Is a market stall permit the same as a hawker's permit?

No. A hawker's permit covers street trading from a designated pavement spot. A market stall permit covers a numbered stall inside a market. Some municipalities issue both from the same office, but they are separate approvals.

Can I share a stall with someone else?

Usually only if both traders are named on the permit. Sub-letting a stall is a common reason permits get cancelled.

Do I need a permit for a one-day school or church market?

Private markets on private property usually don't need an individual trader permit, but the organiser needs event or land-use approval from the municipality.

What if I also want to sell food?

Prepared food needs a Certificate of Acceptability from the municipal Environmental Health Officer under Regulation R638, on top of the stall permit.

Business & Trading

Temporary Market Stall Permit

In plain English

A market stall permit lets you trade from a numbered stall at a municipal or private market for a set period. Municipal markets are run under your city's informal trading by-law; private markets (night markets, craft markets, farmers' markets) set their own rules but still need the underlying municipal trading approval for the site.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Anyone selling goods from a stall at a market — crafters, clothing traders, produce sellers, second-hand dealers and once-off holiday-season traders.

When is it required

Before your first trading day. Municipal markets allocate stalls in advance and inspectors check permits on site.

Eligibility

You are 18 or older
You have a South African ID, or a valid visa or permit that allows you to trade
You are selling goods allowed at that market (some markets exclude cooked food, alcohol or live animals)
You have no unpaid municipal fines for illegal trading

Documents you need before applying

Completed market stall application form from the market manager or municipal informal trading office
Certified copy of your ID, passport or trading-eligible permit
Passport-size photographs (usually two)
A short description of the goods you will sell
Certificate of Acceptability (COA) if you are selling prepared or perishable food
Proof of payment of the stall fee

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
Find out who runs the market
Municipal markets are managed by the city's informal trading or economic development unit. Private markets are run by the organiser, who holds the site approval. Ask which one applies before you pay anyone.
2
Ask for the stall list and trading rules
Stall sizes, trading hours, electricity availability and what may be sold differ from market to market. Get the rules in writing so you don't buy stock you may not sell.
3
Complete the application and attach your documents
Submit to the market manager or the municipal informal trading office. Keep a stamped copy of everything you hand in.
4
Pay the stall fee and collect your permit card
Most municipalities issue a laminated card or numbered permit that must be displayed at the stall while you trade.
5
Display the permit every trading day
Law enforcement and by-law officers do spot checks. Trading without a visible permit can mean confiscated stock.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

Your local municipality's informal trading or business licensing office, or the market manager for a privately run market.

Fees

Usually charged per day, per week or per month per stall, and set in the municipality's annual tariff list. Ask for the current tariff in writing — fees differ widely between cities and between markets in the same city.

Processing time

A few days to a few weeks, depending on whether a stall is currently free. Popular markets keep waiting lists.

Validity

The dates on the permit — often a season, a quarter or a single event.

Renewal

Renew before the expiry date shown on the permit. Late renewal usually means going back onto the waiting list.

Common mistakes to avoid

Paying a 'stall agent' who is not the market manager or the municipality
Selling cooked food without a Certificate of Acceptability
Trading outside the marked stall footprint or after permitted hours
Assuming a permit at one market covers another market or street trading

Tips to speed up your application

Photograph your permit and keep a copy on your phone in case the original is lost
Ask whether the fee includes electricity, water and refuse removal — often it doesn't
Keep receipts for every fee you pay, especially cash payments