Event management is a booming industry that involves planning, organizing, and executing various types of events such as weddings, corporate meetings, concerts, festivals, etc. Event management requires creativity, coordination, and professionalism to ensure the success and satisfaction of the clients and the guests. However, before starting an event management business in Hyderabad, you need to obtain various registrations and licenses from different authorities to ensure compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements. In this article, we will discuss the main legal requirements for starting an event management business in Hyderabad.

Company Registration from Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)

Company registration is the first and foremost step to start an event management business in Hyderabad. Company registration involves registering your business entity with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the central authority that regulates and governs the corporate affairs in India. Company registration provides legal recognition, protection, and benefits to your business. There are various types of company structures that you can choose from, such as:

• Sole Proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common form of business entity, where you are the sole owner and operator of your business. A sole proprietorship does not require any formal registration, but you may need to obtain a trade license, GST registration, and other licenses depending on your business activity and turnover.
• Partnership Firm: A partnership firm is a business entity where two or more persons agree to share the profits and losses of a common business. A partnership firm can be registered under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, or the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. A partnership firm registration helps establish the rights, duties, and liabilities of the partners and ensures smooth operations.
• Private Limited Company: A private limited company is a business entity where the ownership is limited to a maximum of 200 shareholders and the shares are not publicly traded. A private limited company is the most preferred choice for event management businesses, as it offers limited liability, perpetual succession, easy transferability, and access to funding. A private limited company registration can be done online through the MCA portal, by filing the required forms and documents¹.
• One Person Company: A one person company is a business entity where there is only one person as the owner and director of the company. A one person company is a hybrid of a sole proprietorship and a private limited company, as it offers limited liability, perpetual succession, and easy compliance. A one person company registration can also be done online through the MCA portal, by filing the required forms and documents¹.

GST Registration from Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)

GST registration is another essential requirement to start an event management business in Hyderabad. GST registration involves registering your business entity with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), the online portal that administers and facilitates the GST system in India. GST registration enables you to collect and remit GST to the government and ensures compliance with the tax regulations. GST is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. GST registration is mandatory for event management businesses with annual turnover more than ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for special category states). GST registration can be done online through the GST portal, by filing the required forms and documents².

Trade License from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC)

Trade license is a permission granted by the municipal corporation to carry out a specific trade or business activity at a particular location. It is also known as an event management license for event management businesses. Any event management business operator must obtain a trade license from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) before starting the event management business. The trade license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The trade license ensures that the event management business follows the local regulations, health and safety standards, and other statutory requirements. The trade license can be applied online through the GHMC portal, by filling the required details and paying the requisite fee³.

Fire Safety NOC from Fire Department

Fire safety NOC is a no-objection certificate issued by the fire department to certify that the premises of the event management business are safe from fire hazards and have adequate fire-fighting equipment and measures. Fire safety NOC is mandatory for event management businesses that involve cooking, heating, or storing inflammable materials. The fire safety NOC is issued by the fire department after inspecting the premises and verifying the fire safety standards. The fire safety NOC is valid for three years and must be renewed thereafter. The fire safety NOC ensures that the event management business minimizes the risk of fire accidents and protects the lives and property of the clients and the guests.

Entertainment License from Police Department

Entertainment license is a permission granted by the police department to conduct any entertainment activity such as music, dance, drama, etc. at a specific place. Entertainment license is required for event management businesses that organize any entertainment events such as concerts, shows, parties, etc. The entertainment license is granted by the police department after verifying the details of the event and the organizers. The entertainment license is valid for the duration of the event and must be obtained at least 15 days before the event. The entertainment license ensures that the event management business complies with the noise pollution, public order, and security norms.

Other Registrations and Licenses

Depending on the nature and scope of your event management business, you may also need to obtain other registrations and licenses from various authorities, such as:

• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Registration: If your event management business creates or uses any intellectual property, such as trademarks, patents, copyrights, or designs, you may opt for the IPR registration. IPR registration protects your intellectual property from infringement, misuse, or theft, and gives you exclusive rights to use, sell, or license your intellectual property. IPR registration can be done online or offline through the respective IPR authorities, by filling the required forms and documents.
• ISO Certification: If your event management business wants to demonstrate its quality standards and customer satisfaction, you may opt for the ISO certification. ISO is an international organization that sets and certifies the quality standards for various products and services. ISO certification enhances your credibility, reputation, and marketability. ISO certification can be done online or offline through the accredited ISO certification bodies, by filling the required forms and documents.
• Event Insurance: If your event management business wants to protect itself from any unforeseen risks or liabilities arising from the events, you may opt for the event insurance. Event insurance is a type of insurance that covers the event organizers, the event participants, and the event property from any damages, losses, injuries, or claims. Event insurance can be obtained from any reputed insurance company, by filling the required forms and documents.