Licences to open a catering business in Mumbai
7 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
7
Known official fees
₹5,935
first year, plus 1 that vary
Issuing city body
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
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Change turnover, staff, floor area and extras like alcohol or a DG set. Tick documents as you collect them and share the list on WhatsApp or email.
Required licences and official fees
For a catering business in Mumbai (BMC), Maharashtra.
| 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 |
| Health licence u/s 394 (BMC)Municipal | BMC Public Health Department (ward office) | ₹1,435per year, 20 to 50 sq m | Online, with site inspection | portal.mcgm.gov.in |
| Shops and Establishments registrationState | Labour Department, Maharashtra | Freefor your staff size | Within 60 days of opening | aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in |
| Professional Tax (PTEC and PTRC)State | Maharashtra GST Department | ₹2,500 a year (₹2,000 for GST dealers up to ₹25 lakh turnover) | Enrol within 30 days of starting | mahagst.gov.in |
| Fire NOCState | Maharashtra Fire Services / city fire brigade | Variesworked out from built-up area and the ASR rate (since April 2025) | Includes inspection | mahafireservice.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.
- Sector licence: FSSAI State Licence. The licence that lets you legally run this type of business.
- Municipal licence: Health licence u/s 394 (BMC). 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.
- Safety and environment: Fire NOC. Depends on your premises, fuel and equipment.
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
- FSSAI certificate (food trades)
- Fire NOC (eating houses)
- Rent agreement or ownership proof
- Layout plan of the premises
- Photo ID of the owner
- Pest control contract
- Photo ID and address proof of the owner
- Photo of the shop front with name board
- Employee details (names, roles, wages)
- Name board in Marathi (Devanagari)
- PAN
- Aadhaar
- Business address proof
- GST or Shops and Establishments certificate
- Employee list with salaries
- Building plan and occupancy certificate
- Floor area and exits
- Fire extinguishers, alarms and signage
- LPG storage details (food businesses)
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 Mumbai?
The known official fees for the required licences add up to about ₹5,935 in the first year, plus 1 fee that depend on your size or the office (Fire NOC). 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 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation?
Yes. For a catering business you need the Health licence u/s 394 (BMC). The official fee is ₹1,435 (per year, 20 to 50 sq m). Apply at portal.mcgm.gov.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.