Starting a Proprietorship in Sikkim: Shops and Establishments, PT and Trade Licence

A proprietorship doesn't need incorporation, but it does need the right registrations — and in Sikkim, several of those are state and local. This guide covers what a proprietor in Sikkim typically needs.

Shops and Establishments Registration

Sikkim's shops and establishments rules apply to commercial establishments in the state. Register with the Labour Department. It's one of the documents banks commonly accept as proof of your business for a current account.

Professional Tax

Sikkim levies Professional Tax. As a proprietor, you enrol and pay PT for yourself, and if you employ staff, register as an employer to deduct and pay PT on their salaries.

Trade Licence

A trade licence is usually needed from the Department of Commerce and Industries or the local municipal body. Sikkim has its own rules on who may hold a trade licence, so check eligibility early if you're not from the state. It's tied to your premises and usually renewed every year.

GST

Register for GST once your aggregate turnover crosses the threshold. In Sikkim, the threshold is ₹20 lakh for both goods and services. Register earlier if you make inter-state supplies of goods or sell through e-commerce platforms.

Udyam

Udyam registration is free and gives you MSME status, with protection on delayed payments and access to the Sikkim Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council.

Sector Licences

• Food businesses: FSSAI registration or licence.
• Pharmacies: drug licence from the state drugs control authority.
• Importers and exporters: IEC.

Bank Account

With two registrations in the business's name — for example, Shops and Establishments and Udyam, or GST — you can open a current account in your trade name.

A Checklist for Proprietors in Sikkim

1. Register under the shops and establishments law.
2. Enrol for Professional Tax.
3. Get a trade licence from your local body.
4. Register for GST when you cross ₹20 lakh, or earlier if required.
5. Get Udyam registration.
6. Open a current account in the trade name.

Getting Help

Think Filing sets up proprietorships in Sikkim with all the state and local registrations they need.