The Shop and Establishment License is a mandatory registration for businesses operating from commercial or professional premises such as shops, offices, hotels, restaurants, warehouses, startups, IT firms, clinics, consultancies, and service providers.
The Delhi Shop and Establishment License is governed under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act and implemented by the Labour Department. Every new establishment—irrespective of size—must register within the prescribed time after commencement of operations.
Official Delhi Portal: https://delhi.gov.in
What is a Delhi Shop and Establishment License?
Table of Contents
The Delhi Shop and Establishment License is a statutory registration that records essential details of a business establishment with the labour authorities of the Government of NCT of Delhi. It applies to both shops (places where goods are sold or services are rendered) and commercial establishments (offices, professional services, and other non-manufacturing workplaces).
Key Objectives
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Legal recognition of business establishments in Delhi
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Regulation of working hours, weekly offs, and overtime
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Protection of employee rights and welfare
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Enabling businesses to open current bank accounts and complete GST or municipal registrations
Eligibility Criteria For Delhi Shop and Establishment License
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
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Age Requirement
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Employer/owner must be 18 years or above
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Income / BPL Requirement
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No income limit
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Applicable to micro, small, medium, and large establishments
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Residential Requirement
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Business premises must be located within Delhi
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The owner can be a resident or a non-resident of Delhi
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Special Categories (If Applicable)
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Sole proprietors
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Partnership firms
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LLPs and private limited companies
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Startups and freelancers
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Home-based or co-working establishments (if commercial activity is carried out)
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Documents Required For Delhi Shop and Establishment License Application
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
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Aadhaar Card of the employer/owner
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PAN Card
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Proof of business address (rent agreement, electricity bill, property tax receipt, or ownership deed)
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Passport-size photograph of owner
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Mobile number and email ID
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Details of employees (name, age, designation, joining date)
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Incorporation documents (for LLP/Company)
How to Apply for Delhi Shop and Establishment License Online Method
Delhi has digitized most labour registrations, allowing applicants to apply Delhi Shop and Establishment License online through the official portal.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
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Visit the Official Portal
Go to https://delhi.gov.in or the designated labour services portal. -
Register / Login
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Register using your mobile number and email ID
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Log in with OTP-based or password credentials
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Fill the Application Form
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Select Shop and Establishment Registration
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Enter establishment name, address, and business type
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Provide owner and employee details
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Upload Required Documents
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Upload Aadhaar, PAN, address proof, and photograph
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Recommended file size: 200–300 KB (PDF/JPEG)
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Pay Registration Fee (If Applicable)
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Fee structure depends on the number of employees and the category
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Online payment options may be available
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Submit Application & Track Status
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Submit the form
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Save the Application Reference Number
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How to Apply for a Delhi Shop and Establishment License Offline
For applicants preferring offline mode:
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Visit the District Labour Office / Municipal Office
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Collect the Shop and Establishment Registration Form
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Fill in the establishment and employer details
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Attach photocopies of the required documents
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Submit the form along with the applicable fee
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Collect acknowledgment receipt
Processing Time: Usually 7–15 working days, subject to verification.
Track Application Status
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Visit: https://delhi.gov.in
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Click on Track Application Status
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Enter application/reference number or registered mobile number
Offline applicants can track their status at the issuing labour office.
Renewal / Re-Verification Process
How Often is Renewal Required?
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In Delhi, Shop and Establishment registration may:
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Be valid for a fixed period, or
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Require renewal/update when ownership, address, or employee strength changes
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Documents Required for Renewal
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Existing Shop and Establishment Certificate
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Updated employee details
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Aadhaar/PAN of the owner
Common Issues & Solutions
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Problem: Aadhaar or PAN mismatch
Solution: Update details before applying or re-submitting -
Problem: Document upload failure
Solution: Use clear scans in a 200–300 KB size -
Problem: Wrong establishment category selected
Solution: Reapply with the correct category -
Problem: Delay in approval
Solution: Contact the district labour office with reference number
Important Government Links:
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Delhi Government Portal: https://delhi.gov.in
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MyScheme Portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in
FAQ:
Q. How to apply Delhi Shop and Establishment License online?
A. Apply through the official Delhi government/labour portal.
Q. Is the Shop and Establishment License mandatory in Delhi?
A. Yes, for all shops and commercial establishments.
Q. Who issues the license in Delhi?
A. The Labour Department, Government of NCT of Delhi.
Q. Is a license required for home-based businesses?
A. Yes, if commercial activity is carried out.
Q. What is the validity of the license?
A. Depends on current Delhi labour notifications.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for registration?
A. Aadhaar or a valid government ID is required.
Q. Can startups apply for this license?
A. Yes, startups must register under the Act.
Q. What is the penalty for non-registration?
A. Monetary fines and possible legal action.
Q. Is renewal required every year?
A. Renewal/update rules depend on the latest state guidelines.
Q. Where can I verify official rules?
A. On the Delhi Labour Department website.
Conclusion
The Delhi Shop and Establishment License is a foundational compliance requirement for running any business in the National Capital Territory. It ensures legal recognition, labour law compliance, smoother banking and taxation processes, and protection of employee rights.
Business owners should:
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Apply promptly after starting operations
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Keep employee and business details updated
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Regularly check official Delhi government portals for updates
For the most accurate and current information, always rely on official Government of NCT of Delhi and Labour Department sources.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Laws, fees, and procedures may change over time. Always verify details from official Delhi government portals.