The Kerala Shop and Establishment License is a mandatory legal registration for businesses operating within a state. In Kerala, every shop, office, commercial establishment, and service-based business must be registered under the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act.
If you are planning to start a business or are already running one in Kerala, obtaining the Kerala Shop and Establishment License is essential for:
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Legal recognition of your business
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Opening a current bank account
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Applying for GST, MSME (Udyam), and government schemes
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Avoiding penalties and legal notices
The Government of Kerala provides both online and offline methods to apply for this license through its Labour Department–linked portals.
Official Portal: https://labour.kerala.gov.in
What is a Kerala Shop and Establishment License?
Table of Contents
The Kerala Shop and Establishment License is a statutory registration issued to regulate:
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Working hours
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Wages and leave
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Weekly holidays
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Employment of women and young persons
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General welfare of employees
The license is issued by the Labour Department, Kerala, which functions under the Government of Kerala.
This registration also acts as official proof of business existence, required by banks, GST authorities, municipal bodies, and various government departments.
Eligibility Criteria for Kerala Shop and Establishment License
To apply for a Kerala Shop and Establishment License, the applicant must satisfy the following conditions:
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Age Requirement
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Applicant must be 18 years or above
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Income / BPL Requirement
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No income limit
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BPL status is not mandatory
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Residential Requirement
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Business must be located within Kerala
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Applicant must have a valid address proof
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Business Coverage
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Shops
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Commercial offices
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IT & software companies
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Educational institutes (non-teaching)
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Hospitals (administrative sections)
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Freelancers and consultants
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Special Categories
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Home-based businesses
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Women-owned enterprises
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MSMEs and startups
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Single-person establishments
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Documents Required for Kerala Shop and Establishment License Application
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying for Kerala Shop and Establishment License:
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Aadhaar Card of proprietor/partners/directors
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PAN Card of the business or the owner
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Proof of business address:
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Electricity bill / Water bill / Property tax receipt
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Rent agreement (if premises are rented)
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Ownership document (if self-owned)
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Passport-size photograph
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Employee details (if applicable)
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Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
How to Apply for Kerala Shop and Establishment License Online Method
Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply Kerala Shop and Establishment License online:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official Kerala Labour Department portal: https://labour.kerala.gov.in
Step 2: Register or Log in
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Click on Shop & Establishment Registration
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Register using:
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Mobile number
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Email ID
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Verify OTP and create login credentials
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Enter accurate details such as:
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Name of establishment
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Nature of business
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Complete address
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Number of employees
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Date of commencement
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
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Upload documents in PDF/JPEG format
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File size should generally be 200–300 KB
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Ensure documents are clear and readable
Step 5: Pay the Prescribed Fee
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Fees depend on:
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Number of employees
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Period of registration
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Online payment options:
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Net banking
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Debit/Credit card
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UPI
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Step 6: Submit Application & Track Status
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Submit the form
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Save the application reference number
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Use it for tracking status
How to Apply for Kerala Shop and Establishment License Offline
Applicants who prefer Kerala Shop and Establishment License offline registration can follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Local Office
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Municipality / Corporation Office
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Local Labour Office
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Gram Panchayat (for rural areas)
Step 2: Collect the Application Form
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Request Shop and Establishment Registration Form
Step 3: Fill the Form Carefully
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Use clear handwriting
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Avoid overwriting
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Fill all mandatory fields
Step 4: Attach Required Documents
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Self-attested copies of documents
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Passport-size photographs
Step 5: Submit & Take Acknowledgment
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Apply to the concerned officer
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Collect the acknowledgment slip for reference
Track Kerala Shop and Establishment License Application Status
Applicants can track the Kerala Shop and Establishment License application status online by:
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Visiting https://labour.kerala.gov.in
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Clicking on Track Application Status
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Entering:
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Application number
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Registered mobile number
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Offline applicants may track their status by visiting the same office where the form was submitted.
Renewal / Re-Verification Process
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Validity: Generally 1 to 5 years
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Renewal Timeline: Apply before expiry
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Documents Required for Renewal:
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Existing license copy
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Updated employee details
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Address proof (if changed)
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Common Issues & Solutions
Problem 1: Aadhaar Details Mismatch
Solution: Update Aadhaar details through UIDAI before applying.
Problem 2: Document Upload Failure
Solution: Ensure file size is between 200–300 KB and in PDF/JPEG format.
Problem 3: Application Rejected
Solution: Double-check address proof and business details before resubmission.
Problem 4: Payment Failure
Solution: Retry using a different payment mode or browser.
Important Government Links
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Kerala Labour Department: https://labour.kerala.gov.in
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MyScheme Portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in
FAQ:
Q. How to apply for Kerala Shop and Establishment License online?
A. Apply through the official Kerala Labour Department portal.
Q. Is the Shop and Establishment License mandatory in Kerala?
A. Yes, it is mandatory for all commercial establishments.
Q. What is the fee for a Kerala Shop License?
A. The fee varies based on the number of employees and duration.
Q. Can freelancers apply for this license in Kerala?
A. Yes, freelancers and consultants are eligible.
Q. Is GST required before applying?
A. No, GST registration is not mandatory for applying.
Q. How long does approval take?
A. Usually 7-15 working days.
Q. Can I apply without employees?
A. Yes, even single-person businesses must register.
Q. How to download the Kerala Shop and Establishment License form?
A. The form can be downloaded from the official portal.
Q. Is renewal compulsory?
A. Yes, renewal is mandatory before license expiry.
Q. Can I edit my application after submission?
A. Only if the application is returned for correction.
Conclusion:
The Kerala Shop and Establishment License is a crucial legal requirement for running any business in the state. Timely registration ensures compliance with labour laws, builds credibility, and enables access to banking and government services.
Applicants are strongly advised to apply only through the official Kerala Labour Department portal and regularly check for updates, renewals, and policy changes.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended only for informational purposes. Rules, fees, and procedures may change based on government notifications. Applicants should always verify details from official Kerala government portals before applying.