What about the scheme, in plain facts?

Authority: Department of Tourism, Government of Puducherry. The Director (Tourism) chairs the classification committee.

An application fee of Rs 100 is paid with the application. The classification or re-classification fee is paid by demand draft to the Tourism Department's DDO account:

What about what you submit?

The application format (Annexure I), a facilities checklist (Annexure II), an undertaking (Annexure III) and a police verification (Annexure A). The form also asks for the electricity connection number, proof of ownership with the house tax receipt, an affidavit if you are a co-sharer, photographs of the building and interiors, and room details.

What about how the process works?

1. Apply with the formats, the application fee and the classification fee. 2. Inspection: the Classification Committee, made up of the Director (Tourism) as chairman, the Commissioner of the municipality or commune panchayat, the Superintendent of Police for the area and the Secretary of the Hotel Association of Puducherry or a representative, assesses the unit. Be ready at all times, since requests to defer are not entertained. 3. Fix deficiencies within the time allotted, or the application is

What about validity and rules?

- Valid for 3 years from the date of issue, and cancelled automatically on change of ownership of the property. - Registration number: provided by the department and must be displayed prominently. - Changes: report any change in facilities to the Director within 30 days, or the classification can be withdrawn. - Standards: surprise inspections can be ordered at any time, and illegal activity can lead to cancellation, blacklisting and legal action. - Taxes: electricity and water charges are as pr

What about what this means for puducherry and karaikal owners?

Three rooms is a hard ceiling for a live-in homestay. If you run a heritage house with more rooms, or the owner lives elsewhere, the B&B route allows up to 4 rooms, and anything larger sits outside this scheme. Note that registration lapses when the property changes hands, so a buyer must re-apply.

How many rooms can a Puducherry homestay have?

A homestay with the owner living on site can have 1 to 3 rooms (6 beds). A bed and breakfast can have 1 to 4 rooms (8 beds).

How much does registration cost?

Under the 2019 guidelines, the classification fee for a Home Stay is Rs 12,000 (Silver) or Rs 15,000 (Gold), plus a Rs 100 application fee. Confirm current fees with the department.

How long is the registration valid?

Three years, and it is cancelled automatically if the property changes ownership.

How long does approval take?

The guidelines say applications are cleared through the single window within 30 days, with in-principle approval if the inspection has not happened by then.

Does the owner have to live on the property?

For the Home Stay category, yes. For Bed and Breakfast, the owner or promoter need not stay on the premises.

We recommend registering on the central NIDHI portal as well. It is a separate registration.

What about once you are registered?

Registration makes you legal. Distribution makes you earn. Fursat lists your home and keeps your calendars in sync across the major booking sites. Start at /list-your-property, or read how the free channel manager works first.

Journal/Homestay Guides

4 min read · 7 October 2026

Puducherry Homestay Registration Guide (2026)

Puducherry caps a live-in homestay at 3 rooms, charges Rs 12,000 or Rs 15,000, and issues a 3 year registration that lapses on a change of ownership.

Sneha Surana

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