Do I need a hawker's permit if I only sell at a weekend market?

Most weekend markets have their own trader agreement, which covers you on-site. If you also trade on public pavements or in the CBD, you still need a municipal hawker's permit.

Can foreign nationals get a hawker's permit?

Yes, if you have a valid work visa, business visa or refugee/asylum-seeker permit endorsed to allow work. You'll need to submit your permit together with your passport.

Can my permit be taken away?

Yes. Selling restricted goods, trading outside your allocated site, obstructing pedestrians, or leaving the area dirty are all grounds for withdrawal.

Business & Trading

Hawker's Permit in South Africa

In plain English

A hawker's permit is issued by your local municipality and lets you trade legally as an informal or street trader in a designated public space. Every metro (Joburg, Cape Town, eThekwini, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Buffalo City, Mangaung, Nelson Mandela Bay) runs its own application.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Informal traders, street vendors, hawkers and pavement sellers who want to trade legally in a public space.

When is it required

Before you start trading. Trading without a permit in a designated trading area can lead to your stock being confiscated.

Eligibility

You are 18 or older
You have a South African ID or valid work permit
You will trade in a designated informal-trading area (or apply for a specific site)
You are not selling restricted goods (firearms, alcohol, prescription medicine)

Documents you need before applying

Certified copy of your South African ID or valid passport with permit
Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
Two recent passport photos
Description of the goods or service you plan to sell
Application fee (varies by municipality)

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Contact your local municipality's Economic Development or Informal Trading unit
Every metro has an informal-trading office. Ask which trading zones have available bays and get the application form.
2
Complete the application form
State clearly what you want to sell, where you want to trade, and the days and hours you'll trade.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand in your ID copy, proof of residence, photos and the completed form together with the application fee.
4
Wait for site inspection or approval
The municipality may inspect the proposed site or allocate you a bay in a designated trading area.
5
Collect your permit and display it while trading
You must display the permit visibly at your stall. Keep the receipt for renewal.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

Your local municipality's Informal Trading, Economic Development or Business Support office. In Johannesburg it's the Department of Economic Development; in Cape Town it's the Economic Growth Directorate; in eThekwini it's the Business Support Unit.

Fees

Varies by municipality — commonly R100 to R500 per month or per quarter. Confirm the current tariff at your municipality.

Processing time

Typically 2–6 weeks from application to approval, depending on the municipality.

Validity

Usually 12 months, renewable annually.

Renewal

Renew before the expiry date shown on your permit. Bring your existing permit, ID and proof of payment of any fees owed.

Common mistakes to avoid

Trading before your permit is approved
Trading outside the designated area or bay assigned to you
Selling restricted goods (alcohol, prescription medicine, live animals) without a separate licence
Not renewing on time — a lapsed permit is treated the same as no permit

Tips to speed up your application

Ask about designated 'starter bays' — many metros keep a small number for new applicants
Get a written acknowledgement of your application with a reference number
Join a local traders' association — they often help fast-track applications and defend your bay