Licences to open a catering business in Bengaluru
6 required licences and registrations, the official fee for each, the office that issues it and the documents to keep ready. Based on a typical small catering business with 1 to 5 staff and turnover of ₹20 to 40 lakh a year.
Fees checked: 27 Sep 2026
Required licences
6
Known official fees
₹5,310
first year, plus 1 that vary
Issuing city body
Greater Bengaluru Authority city corporation
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Required licences and official fees
For a catering business in Bengaluru (GBA), Karnataka.
| Licence | Issued by | Official fee | Time | Apply at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PANCentral | Income Tax Department | Freeinstant e-PAN with Aadhaar | Same day | incometax.gov.in (Instant e-PAN) |
| GST registrationCentral | GST Network / State GST Department | Freeno government fee | About 7 working days | gst.gov.in |
| FSSAI State LicenceState | Designated Officer, State Food Safety | ₹2,000per year | Up to 60 days, may include inspection | foscos.fssai.gov.in |
| Trade licence (GBA city corporation)Municipal | Greater Bengaluru Authority, city corporation health / trade section | ₹500 to ₹2,00,000by trade category band | 7 to 15 working days | bbmp.gov.in (now GBA) |
| Shops and Establishments registrationState | Labour Department, Karnataka | ₹810for your staff size | Within 30 days of opening | ekarmika.karnataka.gov.in |
| Professional Tax (enrolment and registration)State | Commercial Taxes Department, Karnataka | ₹2,500 a year | Enrol when you start | pt.kar.nic.in |
Fees are the official government fees, not agent charges. Some fees depend on your size or change by office, so confirm on the portal before paying.
Order to apply in
- Identity and tax registration: PAN, GST registration. Do these first. Later forms ask for PAN and GST.
- Sector licence: FSSAI State Licence. The licence that lets you legally run this type of business.
- Municipal licence: Trade licence (GBA city corporation). Permission from your city for these premises.
- State labour and tax: Shops and Establishments registration, Professional Tax (enrolment and registration). Registers your workplace and staff with the state.
Documents to keep ready
- Aadhaar linked to your mobile number
- For a firm or company: incorporation certificate or partnership deed
- PAN of the business
- Aadhaar and photo of the owner or partners
- Proof of premises: electricity bill plus rent agreement or owner's NOC
- Bank statement or cancelled cheque
- Form B, signed
- Kitchen layout plan with dimensions
- List of equipment
- Photo ID and address proof of owner or partners
- Proof of premises
- Food Safety Management System plan
- PAN and Aadhaar
- Rent agreement or ownership proof, with owner NOC
- Building plan approval / occupancy certificate
- Photo of the premises
- Photo ID and address proof of the owner
- Photo of the shop front with name board
- Employee details (names, roles, wages)
- PAN
- Aadhaar
- Business address proof
- GST or Shops and Establishments certificate
- Employee list with salaries
Also check if these apply
- Udyam (MSME) registration: Free. Free. Gets you the lower trademark fee, MSME loan schemes and protection against delayed payments.
Common questions
How much do licences cost for a catering business in Bengaluru?
The known official fees for the required licences add up to about ₹5,310 in the first year, plus 1 fee that depend on your size or the office (Trade licence (GBA city corporation)). This is the government fee only. Agents and consultants charge extra, which you can avoid by applying yourself on the official portals.
Which licence should I apply for first?
Start with PAN and GST registration, because almost every later form asks for them. Then apply for the sector licence (FSSAI State Licence), followed by the municipal licence and the state labour registration.
Do I need a trade licence from the Greater Bengaluru Authority city corporation?
Yes. For a catering business you need the Trade licence (GBA city corporation). The official fee is ₹500 to ₹2,00,000 (by trade category band). Apply at bbmp.gov.in (now GBA).
How long does it take to get all the licences?
Most registrations like PAN, GST and Udyam come through within a week. Sector and municipal licences can take 30 to 60 days where an inspection is needed, so apply for those as early as possible and before you open.
Is Govt License a government website?
No. Govt License is an independent guide. We link to the official government portals where you apply and pay. Always confirm the fee on the portal before paying.