Trade license in Shimla (trade licence)

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 Shimla it comes from the Municipal Corporation Shimla.

Issued each year by the Estate Branch of Municipal Corporation Shimla. The licence fee is by shop area: ₹200 up to 125 sq ft, ₹300 above. A plain paper application costs ₹5.

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.

Documents to keep ready

• Plain paper application (₹5 fee)
• Affidavit naming the owner of the premises (first applicants)
• Proof that you are registered with the corporation's tax department
• Commercial water connection where the trade needs water
• Fire department NOC for hotels, restaurants, dhabas, halwai shops, guest houses and similar trades
• Medical fitness certificate for food (PFA) licences, applied to the Corporation Health Officer

Steps to apply

1. Collect the documents listed here.
2. Apply online at shimlamc.hp.gov.in.
3. Pay the official fee: the fee for your business type from the table above.
4. Wait for the result. Usual time: Not published.
5. Keep the certificate safe. Validity: 1 year. Apply or renew in March and April; a fine applies after that..