Hey Everyone, I want to start using this, but I don’t have an MSME certificate. I just wanted to check what documents are actually needed to apply. Can anyone help me with this?

Hi Swati, Don’t worry, you don’t have to have an MSME certificate. There are other valid options too it depends on what type of business you have.

Yes, that’s right! **Here's what WhatsApp generally accepts for business verification:** - GST Certificate - Shop Act License - Company PAN - MSME Certificate (optional) - Any government-issued business registration proof If you don’t have MSME, GST or Shop Act usually works just fine.

I do have a GST and a PAN. That should work, right?

Yes, that’s more than enough. You’re good to go! Just make sure the business name on your documents matches the one you use on your Facebook Business Manager.

Is their anything other i need?

Along with the documents, here are a few other things you’ll need to get started smoothly: **- A dedicated phone number –** It should not be already used with WhatsApp (regular or business app). **- A verified Facebook Business Manager account** – This is where you’ll manage your WhatsApp Business setup. **- Business Display Name** – The name you want customers to see on WhatsApp. It should match your branding and official records. **- Business Website or Social Media Page** – Helps with brand verification and approval.

Here's how you can start:- - Log in to your Facebook Business Manager. - Go to Business Settings > Security Center. - Click on Start Verification. - Enter your business details as they appear on your documents. - Upload your GST certificate and utility bill. - Choose a verification method (email, phone, or domain verification). - Submit the information and wait for approval. - Once approved, you'll be able to use the WhatsApp Business API."

Thank you so much for the guidance!

What documents are actually needed to apply?

snapshot

Once your Facebook Business Manager is verified, we’ll help you connect your WhatsApp number and get everything set up.

Just one thing to keep in mind make sure the number you want to use isn’t already linked to a regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App. It needs to be completely unused or removed from there before setup.

Swati

I’m currently using that number for WhatsApp Business App. What should I do?

snapshot

No worries! You’ll just need to delete your WhatsApp Business account from that number before set it up with the API.

It only takes a minute, and we can guide you through it when you’re ready.

Swati

Okay, got it. So I’ll need to delete my WhatsApp Business App first, right?

snapshot

Yes, exactly! Just go to your WhatsApp Business App settings, then tap on Account > Delete my account.
Make sure you select the same number you plan to use for the API.

Don’t worry — once that’s done, we’ll help you get it activated again through the WhatsApp Business API.

Swati

I’ll do that now and let you know once it's done.

snapshot

Perfect. Take your time, and just ping us here once you're done.

Swati

Done! I’ve deleted my WhatsApp Business App.

snapshot

Perfect, Swati! Now you're ready for the API setup. We’ll guide you through the steps — here’s what you’ll need to do next:

Make sure you’ve got your business display name ready (that’s what your customers will see on WhatsApp).

Log into your Facebook Business Manager, and note down your Business Manager ID — you’ll need it for the application.
Use the phone number you just freed up (the one you removed from WhatsApp) — it’ll now be linked to the API.
Keep your GST certificate, PAN, or Shop Act license handy — whichever one you're using for verification.
Make sure your Facebook page or website/social profile clearly shows your business name and contact details.
Once you have all these ready, you can start the application process

Swati

I’ll get these ready and start the process. Thanks for making it easy to understand 😊

snapshot

You're welcome! Just take it step by step, and feel free to ask if anything’s unclear

Swati

Okay, But where do I start the actual process from?

newdata

Here's how you can begin:

Go to your Facebook Business Manager and log in.
On the left menu, click on Business Settings > Accounts > WhatsApp Accounts.
There, you’ll see the option to start setting up a new WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).

You’ll be asked to:

Enter your Business Display Name
Choose your business category
Link your Facebook Business Page
Add your business phone number (the one you just removed from WhatsApp)
Upload your verification documents (like GST, PAN, etc.)

Don’t worry — all these are just steps to get verified.

Swati

Let me open it and check.

newdata

Sure, take your time. I’ll stay right here let me know when you're ready or if you see any screen you’re not sure about

Swati

Okay, I’m in the Business Settings now. I can see the WhatsApp section should I click “Add” from here?

newdata

Yes, Click “Add” to create a new WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).

You’ll then need to:

Name your business account (use your official brand name).
Select your business category (like retail, education, services, etc.).
Add the phone number you want to use — make sure it's not already connected to WhatsApp.
Once you do that, Meta will send a verification code to that number — usually by SMS or call.

Swati

Okay, and after entering the code?

newdata

After the code is verified, your WABA will be created

Then we’ll just need to upload your GST and supporting docs inside the Business Info > Verification section to complete the setup.

Swati

I’m doing it now. I’ll let you know if anything’s confusing. Thanks again

« Previous Page Next Page »