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Starting a shop or commercial establishment in Mumbai requires mandatory registration under the Shops and Establishments Act. The most essential document for this purpose is the Gumasta License, a statutory certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) that legally allows you to operate your business within city limits.

The Gumasta License registration process is mostly conducted online via the MCGM or the Maharashtra government’s business portal. First, applicants must create an account and fill out Form A with accurate business and owner details. Upon submission and online payment of the applicable fee, a Unique Transaction Number (UTN) is generated which acts as your application reference.

Next, applicants are required to upload relevant documents such as identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN), address proof for the business location, rent agreement or sale deed, and a list of employees. If the applicant is not the owner of the premises, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner is also necessary.

After document submission, authorities review the application. This often takes between 10–15 working days, and in some cases, a site inspection may be conducted before approval. Once verified, the license is issued and should be displayed prominently at your shop.
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Maintaining compliance doesn’t stop with registration — you must also renew the license annually before its expiration. Operating without a valid Gumasta License can attract penalties under the Shops & Establishments Act.

For many business owners, working with a compliance partner like Agile Regulatory can streamline this process. Agile Regulatory provides expert guidance from documentation to submission and follow-up with authorities, helping entrepreneurs navigate the regulatory landscape efficiently and avoid common pitfalls. Their end-to-end support ensures that shop establishment registration meets all statutory requirements while saving time and reducing administrative burden.