Start a Business in Kolkata

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

āœ” 8 permitsā± 10-20 daysšŸ’° ā‚¹1,000ā€“ā‚¹8,000

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Overview

Starting a business in Kolkata requires a Trade Licence through the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). Base fee: ā‚¹1,000ā€“ā‚¹8,000. WB e-District portal allows real-time licence renewal without physical visits.

Required Permits

āœ“Federal: PAN card (free) + GST registration (if turnover >ā‚¹20-40 lakh)
āœ“Federal: FSSAI registration/licence (if food business)
āœ“Federal: Udyam/MSME registration (free, instant, for small businesses)
āœ“State: Shops & Establishment Act registration
āœ“State: Professional Tax registration (if hiring employees)
āœ“Municipal: Trade Licence from Municipal Corporation
āœ“Municipal: Fire NOC (for commercial premises)
āœ“Municipal: Health/sanitation clearance (for food businesses)

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: PAN card (free) + GST registration (if turnover >ā‚¹20-40 lakh)

2

Federal: FSSAI registration/licence (if food business)

3

Federal: Udyam/MSME registration (free, instant, for small businesses)

4

State: Shops & Establishment Act registration

5

State: Professional Tax registration (if hiring employees)

6

Municipal: Trade Licence from Municipal Corporation

7

Municipal: Fire NOC (for commercial premises)

8

Municipal: Health/sanitation clearance (for food businesses)

Costs

Estimated total: ā‚¹1,000ā€“ā‚¹8,000 depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)

Phone: 033-22860012

5 S.N Banerjee Road, Kolkata 700013

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Common Mistakes

āš  Trade licence issued by Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
āš  Fee: ā‚¹1,000ā€“ā‚¹8,000
āš  Processing: 10-20 days
āš  FSSAI registration required for ALL food businesses (separate from trade licence)
āš  Trade licence valid for 1 year ā€” annual renewal required
āš  Strict documentation requirements

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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