Updated on July 11, 2025 06:11:30 PM
Getting a trade license is a legal necessity before opening a cafe in Delhi. Depending on where your cafe is located, the appropriate Delhi Municipal Corporation, North Delhi (NDMC), South Delhi (SDMC), or East Delhi (EDMC) issues a trade license. This license guarantees that the establishment conforms with the city's health, safety, and hygiene regulations while permitting businesses to engage in particular commercial activities.
Applying for a trade license is now quicker, simpler, and more transparent thanks to the advent of online systems. Instead of physically visiting municipal offices, cafe owners can use the official MCD portal to complete the application, upload the required documents, pay the fees, and monitor the status of their application.
Obtaining a trade license improves your cafe’s reputation with patrons in addition to validating your enterprise in the eyes of regulatory bodies. Without one, you risk fines, legal issues, or even forced closure. Delhi café owners can easily fulfill this legal requirement and concentrate on providing their customers with high-quality service by applying online.
Trade Certificate [Sample]
Entities looking to start a business with other organizations to conduct commercial activities with adherence to the law are required to obtain a General Trade License (GTL). An MCD Trade License for cafe permits them to commit sale, purchase or trade of commodities and services while complying with the legal framework. The Trade License for cafe ensures that the businesses follow the set rules set by the MCD authorities so that consumers' can trust the business and the entities hold credibility.
Various types and categories of licenses are offered by the Central Licensing & Enforcement Cell (CL&EC) of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) along with a trade license for cafe. To obtain a trade license for cafe, businesses must meet the standard regulations and requirements instituted by the MCD authorities.
The Trade License for Cafe ensures that the businesses abide by the laws and regulations set forth by the MCD authority. Some of the benefits that businesses get with a trade license for cafe are listed below.
Entities who want to conduct commercial activities must acquire a trade license for cafe by filling out the application form on the official website of the MCD with all the mandatory and specific details for the trade license for cafe.
Businesses may fill out their personal details in the application form.
The information about the cafe's premises, description and category is to be filled for a trade license for cafe.
The businesses are required to provide details about property, unit area, address of unit and more.
The application form mandates information about establishment, type of constitution, and partner’s list.
Businesses may upload the required and specified documents as per the application form of general trade license.
The application fee of the general trade license is to be paid by the candidates.
Once the above listed steps are completed, candidates can download the trade license for cafe through their dashboard by logging
The required documents that the businesses would need to submit to get a trade license for cafe are listed below.
The table below displays the fee that is charged by the government for a trade license for clubs and it is categorized as per the localities and size of the infrastructure which will be premised for trades.
| Category | Up to 10 sqm | 10 to 20 sqm | 21 to 400 sqm | Above 400 sqm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A and B | Rs 3,968 | Rs 9,919 | Rs 166/sqm | Rs 83/sqm |
| C and D | Rs 2,645 | Rs 6,613 | Rs 132/sqm | Rs 66/sqm |
| E, F, G, and H | Rs 1,323 | Rs 3,306 | Rs 99/sqm | Rs 50/sqm |
Note: Professional Fees to apply for Trade License for Cafe in Delhi Starts From ₹5,000.
Learn about the penalties that the business who do not possess a trade license for cafe, or disobey the set rules or continue to trade with an outdated trade license for cafe may face:
Conclusion
Cafe can commit transactional activities and deal with other businesses by obtaining a trade license for cafe with accordance to the legal framework. Businesses are required to possess a trade license for cafe to ensure credibility and gain consumer trust. The MCD Trade License for cafe ensures that the businesses can operate with adherence to the law prior to conducting any financial activities, including trading, buying, or selling of commodities and services. The trading license for cafe is to be renewed after its validity of three-year is expired to avoid penalties and legal consequences.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
A General Trade License (GTL) for cafe permits businesses to legally engage in commercial activities such as the sale, purchase, or trade of goods and services. The MCD trade license for cafe ensures compliance with the legal framework set by the MCD authority.
Businesses operating without a valid trade license for cafe might face appropriate legal actions under certain circumstances, and face imposition of fines, penalties, or potentially permanent closure.
Yes, the MCD authorities can revoke or suspend a trade license for cafe if the business is found violating the set guidelines or causing disturbances in the immediate zone.
Yes, businesses are required to get a trade license for cafe in Nehru Place, Connaught Place, Khan Market, Defence Colony, South Extension, Vasant Vihar, Greater Kailash, Saket, South Delhi and more places in Delhi.
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