chennaicorporation.gov.in.
- Pay the official fee: the fee for your business type from the table above.
- Wait for the result. Usual time: Online.
- Keep the certificate safe. Validity: 1 year; renew 1 Feb to 31 Mar.
Where to apply
Greater Chennai Corporation. Official portal: chennaicorporation.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
Online
Not officially verified
If you operate without it
Running a trade that needs a municipal licence without one can lead to a fine, a closure or sealing of the shop under the city's municipal law. The amount differs by city, so we do not show one here.
Law: The municipal corporation or municipality Act and trade licence by-laws of your city
Not officially verified
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Premises proof or landlord NOC is missing | Attach the rent agreement with a landlord NOC, or the property tax receipt if you own the place. |
| The shop is in a zone where this trade is not allowed | Ask the municipal office which zones allow the trade. Move to an allowed place or apply for a change of use. |
| Property tax or earlier dues are unpaid | Clear the dues, keep the receipt and apply again. |
| FSSAI, fire NOC or another required certificate is not attached | Get the other certificate first, then upload it with the trade licence application. |
| Details in the form do not match the documents | Check name, address and trade type against your ID and premises papers and correct the form. |
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 formatSelf-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 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 formatCommon questions
Do I need a trade licence in Chennai?
How much is a trade licence in Chennai?
Where do I apply for a trade licence in Chennai?
How long does a trade licence take in Chennai?
Is Govt License a government website?
Business guides for Chennai
Each guide lists every licence the business needs in Chennai, including the trade licence.
Your next step
Food license in Chennai (FSSAI registration)
After that:
- Shop license fees in Tamil Nadu (Shops and Establishments registration)
- Professional tax in Tamil Nadu