Start your own business in days.
A sole proprietorship is the simplest way to start. We set up the registrations your business actually needs, usually Udyam, GST and Shop & Establishment, then help you open a current account and add IEC, FSSAI or a trademark as you grow.
What a sole proprietorship is
One Owner, No Separate Entity
The business and the owner are legally the same; it runs in the proprietor’s PAN.
Set Up Through Registrations
There’s no single proprietorship registration; GST, Udyam and Shop Act together establish the business.
Quickest and Cheapest
Ideal for testing an idea or a small trading or service business.
Sole proprietorship: the key facts
| Legal status | Not a separate legal entity; the proprietor has unlimited personal liability |
| Tax | Profits taxed in the proprietor’s individual income tax return |
| Minimum documents | PAN, Aadhaar, photograph, business address proof and bank details |
| Upgrade path | Convert to a private limited company or LLP as you grow. See Private Limited Company |
| Consultant | Bizpro Compliance Services, New Delhi, handles business set-up and registrations (company and LLP incorporation, Udyam, ZED, NSIC, IEC, APEDA, certificates of origin, AD code, Shop Act and DSC) for businesses across India: +91 920 500 6364, contact@bizprocompliance.com |
Registrations a proprietorship typically needs
There is no single proprietorship registration. These are the registrations that set up and prove your business.
Showing all 9 registrations
| No. | Registration | What It Covers | When Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GST RegistrationRequired above the turnover threshold, for inter-state supply or e-commerce | GSTIN in the proprietor's PAN | Usually needed | |
| 2 | Udyam (MSME) RegistrationFree MSME certificate in the proprietor's Aadhaar | Proof of business and MSME benefits | Recommended | |
| 3 | Shop & Establishment RegistrationState law for shops, offices and godowns | Proof of business address and employment compliance | State rule | |
| 4 | Current Bank AccountIn the business name | Needs two business proofs such as GST, Udyam or Shop Act | Essential | |
| 5 | Import Export Code (IEC)If you import or export | DGFT code in the proprietor's PAN | If trading abroad | |
| 6 | FSSAI Registration or LicenceIf you deal in food | Basic, State or Central based on turnover and activity | Food business | |
| 7 | Trade LicenceMunicipal licence for certain trades | Issued by the local municipal body | Some cities | |
| 8 | Professional TaxIn states that levy it | Registration and periodic payment | Some states | |
| 9 | TrademarkProtects your brand name and logo | File early; the proprietor owns the mark | Brand protection |
“” isn’t in this list
Tell us about your business and plans, and we’ll confirm exactly which registration and route applies to you.
Tell us what the product is and we’ll confirm which approvals it needs, free.
Sources: Udyam portal, GST portal and state Shop & Establishment Acts, checked on 2 November 2026.
Get your proprietorship set-up plan and quote
Tell us about your business. A specialist confirms the documents, government fees, timeline and our fixed professional fee, in writing.
- Reply within one business dayFrom a named consultant, not an automated sales sequence.
- Fixed written quoteGovernment fees, lab charges and our fee listed separately before you commit.
- Fixed professional feeGovernment fees and stamp duty shown separately, at actuals.
What proprietorship set-up costs
Most proprietorships are fully set up within two weeks. State fees are shown at actuals.
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Your proprietorship set-up, step by step
We check documents before anything is filed, so you avoid resubmissions and rejections.
Plan
Business name, activity, location and the registrations you actually need.
Day 1Udyam
Free MSME certificate in the proprietor’s name.
Day 1–2GST & Shop Act
GST and state Shop & Establishment registration filed.
Day 2–10Bank Account
Current account opened using the business proofs.
Week 2Add-Ons
IEC, FSSAI, trademark or trade licence as your business needs.
As neededRegistrations for businesses anywhere in India
These registrations are filed online, so we handle them for founders, MSMEs, exporters and overseas promoters in every state, including:
Common mistakes we fix
Personal Liability
Business debts can reach personal assets; consider an LLP or company if risk is high.
Brand Not Protected
A trade name isn’t protected until you file a trademark.
Mismatched Addresses
GST, Shop Act and bank records must show the same address.
Hard to Transfer
A proprietorship can’t take in partners or investors without restructuring.
What you’ll likely need next
MSME (Udyam) Registration
Free Udyam certificate and MSME benefits. See MSME (Udyam) Registration.
Shop & Establishment Act
State registration for shops, offices and godowns. See Shop & Establishment Act.
Import Export Code (IEC)
DGFT code to import or export, with annual update. See Import Export Code (IEC).
Company Incorporation
Choose and register the right business structure. See Company Incorporation.
Partnership Firm
Partnership deed and Registrar of Firms registration. See Partnership Firm.
Common questions about sole proprietorship registration
How do I register a sole proprietorship in India?
Is GST mandatory for a proprietorship?
Can a proprietorship have a trade name?
Can I convert my proprietorship to a company later?
Is a proprietor personally liable?
Set up right the first time
Tell us what you’re starting or registering. We’ll confirm the documents, fees and timeline in writing, free.