Kommertslitsentsi

Kommertslitsentsi is an Estonian term meaning a license that authorizes the holder to engage in commercial activities. It is a form of permission issued by a competent authority to conduct a defined range of business operations, typically regulated by national or local law. The exact activities covered by a kommertslitsentsi depend on the jurisdiction and may include street vending, selling regulated goods (such as alcohol or medicines), or operating certain commercial services. In some contexts it overlaps with or is distinguished from other licenses such as business licenses, permits, or professional licenses.

In most cases, the authority responsible is a local municipality or a state regulator. The application process usually requires evidence of the applicant's identity, legal business registration, a valid address or premises, and compliance with applicable health, safety, and zoning rules. Fees are typically charged, and the license may be subject to inspections or background checks. Licences are often time-limited and require periodic renewal, with the possibility of suspension or revocation for non-compliance or violation of conditions. Transfer of a kommertslitsentsi when a business changes ownership is sometimes allowed, subject to the new owner's qualifications.

The term reflects a regulatory approach where commercial activities are controlled through permits rather than universal business registration alone. In practice, many jurisdictions use different naming conventions, and the precise scope of a kommertslitsentsi can vary. See also: business license, trade permit, Estonian administrative law.