Industry licences & permits
Beyond the universal SARS, CIPC and Labour basics, many sectors need their own licence before you can legally trade or tender. Here are the big ones.
Reviewed 2026-06-25. General guidance — requirements vary; confirm with the relevant regulator or your municipality.
Which licence does my business need?
It depends on your sector. Construction tendering needs a CIDB grading; private security needs PSIRA; financial advice needs an FSCA (FAIS) licence; providing credit needs NCR registration; selling regulated products needs an NRCS Letter of Authority; selling alcohol needs a provincial liquor licence; and food, health or entertainment businesses usually need a municipal business licence.
CIDB
ConstructionRegister and hold a grading (1–9) to tender for public construction. Your grade sets the project size you can take on.
PSIRA
Private securityThe business, its directors and every security officer must be registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.
FSCA (FAIS)
Financial servicesGiving financial advice or intermediary services needs a Financial Services Provider licence, with fit-and-proper key individuals.
NCR
Credit providersLending or offering credit above the National Credit Act thresholds requires registration as a credit provider with the National Credit Regulator.
NRCS
Regulated productsMany electrical, automotive and other regulated goods need a Letter of Authority confirming they meet the compulsory specification before sale or import.
Liquor licence
Alcohol salesProvincial licences for on-consumption (bars, restaurants), off-consumption (bottle stores), events and micro-manufacturing.
Business / trading licence
Food, health, entertainmentSome activities need a municipal Business Act licence, zoning approval, and (for food) a certificate of acceptability.
Frequently asked questions
Does my construction business need to register with the CIDB?
Yes — construction businesses that want to tender for or carry out public-sector construction work must register with the Construction Industry Development Board and hold a grading (Grades 1 to 9). Your grade determines the size of projects you may tender for; you upgrade as your track record and finances grow.
How do I start a security company (PSIRA)?
The private security industry is regulated by PSIRA (the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority). The business and every security officer and director must be registered with PSIRA. You will also need company registration, tax compliance and the required infrastructure.
Do I need a licence to give financial advice (FSCA / FAIS)?
Yes. Providing financial advice or intermediary services requires a Financial Services Provider (FSP) licence from the FSCA under the FAIS Act, with category and "fit and proper" requirements for key individuals and representatives.
When do I need a National Credit Regulator (NCR) registration?
If your business provides credit — lending money, credit agreements or instalment sales — above the thresholds in the National Credit Act, you must register as a credit provider with the National Credit Regulator and comply with the NCA (affordability assessments, disclosure and more).
What is an NRCS Letter of Authority?
The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) controls products subject to compulsory specifications (certain electrical, electronic, automotive and other goods). Before you may sell or import many regulated products you need a Letter of Authority confirming they meet the compulsory standard.
Do I need a liquor licence?
Yes, if you sell alcohol. Liquor licensing is run by the provinces, with categories for on-consumption (restaurants, bars), off-consumption (bottle stores), events and micro-manufacturing. Application is a formal process with public notice and premises requirements.
Do I need a business or trading licence?
It depends on what you do and where. Certain activities — selling or handling foodstuffs, health and entertainment businesses — require a licence under the Business Act from your local municipality, plus zoning approval and a certificate of acceptability for food premises. Check with your municipality.
Not sure which licence applies?
NanoLeap can help you work out exactly what your sector needs and get you registered.
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