Licence & Permit Assistance
Every business type has different licence, permit, and compliance requirements — trading licence, health certificates, zoning permits, operating licences, COIDA, H&S files, etc. We walk you through exactly what you need for your business in your province, help you gather documents, and guide you through the application process with each authority. No permits are one-size-fits-all; we handle the complexity so you can focus on launching.
- Complete licence and permit checklist for your business type
- Province-specific requirements (zoning, water, environmental, etc.)
- Document gathering guide and templates
- Step-by-step application walkthrough per authority
- A team member contacts you if anything further is needed
- Guidance on timelines and likely costs per permit
Handled by our team within 14 working days of payment. Timelines vary by local authority; we keep you updated.
Your details
We use these answers only to prepare your document. Payment is handled securely by PayFast.
Frequently asked questions
- Does my business need a trading licence?
- It depends what you do. Under the Business Act 71 of 1991 certain categories need a municipal trading licence, most commonly businesses that sell, prepare, or handle food (restaurants, takeaways, caterers, spaza shops) and health or beauty establishments (hairdressers, barbers, beauty and nail salons). Trading without a licence you are required to hold is an offence.
- What is a Certificate of Acceptability?
- A certificate a food business obtains from its local municipality's environmental health department, confirming the premises meet the minimum hygiene and food safety standards for that type of food business. It is separate from a trading licence.
- Do you submit my applications for me?
- No. This is a guidance and assistance service. We tell you exactly what you need for your business in your province, help you gather documents, and walk you through each authority's process, but you submit and you remain responsible for the accuracy of the information.
- Why does it take 14 working days?
- Requirements differ by business type, province, and local authority, so the checklist has to be built for your specific case rather than pulled off a shelf. Processing times at local authorities themselves are outside our control.
- Will I need an inspection?
- Some permits do require an in-person inspection of your premises. We can advise on what inspectors look for, but we cannot substitute for an authority's own requirements.