Licences to open an IT, agency or consultancy office in Kolkata
5 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 office or agency with 1 to 5 staff and turnover of ₹20 to 40 lakh a year.
Fees checked: 27 Sep 2026
Required licences
5
Known official fees
₹30
first year, plus 2 that vary
Issuing city body
Kolkata Municipal Corporation
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Required licences and official fees
For an IT, agency or consultancy office in Kolkata (KMC), West Bengal.
| 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 |
| Certificate of Enlistment (KMC trade licence)Municipal | KMC License Department | ₹60 to ₹20,000per year by trade and area (2024-25 chart), plus ₹50 processing | Online, real time; law allows up to 30 days | kmcgov.in |
| Shops and Establishments registrationState | Labour Commissionerate, West Bengal | ₹30for your staff size | Within 30 days of opening | wbshopsonline.gov.in |
| Professional Tax (PTEC and PTRC)State | Directorate of Commercial Taxes, West Bengal | Up to ₹2,500 a year, by turnover (new schedule notified Aug 2026; check the portal) | Enrol within 90 days of starting | wbprofessiontax.gov.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.
- Municipal licence: Certificate of Enlistment (KMC trade licence). Permission from your city for these premises.
- State labour and tax: Shops and Establishments registration, Professional Tax (PTEC and PTRC). 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
- Photo ID of the owner
- Property tax receipt, plus rent agreement or owner's NOC
- PAN
- Incorporation certificate or partnership deed, if not a proprietor
- Photo ID and address proof of the owner
- Proof of premises
- Photo of the shop front with name board
- Employee details (names, roles, wages)
- 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 an IT, agency or consultancy office in Kolkata?
The known official fees for the required licences add up to about ₹30 in the first year, plus 2 fees that depend on your size or the office (Certificate of Enlistment (KMC trade licence), Professional Tax (PTEC and PTRC)). 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, followed by the municipal licence and the state labour registration.
Do I need a trade licence from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation?
Yes. For an IT, agency or consultancy office you need the Certificate of Enlistment (KMC trade licence). The official fee is ₹60 to ₹20,000 (per year by trade and area (2024-25 chart), plus ₹50 processing). Apply at kmcgov.in.
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.