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Trade license in Chennai (trade licence)
The trade licence fee for every business type in Chennai, the documents and where to apply.
Fees checked: 27 Sep 2026
Issued by
Greater Chennai Corporation
Fee, retail shop
₹1,000 to ₹20,000
per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 schedule
Apply at
chennaicorporation.gov.in
Fee for a retail shop To confirm Source
What it is and who needs it
A trade licence is permission from your city to run a trade or business at your premises. In Chennai it comes from the Greater Chennai Corporation.
Premises licence under the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919, s.287.
Depends on the city and trade. See the Metro Guide for each city's rules.
Official fee by business
The fee depends on the type of business. Some fees also depend on size or seats.
| Business | Licence | Official fee | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant or Café | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹5,000eating house, up to 1,000 sq ft (Council Resolution 232/2024)Checked on official site Source | Online |
| Cloud Kitchen | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹5,000eating house, up to 1,000 sq ft (Council Resolution 232/2024)Checked on official site Source | Online |
| Bakery or Sweet Shop | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹2,000 / ₹5,000 / ₹10,000per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 scheduleTo confirm Source | Online |
| Home Food or Tiffin Business | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaTo confirm Source | Online |
| Catering Business | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹5,000eating house, up to 1,000 sq ft (Council Resolution 232/2024)Checked on official site Source | Online |
| Grocery or Kirana Store | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹3,500provisions shop, up to 1,000 sq ft (Council Resolution 232/2024)Checked on official site Source | Online |
| Retail Shop | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹1,000 to ₹20,000per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 scheduleTo confirm Source | Online |
| Pharmacy or Medical Store | Trade licence (GCC) | Up to ₹10,000per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 scheduleTo confirm Source | Online |
| Online Selling Business | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaTo confirm Source | Online |
| Salon or Beauty Parlour | Trade licence (GCC) | ₹2,500 / ₹5,000 / ₹10,000per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 scheduleTo confirm Source | Online |
| Gym or Fitness Studio | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaTo confirm Source | Online |
| Clinic | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaTo confirm Source | Online |
| Coaching or Tuition Centre | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaTo confirm Source | Online |
| Office or Agency | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaTo confirm Source | Online |
| Import Export Business | Trade licence (GCC) | Variesper year by trade and floor areaTo confirm Source | Online |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay.
Documents to keep ready
- Property tax receipt
- Rent agreement or ownership proof
- Photo ID of the owner
- Tamil name board on the shop (5:3:2 ratio Tamil:English:other)
Steps to apply
- Collect the documents listed here.
- Apply online at chennaicorporation.gov.in.
- Pay the official fee: the fee for your business type from the table above.
- Wait for the result. Usual time: Online.
- Keep the certificate safe. Validity: 1 year; renew 1 Feb to 31 Mar.
Where to apply
Greater Chennai Corporation. Official portal: chennaicorporation.gov.in.
Common questions
Do I need a trade licence in Chennai?
Yes, for most businesses. Premises licence under the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919, s.287. It is issued by the Greater Chennai Corporation.
How much is a trade licence in Chennai?
For a retail shop the official fee is ₹1,000 to ₹20,000 (per year by floor area (small / medium / large), 2024 schedule). We have not yet matched this to an official page, so please treat it as to confirm. Fees for other businesses are in the table above.
Where do I apply for a trade licence in Chennai?
On the official portal at chennaicorporation.gov.in.
How long does a trade licence take in Chennai?
Online. Validity: 1 year; renew 1 Feb to 31 Mar.
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.
Business guides for Chennai
Each guide lists every licence the business needs in Chennai, including the trade licence.
Restaurant or Café Cloud Kitchen Bakery or Sweet Shop Home Food or Tiffin Business Catering Business Grocery or Kirana Store Retail Shop Pharmacy or Medical Store Online Selling Business Salon or Beauty Parlour Gym or Fitness Studio Clinic Coaching or Tuition Centre Office or Agency Import Export Business