Kerala Shop & Establishment Registration — Fee, Validity & Documents
Every shop and commercial establishment in Kerala must register under the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1960 within 60 days of commencing work. The fee is a fixed slab based on the number of employees. Enter your employee count below to see your exact fee, validity, documents and the process.
Fees are the slab prescribed under the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Rules, 1961. Confirm the current figure on the Kerala Labour Commissionerate portal before paying. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Kerala Shop & Establishment registration in brief
The Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1960 (with the Rules, 1961) regulates working hours, holidays, leave, wages and conditions of service in shops and commercial establishments across the state. Registration is compulsory for every establishment, and the certificate is routinely required by banks to open a current account and to support GST and trade registrations. Registration is done online through the Kerala Labour Commissionerate.
Registration fee (by employees)
| Number of employees | Fee |
|---|---|
| No employee | ₹10 |
| Up to 5 employees | ₹50 |
| 6 to 10 employees | ₹100 |
| 11 to 20 employees | ₹200 |
| 21 to 30 employees | ₹300 |
| 31 to 50 employees | ₹500 |
| 51 to 100 employees | ₹1,000 |
| 101 or more employees | ₹2,000 |
Source: fee schedule, Kerala Labour Commissionerate (Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Rules, 1961). Confirm the current figure before paying.
Validity and renewal
The registration certificate is valid up to the end of the year for which it is granted. An application for renewal must be made at least 30 days before the expiry of the certificate, on payment of the prescribed fee. Longer-duration options may be available on the portal — confirm the current position before applying.
Documents required
- Application for registration, signed by the employer.
- Identity and address proof of the employer / proprietor / partners / directors (Aadhaar, PAN).
- Proof of the establishment’s address — electricity bill, rent agreement or ownership document.
- Details of the establishment and employees — name, category, nature of business and number of employees.
- Constitution proof where applicable — Certificate of Incorporation (company) or Partnership Deed (firm).
Related calculators & guides
Kerala Shop & Establishment registration – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shop & Establishment registration mandatory in Kerala?
Yes. Every shop and commercial establishment must register within 60 days of commencing work, whatever the number of employees. The fee for an establishment with no employee is ₹10.
What is the registration fee in Kerala?
A fixed slab by number of employees: ₹10 (none), ₹50 (up to 5), ₹100 (6–10), ₹200 (11–20), ₹300 (21–30), ₹500 (31–50), ₹1,000 (51–100) and ₹2,000 (101 or more).
How long is the Kerala certificate valid and when should it be renewed?
The certificate is valid up to the end of the year for which it is granted. Renewal must be applied for at least 30 days before expiry, on payment of the prescribed fee.
Where do I apply for Kerala Shop & Establishment registration?
Online through the Kerala Labour Commissionerate (lc.kerala.gov.in), where you fill the application, pay the fee and download the certificate once approved.
Is registration required for a proprietor with no employees?
Yes. Kerala does not set an employee threshold; even an establishment with no employees must register. The no-employee fee is ₹10.