If you are starting a business in Mumbai—whether it’s a shop, commercial office, restaurant, or any other establishment—you must obtain the Shop and Establishment Registration under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017.
This registration is mandatory for all businesses operating within Mumbai and ensures that the rights of both employers and employees are protected while keeping your business legally compliant.
The following types of businesses must register:
Shops (retail or wholesale)
Commercial establishments such as offices, consultancy firms, and service providers
Restaurants, cafés, hotels, and eateries
Theatres, entertainment houses, and amusement parks
Small businesses, home-based units, and freelancers with an office setup
Legal Compliance – Mandatory to operate a business legally in Mumbai.
Bank Account Opening – Required for opening a current account in the business name.
Proof of Business – Serves as official proof for various legal and licensing purposes.
Labour Law Compliance – Regulates working hours, employee welfare, and payment rules.
Government Recognition – Adds credibility to your business and builds trust with clients.
PAN card of the proprietor/partners/company
Aadhaar card of the proprietor/partners/directors
Proof of business address (Electricity bill, Rent agreement, or Property tax receipt)
Passport-size photographs
Partnership deed or incorporation certificate (if applicable)
List of employees (if any) and their details
Step 1 – Determine Applicability
Check whether your business type falls under the scope of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act.
Step 2 – Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents in digital format (PDF/JPEG).
Step 3 – Online Application
Visit the official Maharashtra Labour Department website and create an account. Fill in the required details such as business name, address, nature of business, number of employees, and working hours.
Step 4 – Upload Documents & Pay Fees
Upload the scanned documents and pay the prescribed registration fee online. The fee depends on the number of employees.
Step 5 – Verification by Authority
The concerned Municipal or Labour Department officer will verify the details and documents submitted.
Step 6 – Issuance of Certificate
Upon successful verification, you will receive the Shop and Establishment Registration Certificate (also known as the Shop Act License) online.
The registration is generally valid for a period of 1 to 3 years (as chosen at the time of application).
Renewal must be done before the expiry date through the same online portal.
Operating a business without Shop and Establishment Registration in Mumbai can lead to:
Monetary fines
Legal notices from the Labour Department
Possible closure orders in severe cases
Legal proof of your business
Smooth bank account opening
Compliance with employment laws
Increases trust among customers and vendors
The government fee depends on the number of employees:
No employees – Nominal fee (around ₹200–₹500)
With employees – Fee increases depending on staff count (₹1,000–₹5,000 approx.)
Shop and Establishment Registration in Mumbai is a mandatory step for any business owner—big or small. It not only keeps your business legally compliant but also helps in building credibility. The process is straightforward if you follow the right steps and have all documents in place.
If you need expert assistance for Shop and Establishment Registration in Mumbai, Team TAXAJ can help you with end-to-end filing, documentation, and approval from the authorities.