Procedures for processing trade licences
From application to approval, step by step.
Every trade licence follows the same four official stages. Online, you always know which stage your file is at, who is handling it and what happens next.
Scroll through the journey
The four stages of every licence.
Keep scrolling. Each stage lights up with what happens, what you may be asked for and how long it usually takes.
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01
Application Stage
You complete the online form, upload your supporting documents and receive a reference number at once.
- Choose the licence type
- Applicant and business details
- Upload ID, BRN card and proof of premises
- Declaration and submission
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02
Policy Concurrence Stage
A licensing officer validates your file and checks the proposed activity against regional trade and land-use policy.
- Completeness check
- Policy and zoning review
- Request for missing items, if any
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03
Clearance Stage
Your file is referred to the relevant authorities for their clearances, and a site visit may be arranged.
- Public health clearance (food businesses)
- Fire and rescue clearance
- Planning and environment, where applicable
- Legal Metrology for weighing instruments
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04
Approval Stage
The Licensing Committee considers your application. Once it is approved and the trade fee is paid, your licence is issued.
- Decision by the Licensing Committee
- Notification by email
- Payment of the trade fee
- Licence available in your account
Know the difference
Business Registration Card versus Trade Licence
They are often confused, but you need both. The card identifies your activity. The licence allows you to carry it out.
Business Registration Card
A card that shows the trade or business activity a person is carrying out, or intends to carry out.
- Issued by
- The Companies Division
- Purpose
- Registers who you are and what you do
- When
- Before you apply for a trade licence
vs
Trade Licence
A legal document issued to a business for running an economic activity, against payment of a trade fee.
- Issued by
- The Commission for Trade, Commerce & Licensing
- Purpose
- Authorises you to operate in Rodrigues
- When
- Before you start trading, renewed every year
Faster approvals
Five habits of quick applications.
- Check which licences you need with the Licence Finder before you start.
- Scan documents in colour, with all four corners visible.
- Make sure the name on your ID matches your Business Registration Card.
- Turn on email notifications so you can answer requests the same day.
- Book any fire or health inspection as soon as the Clearance stage begins.
Questions about the process
Good to know
Why does my file go to other agencies?
Some activities affect public health, fire safety or land use. The relevant authorities must clear your premises before the Licensing Committee can approve the licence.
How often does the Licensing Committee meet?
The Committee meets regularly during the year. Your account shows when your file reaches the Approval stage.
What happens if a document is missing?
The officer sends you a request by email and in your account. Your file is paused until you upload the item, then it resumes where it stopped.
Can someone apply on my behalf?
Yes. An authorised representative can apply with a signed letter of authority and a copy of your identity card.