How to Apply for the Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License

The Shop and Establishment License is a mandatory legal registration for running any shop, office, or commercial establishment in India. The Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License registration is governed under the Chhattisgarh Shops and Establishments Act, which regulates employment conditions, working hours, wages, holidays, and employee welfare.

Any person or organization operating a retail shop, wholesale business, office, hotel, restaurant, coaching centre, hospital, clinic, startup, or service-based unit in Chhattisgarh must obtain the Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License within the prescribed time after starting business operations.

This license serves as official proof of business existence and is commonly required for:

  • Opening a current bank account

  • GST registration

  • Trade license approval

  • MSME / Udyam registration

  • Government tenders and subsidy schemes

To simplify compliance, the Government of Chhattisgarh provides online and offline application facilities, making registration accessible for both urban and rural entrepreneurs.

Official State Portal: https://cgstate.gov.in

What is the Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License?

The Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License is a statutory registration certificate issued by the Chhattisgarh Labour Department, which is responsible for implementing labour laws and regulating commercial establishments across the state.

Purpose of the License

  • To regulate daily and weekly working hours

  • To ensure minimum wages and employee welfare

  • To provide legal recognition to businesses

  • To maintain official employment records

  • To ensure compliance with labour laws

Establishments Covered Under the Act

  • Retail and wholesale shops

  • Offices and private companies

  • Hotels, lodges, restaurants, cafés

  • Educational and coaching institutions

  • Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres

  • Startups, MSMEs, IT and service units

  • Home-based businesses involved in commercial activity

The license is often required for verification under state labour welfare and social security schemes.

Eligibility Criteria for Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License

Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions to apply for the Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License:

  • Age Requirement

    • Applicant must be 18 years or above

  • Residential / Location Requirement

    • Business establishment must be physically located in Chhattisgarh

    • Valid address proof is mandatory

  • Business Requirement

    • Applicable to all commercial establishments

    • Mandatory even if no employees are engaged

  • Income / BPL Requirement

    • No income limit for eligibility

    • BPL status may be considered for fee concessions, if notified by the state

  • Special Categories (If Applicable)

    • Women entrepreneurs

    • SC / ST / OBC communities

    • Tribal entrepreneurs

    • Startups and MSMEs

    • Self-help groups

    • Home-based service providers

Documents Required for Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License Application

Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying for Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License online or offline:

  • Aadhaar Card of proprietor / partner / director

  • PAN Card of applicant or business

  • Passport-size photograph

  • Signature of applicant

  • Address proof of business premises:

    • Electricity bill / Water bill / Rent agreement / Property tax receipt

  • Proof of ownership or tenancy

  • Nature of business declaration

  • Employee details (if applicable)

  • Partnership deed / Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)

How to Apply for Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License Online Method:

The Chhattisgarh Government allows eligible applicants to apply online through the official state or labour portals.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Open the official website: https://cgstate.gov.in

Step 2: Register / Login

  • Register using your mobile number or email ID

  • Complete Aadhaar-based authentication (if enabled)

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

  • Enter business name and complete address

  • Select the nature and category of establishment

  • Provide owner/employer details

  • Mention the number of employees

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

  • Upload scanned documents in PDF or JPEG format

  • Ensure documents are clear and readable

Step 5: Submit Application

  • Review all details carefully

  • Submit the application

  • Save the application reference number

Step 6: Verification & Approval

  • The Labour Department verifies the application

  • Digital Shop and Establishment License is issued after approval

Step 7: Download License

  • Log in to the portal dashboard

  • Download the certificate in PDF format

How to Apply for the Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License Offline

Applicants without internet access can apply through the offline mode.

Offline Application Steps

  1. Visit the nearest:

    • Municipal Corporation / Nagar Palika

    • Gram Panchayat office

    • Labour Department office

  2. Collect the Shop and Establishment License application form

  3. Fill in all required details manually

  4. Attach self-attested copies of the required documents

  5. Submit the completed application to the concerned authority

  6. Receive an acknowledgment receipt as proof of submission

  7. Physical inspection or verification may be conducted, if required

  8. The license is issued after approval

Track Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License Application Status:

Applicants can track their Shop and Establishment License application status online.

How to Track Status Online

  • Visit https://cgstate.gov.in

  • Click on Track Application Status

  • Enter:

    • Application reference number

    • Registered mobile number

Application status may show:

  • Submitted

  • Under Verification

  • Approved

  • Rejected (with reason)

Renewal / Re-Verification Process

In Chhattisgarh, the Shop and Establishment License generally remains valid unless business details change. However, renewal or re-verification may be required in certain situations.

When Renewal or Update is Required

  • Change in business address

  • Change in ownership or partnership

  • Change in nature of business

  • Increase or decrease in number of employees

  • Closure of establishment

Renewal / Amendment Process

  • Login to the official portal

  • Select Renewal / Amendment option

  • Upload updated documents

  • Submit the request for approval

Common Issues & Solutions

Problem: Aadhaar Name or Date of Birth Mismatch

Solution: Update Aadhaar details through the UIDAI portal before applying.

Problem: Document Upload Failure

Solution: Upload documents in PDF format and keep the file size between 200–300 KB.

Problem: Application Rejected

Solution: Check rejection remarks carefully and reapply with corrected information.

Problem: OTP Not Received

Solution: Ensure the mobile number is active and linked with Aadhaar.

Problem: Incorrect Business Category Selected

Solution: Select the correct nature of establishment while filling out the application form.

Important Government Links

FAQ:

Q. How to apply Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License online?
A. Visit the official Chhattisgarh portal, register, fill the application form, upload documents, and submit.

Q. Is Shop and Establishment License mandatory in Chhattisgarh?
A. Yes, it is compulsory for all commercial establishments.

Q. Can I download the Shop and Establishment License online?
A. Yes, once approved, the license can be downloaded in PDF format.

Q. Is the license required for home-based businesses in Chhattisgarh?
A. Yes, if commercial activity is carried out.

Q. What is the validity of the Chhattisgarh Shop License?
A. It remains valid unless business details change.

Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for applying?
A. Yes, Aadhaar is generally required for identity verification.

Q. How long does approval take in Chhattisgarh?
A. Usually 7–15 working days, depending on verification.

Q. Is there any application fee?
A. Fees depend on the business type and number of employees.

Q. Can startups and MSMEs apply online?
A. Yes, startups and MSMEs are eligible.

Q. How to correct mistakes after submission?
A. Use the amendment option on the portal or contact the Labour Office.

Conclusion:

The Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment License is a critical legal requirement for operating any business in the state. It ensures compliance with labour laws, protects employee welfare, and enhances business credibility for banking, taxation, and government services.

With both online and offline application options, the Chhattisgarh Government has made registration accessible and transparent. Applicants are strongly advised to verify information only through official Chhattisgarh government portals and keep their license updated whenever business details change.

 Always check the official Chhattisgarh portal for the latest notifications and updates.