Factory licence: documents, fees and how to apply online and offline
A factory with 20 or more workers using power (40 without power) needs a licence under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (in force since 21 November 2025; States follow their existing forms until their rules are notified).
How to apply online, step by step
- Get the factory building plan approved, then apply for the licence on the State labour / single-window portal.
How to apply offline (in person)
- Submit the plan approval and licence forms at the office of the Inspector of Factories.
Documents required for Factory licence, and how to get each
Site plan, layout of machines and process flow chart
Get it online
- Prepare a simple layout drawing (an architect or engineer can certify it if the authority asks) and a step-by-step process chart.
Get it in person
- Same, printed and signed.
Fee: Professional fee if certified · Time: 1 to 3 days
Building plan approval and occupancy / completion certificate of the premises
Get it online
- Ask the owner; many municipal bodies let you download sanctioned plans and the occupancy certificate from their portal.
Get it in person
- Obtain certified copies from the municipal corporation or development authority's building department.
Fee: Copying fee set by the local body · Time: A few days
Proof of the business address: rent agreement or ownership papers, owner's NOC, and a recent utility bill
Get it online
- Rented premises: buy an e-stamp paper for the rent agreement online (SHCIL e-stamping in most States) and get it signed by both sides; some States register leave-and-licence agreements online.
- Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner allowing business use of the address.
- Download the latest electricity, water or gas bill of the premises (not older than 2 months).
Get it in person
- Buy stamp paper from a licensed vendor or the sub-registrar's office, draft the agreement, sign before witnesses and notarise it (register it at the sub-registrar's office if the State requires).
- Ask the owner for a signed NOC and a copy of the property tax receipt or utility bill.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State; notary fee nominal · Time: 1 to 3 days · Official site
Constitution documents: incorporation certificate, MoA and AoA (company), LLP agreement, or partnership deed
Get it online
- Company: the Certificate of Incorporation, e-MoA and e-AoA come with SPICe+ on the MCA portal.
- LLP: the LLP agreement is filed in Form 3 on the MCA portal within 30 days of incorporation.
Get it in person
- Partnership: print the deed on stamp paper of the value the State prescribes, sign before witnesses, notarise, and register it with the State Registrar of Firms.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State · Time: With incorporation · Official site
Questions people ask
How much does Factory licence cost?
Set by the State (by workers and power used)
How long does Factory licence take?
1 to 3 months
Who issues Factory licence?
State Factories / Industrial Safety and Health Department
Can I apply for Factory licence without an agent?
Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.
Official source: https://labour.gov.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.
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