Licences to open a pharmacy or medical store in Delhi
3 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 pharmacy or medical store with 1 to 5 staff and turnover of ₹20 to 40 lakh a year.
Fees checked: 27 Sep 2026
Required licences
3
Known official fees
₹8,750
first year
Issuing city body
Municipal Corporation of Delhi
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Required licences and official fees
For a pharmacy or medical store in Delhi (MCD area), Delhi.
| 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) |
| Retail drug licence (Form 20 and 21)State | Department of Drugs Control, Delhi | ₹1,500 per form₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21 | About 30 days, with inspection | drugs.delhi.gov.in |
| Health Trade Licence (MCD)Municipal | MCD Public Health Department | ₹5,750per year (chemist shop) | Apply with your FSSAI certificate | mcdonline.nic.in/htlmcd |
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. Do these first. Later forms ask for PAN and GST.
- Sector licence: Retail drug licence (Form 20 and 21). The licence that lets you legally run this type of business.
- Municipal licence: Health Trade Licence (MCD). Permission from your city for these premises.
Documents to keep ready
- Aadhaar linked to your mobile number
- For a firm or company: incorporation certificate or partnership deed
- Registered pharmacist: qualification, State Pharmacy Council registration, appointment letter
- Premises of at least 10 sq m (15 sq m for retail plus wholesale)
- Rent agreement or ownership proof
- Site plan and key plan
- Refrigerator purchase bill
- Non-conviction affidavit
- Photo ID of the owner
- FSSAI certificate (for food trades)
- Property tax receipt or rent agreement with owner NOC
- Site plan of the premises
- Fire NOC or fire safety affidavit, where applicable
Also check if these apply
- GST registration: Free. Mandatory once turnover crosses ₹40 lakh a year for goods in Delhi.
- Udyam (MSME) registration: Free. Free. Gets you the lower trademark fee, MSME loan schemes and protection against delayed payments.
- FSSAI registration for nutrition products: ₹2,000. Needed only if you sell food items such as supplements or infant food.
- Shops and Establishments registration: Free. In Delhi this is now needed only once you have 20 or more employees.
Common questions
How much do licences cost for a pharmacy or medical store in Delhi?
The known official fees for the required licences add up to about ₹8,750 in the first year. 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 (Retail drug licence (Form 20 and 21)), followed by the municipal licence and the state labour registration.
Do I need a trade licence from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi?
Yes. For a pharmacy or medical store you need the Health Trade Licence (MCD). The official fee is ₹5,750 (per year (chemist shop)). Apply at mcdonline.nic.in/htlmcd.
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.