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.
Tick each item as you collect it. Your progress is saved on this device.
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.
Fees change over time. Confirm the current fee from the official provincial labour office before paying.
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
- Work through the document checklist at the top and tick each document you have ready.
- Find your province in the authority and fee section and note the current fee (you can edit and save it).
- Visit the provincial labour office or its online portal with the documents and fee.
- Collect your registration certificate and keep it at the shop, and set a yearly reminder for renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who must register under the Shops and Establishments Ordinance in Pakistan?
Any shop, commercial establishment or business that employs one or more workers must register with the provincial labour department.
Which documents are needed for shop registration?
CNIC of the owner, tenancy agreement or ownership proof of the premises, and basic business details such as the shop name and number of workers.
Where do I register my shop in Pakistan?
Registration is done with the provincial labour department or the authority named on this page for your province.
What happens if a shop is not registered?
Running an unregistered shop can lead to fines and other penalties under the provincial Shops and Establishments Ordinance.