[kumarvvr]

That is the same case in India.

My brother runs a mon-n-pop store, selling stationery items.

Getting a business license took 1 day, one application and renewed every year online. Cost is about 10 USD per year.

I know many in my neighborhood that don't even have that.

Majority of the retailers have a simple license, usually obtained very quickly from local municipal corporation.

I can start a company for consulting, trade, retail, etc, with the help of a legal counsel and a bit of paperwork in about a couple of weeks.