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Guest House and Homestay Registration: Licences Needed

Running a legal and trusted stay business.
23 September 2026 by
Guest House and Homestay Registration: Licences Needed
Gaurav Kumar
Licenses — FSSAI, Drug & MedicalComplete Guide3 min read
The short answer

Running a guest house or homestay in India typically needs registration with the state tourism department under its homestay or bed-and-breakfast scheme, a municipal trade licence, FSSAI registration if serving food, a fire NOC above size thresholds, GST if turnover crosses limits, and reporting of foreign guests to authorities through Form C.

TourismState homestay or B&B scheme
FoodFSSAI registration
Foreign guestsForm C reporting

Registrations

  • State tourism registration
  • Trade licence
  • FSSAI
  • Fire NOC where applicable
  • GST and Shop Act as applicable

Foreign guest reporting

Submit Form C online within the prescribed time after a foreign guest checks in.

Process

  1. Check state scheme criteria.
  2. Apply online with property documents.
  3. Inspection.
  4. Registration certificate.

Short on time? Leegal can handle Guest House Registration for you, end to end.

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Online listings

Platforms increasingly ask for registration numbers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a homestay in an apartment?

Depends on state rules and society bye-laws.

Is GST applicable to homestays?

Accommodation services attract GST above thresholds and room tariff limits.

What is Form C?

A report of foreign nationals' stay submitted to the immigration authorities.

Do homestays need commercial electricity?

Some states allow domestic tariffs for registered homestays.

Let Leegal handle your Guest House Registration

Documentation, filing and follow-up by a dedicated expert, so you can focus on running your business.

  • Dedicated point of contact
  • Transparent pricing
  • Pan-India service
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