Homestay / tourism unit registration: documents, fees and how to apply online and offline
States register homestays and guest houses under their tourism schemes; registered units get listings and sometimes subsidies.
How to apply online, step by step
- Apply on the State tourism portal with property details, photos, amenities and owner ID.
- Report foreign guests online in Form C on the Bureau of Immigration portal within 24 hours of arrival.
How to apply offline (in person)
- Apply to the District Tourism Officer; an inspection follows.
Documents required for Homestay / tourism unit registration, and how to get each
Aadhaar of each founder (linked to a working mobile number)
Get it online
- Already enrolled: download e-Aadhaar from myAadhaar (uidai.gov.in) with the OTP; update the address online with a proof.
Get it in person
- Enrol, or update the mobile number or biometrics, at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or bank / post office enrolment centre.
Fee: Enrolment free; updates Rs 50 to Rs 100 · Time: Download instantly; updates up to about 30 days · Official site
Recent passport-size photographs (and a scanned copy)
Get it online
- Scan or photograph against a plain light background; keep a JPEG under 100 KB for portal uploads.
Get it in person
- Any photo studio; ask for both prints and a soft copy.
Fee: Nominal · Time: Same day
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
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
Questions people ask
How much does Homestay / tourism unit registration cost?
Set by the State
How long does Homestay / tourism unit registration take?
2 to 8 weeks
Who issues Homestay / tourism unit registration?
State Tourism Department
Can I apply for Homestay / tourism unit registration 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://tourism.gov.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.
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