PG trade licence: how to get one in Bengaluru (GBA) and Hyderabad (GHMC)
By Giridhar Reddy, founder of Domvio, Bengaluru
Published
A PG trade licence is the municipal permission to run a paying guest business from a building. In Bengaluru, a 2024 BBMP order lists ten conditions for it, from CCTV and 70 sq ft per resident to fire safety clearance; the Greater Bengaluru Authority now runs licensing. In Hyderabad, you apply to GHMC online and renew every calendar year.
This is a sample for general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by state. It has not yet been reviewed by a lawyer. Have a lawyer examine it for your situation before you use or rely on it.
Do you need a trade licence to run a PG?
In most Indian cities, a business run from a building needs a trade licence from the municipal corporation. Bengaluru and Hyderabad both apply this to PGs, as below. In other cities, ask your municipal corporation's health or trade licence section.
| City | Authority | Apply at |
|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | Greater Bengaluru Authority (earlier BBMP) | GBA Trade License Online Service |
| Hyderabad | Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) | GHMC trade licence online, or a Mee Seva centre |
PG trade licence in Bengaluru: the 10 conditions
On 7 August 2024 the BBMP Chief Commissioner issued an order under section 305 of the BBMP Act, 2020 on issuing new trade licences, and renewing existing ones, for paying guest accommodations. A PG must meet these ten conditions:
CCTV
All entries, exits and corridors under CCTV, with storage for 90 days of footage from each camera.
70 sq ft per person
Every occupant has at least 70 square feet of space. The licence is issued for a set number of occupants.
Washrooms
Clean and hygienic washrooms for the occupants.
Drinking water
A source of potable drinking water, and 135 litres of water per person per day.
FSSAI for a kitchen
A PG with its own mass kitchen must get an FSSAI licence within 3 months of the trade licence. See FSSAI licence for a PG mess.
Security guard
At least one security guard with established credentials about their character, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Fire safety clearance
The building must have fire safety clearance from the competent authority before the trade licence is granted. See fire NOC for a PG.
Helpline numbers
BBMP and police helpline numbers displayed for emergencies.
First aid
A first aid kit available.
Waste segregation
Solid waste segregated for disposal.
The order tells health officers to check every PG in their area once every six months, and zonal commissioners to act on violations under sections 307 and 308 of the BBMP Act, 2020.
BBMP is now the Greater Bengaluru Authority
BBMP's website now opens as the Greater Bengaluru Authority, and its trade licence portal as the GBA Trade License Online Service. The 2024 order was issued by BBMP. Ask your GBA zonal health office whether the same conditions still apply, and whether newer ones have been added. The Karnataka High Court is also hearing cases on PG safety in Bengaluru (WP 14750/2025), so the rules may change.
How to apply for a PG trade licence in Bengaluru
Meet the conditions first
Fix CCTV, washrooms, water, first aid and waste segregation, and get the fire safety clearance before you apply. The licence is issued for a number of occupants, so count your beds against the 70 sq ft rule.
Apply online
Use the GBA Trade License Online Service. It was briefly closed for an application migration in September 2026; if it is down, visit your GBA zonal office.
Keep papers ready for checks
The order makes health officers responsible for compliance. Keep the fire clearance, ownership or rental papers, CCTV records and your FSSAI application (if you run a kitchen) where you can show them.
Renew on time
Renew before the licence runs out, and expect the six-monthly compliance checks the order asks for.
PG trade licence in Hyderabad (GHMC)
GHMC issues trade licences online. Its trade licence page sets out the steps:
Register on the GHMC website
Go to the trade licence service on ghmc.gov.in, register and log in with a one-time password.
Fill in the application
Enter the business details and upload ID proof (Aadhaar for an individual; PAN or incorporation certificate for a business) and the lease deed or proof of legal occupancy.
Pay the fee online
By net banking, credit card or debit card.
Get the certificate
After payment the trade licence certificate is issued instantly with a Trade License Identification Number (TIN).
| Rule | What it says |
|---|---|
| Licence period | 1 January to 31 December. Apply within 30 days before the old licence expires. |
| Late fee | 25% extra for up to 60 days' delay, 50% for longer delay |
| Telangana Green Fund | 10% of the fee (rounded to the next ₹50) where the fee is up to ₹5,000; ₹1,000 where it is more |
| No licence | 100% penalty if a trade is found running without a licence, plus monthly fines until one is taken |
For the 2026 licence the last date was 20 December 2025, with no penalty until 19 February 2026 (GHMC press note). Expect the 2027 renewal to fall due around 1 December 2026, and check GHMC's press note for the exact dates.
Choose the right category
The GHMC form groups trades into categories such as general establishments and eating establishments. It does not name PGs. Ask your GHMC circle office which category and fee apply to a PG with or without a mess, before you pay.
After the licence: keep the PG running cleanly
A trade licence is one item on the list. See the full PG licence checklist for fire, FSSAI and GST, and the PG rental agreement guide for the agreement with each resident.
General information, not legal advice
This page covers what we could confirm from BBMP, GBA and GHMC documents on 21 October 2026. Fees and conditions change and differ by city. Check with your municipal office or a local lawyer before you apply.
Licensed for 30 beds? Track rent for all 30
Domvio tracks rent for every PG bed, sends WhatsApp reminders three days before the due date, takes payment straight to your own UPI ID and sends a PDF receipt for every payment. It is free during early access. See PG management software.
Frequently asked questions
Is a trade licence mandatory for a PG in Bengaluru?
Yes. A BBMP order of 7 August 2024 sets ten conditions for new and renewed trade licences for paying guest accommodations, including CCTV, 70 sq ft per occupant and fire safety clearance.
Who issues PG trade licences in Bengaluru now?
The Greater Bengaluru Authority, which has taken over from BBMP. Its trade licence portal is trade.bbmpgov.in, the GBA Trade License Online Service.
How much space does each PG resident need in Bengaluru?
At least 70 square feet per person, under the BBMP order of 7 August 2024. The licence is issued for a fixed number of occupants.
How do I get a trade licence for a PG in Hyderabad?
Apply online through the trade licence service on ghmc.gov.in or at a Mee Seva centre, with ID proof and your lease deed or proof of occupancy. The certificate is issued with a TIN once you pay.
When do I renew a GHMC trade licence?
Every year. The licence runs from 1 January to 31 December, and you apply within 30 days before it expires. Late applications pay 25% or 50% extra.
Stop chasing rent every month
Domvio reminds your tenants on WhatsApp, takes rent straight to your UPI ID and sends PDF receipts automatically. Free during early access.