Shop Act Registration Guide

Every shop or commercial business in Pakistan must be registered under the provincial Shops and Establishments Ordinance. This free guide explains who must register, which documents you need, where to apply in each province, typical fees, renewal periods and penalties.

Who must register

• Any shop, store or commercial establishment that employs workers must be registered with the provincial labour department.
• Self-employed shops with no employees should also register, because proof of registration is often asked by banks, utility companies and tax offices.
• New businesses should apply within a few weeks of starting operations.

Where to register: province authorities and fees

Labour is a provincial subject, so the registration authority and fee are set by each province. The fee boxes below are editable: type the current fee you were quoted, and this page will remember it on your device.

Renewal periods

• Shop registration is usually renewed every year with a small renewal fee.
• Some provinces issue the certificate for a fixed term and allow renewal before expiry.
• Keep the renewal receipt with your registration certificate at the shop.

Penalties for non-registration

• Running a shop without registration can lead to fines imposed by the labour inspector.
• Repeated violations can lead to heavier penalties under the provincial ordinance.
• An unregistered shop may also face problems opening a business bank account or getting trade licenses.

How to use

1. Work through the document checklist at the top and tick each document you have ready.
2. Find your province in the authority and fee section and note the current fee (you can edit and save it).
3. Visit the provincial labour office or its online portal with the documents and fee.
4. Collect your registration certificate and keep it at the shop, and set a yearly reminder for renewal.