Do I need a temporary trading permit for a school or church fundraiser?

If the sale is on private property owned by the school or church, and you are not trading on a public pavement, most municipalities do not require a permit. Confirm with your city's by-law office.

How long does it take to get a temporary trading permit?

Between 5 and 21 working days depending on the metro. Apply at least three weeks before your trading date.

Can a foreigner apply for a temporary trading permit?

Yes, if you hold a valid work, business or asylum-seeker permit that allows self-employment, and you have a SARS tax number.

What happens if I trade without a permit?

Metro Police may issue a fine (typically R500–R5 000), confiscate stock, and remove your stall. Repeat offences can lead to permanent bans from municipal trading areas.

Business & Trading

Temporary Trading Permit in South Africa

In plain English

A temporary trading permit lets you sell goods or services at a specific location for a short period — a pop-up shop, once-off sale or seasonal stall. It is issued by your local municipality's business licensing office under the Businesses Act 71 of 1991 and the city's own trading by-laws.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Small business owners, side-hustlers, event organisers, seasonal traders and anyone doing a short-term public sale that isn't covered by an existing business licence.

When is it required

Whenever you trade in a public space (pavement, park, mall concourse, community hall grounds) for a limited period — usually one day to three months.

Eligibility

You are 18 or older (or trading through a registered entity)
You have written permission from the property owner or municipality for the site
Your goods are legal and, if food, covered by a Certificate of Acceptability

Documents you need before applying

Certified copy of your South African ID or valid passport plus visa
Company or CC registration documents (if trading as an entity)
Site plan or map showing exactly where you will trade
Written permission from the landowner or venue manager
Proof of public liability insurance (required by most metros)
Certificate of Acceptability from the Environmental Health Officer (if selling food)
SARS tax reference number
Completed municipal Temporary Trading application form
Application fee proof of payment

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
Confirm the by-law that applies
Every metro (Cape Town, Joburg, eThekwini, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, Mangaung) publishes its own Informal Trading or Business By-law. Download the current version from your city's website.
2
Secure the site
Get written permission from the property owner or apply for a demarcated municipal trading bay. Without a confirmed site the municipality will not process the permit.
3
Submit the application
Lodge the completed form, ID copy, site plan and supporting documents at your city's business licensing office. Some cities (Cape Town, Joburg) accept online submissions.
4
Pay the daily or period fee
Fees range from about R30 per day for a single hawker bay to R2 000+ for a pop-up in a major shopping precinct. Payment is per calendar day and non-refundable.
5
Collect and display the permit
The permit must be visible at your stall at all times. Metro Police may inspect and fine or shut down traders without a valid permit.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

Your local municipality's Business Licensing or Informal Trading office. In metros this is often called the Economic Development Department.

Fees

R30–R150 per day for informal trading bays; R500–R5 000 for pop-up event permits, depending on location and duration.

Processing time

5 to 21 working days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trading date.

Validity

1 day up to 3 months, depending on the class of permit.

Renewal

Temporary permits are not renewable indefinitely — apply for a permanent hawker's permit or business licence if you plan to continue trading.

Common mistakes to avoid

Trading before the permit is issued — Metro Police can confiscate stock
Assuming a trading permit covers food safety — you still need a Certificate of Acceptability
Trading outside your demarcated bay or on a pavement not zoned for trading
Missing the application deadline (most cities require 14–21 days notice)

Tips to speed up your application

Bundle your Certificate of Acceptability application with the trading permit — same municipal office
Photograph the demarcated bay and keep the site permission letter with you
Register for tax at SARS before applying — some cities check compliance