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Trade license in Kochi (trade licence)
The trade licence fee for every business type in Kochi, the documents and where to apply.
Fees last checked: 28 Oct 2026
The short answer
The trade licence fee for every business type in Kochi, the documents and where to apply. Key facts: Issued by: Kochi Municipal Corporation; Fee, retail shop: ₹500 to ₹15,000 (per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakh); Apply at: lsgkerala.gov.in (K-SWIFT single window).
Source: principaldirectorate.lsgkerala.gov.in, checked 2 Oct 2026.
Fee for a retail shop Checked on 2 Oct 2026 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 Kochi it comes from the Kochi Municipal Corporation.
Issued by the corporation under the Kerala Municipality (Issue of Licence to Factories, Trades, Entrepreneurship Activities and Other Services) Rules, 1996. The annual fee depends on your capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakh, ₹1,000 up to ₹25 lakh, ₹5,000 up to ₹2 crore, ₹10,000 up to ₹5 crore, ₹15,000 above.
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 | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Cloud Kitchen | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Bakery or Sweet Shop | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Home Food or Tiffin Business | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Catering Business | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Grocery or Kirana Store | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Retail Shop | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Pharmacy or Medical Store | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Online Selling Business | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Salon or Beauty Parlour | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Gym or Fitness Studio | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Clinic | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Coaching or Tuition Centre | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Office or Agency | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
| Import Export Business | Licence for trades and other services (Kerala Municipality Rules, 1996) | ₹500 to ₹15,000per year by capital investment: ₹500 for a service business up to ₹10 lakhChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source | 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay.
Documents to keep ready
- ID proof of the owner
- Lease deed or ownership certificate of the premises
- For workplaces using machinery: consent to establish from the Pollution Control Board, fire NOC or NOC from the District Medical Officer
Steps to apply
- Collect the documents listed here.
- Apply online at lsgkerala.gov.in (K-SWIFT single window).
- Pay the official fee: the fee for your business type from the table above.
- Wait for the result. Usual time: 5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection.
- Keep the certificate safe. Validity: Annual. Renew 30 days before expiry; 25% extra if late.
Where to apply
Kochi Municipal Corporation. Official portal: lsgkerala.gov.in (K-SWIFT single window).
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
5 days under the Right to Service rules, after a site inspection
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 Kochi?
How much is a trade licence in Kochi?
Where do I apply for a trade licence in Kochi?
How long does a trade licence take in Kochi?
Is Govt License a government website?
Business guides for Kochi
Each guide lists every licence the business needs in Kochi, including the trade licence.