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.

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?

newdata

Perfect! Take your time

Swati

Done! I’ve added the number and received the OTP — it's verified now. I can see the business account created.

Now what’s next?

newdata

Now let’s move to the Business Verification part.

Here’s what you need to do next:

Go to Business Settings > Security Center
Click on Start Verification
Fill out your business details (same as on your GST)
Upload your GST certificate
For address proof, you can use a utility bill or bank statement in your business name
Submit and wait — Meta usually takes 3–5 days to review

Swati

My GST and bank statement are ready. I’ll upload and submit now.

newdata

Just make sure the documents are clear and the business name matches exactly across both files and your Facebook Business Manager.

Once you hit Submit, your application will go into review. Usually takes around 2–3 working days, but sometimes faster.

Swati

Alright, I’ve just submitted it it now says “In Review” on my screen.
Do I need to do anything else while I wait?

newdata

That means Meta has received your documents.

For now, there’s nothing else you need to do. Just keep an eye on your email they’ll notify you once the verification is approved. You might also see the status change to “Verified” inside the Security Center.

Swati

Okay, got it! I’ll keep checking my email and the status.
Thanks for all the help so far

Swati

I have just checked it & showing verfied

snapshot

That’s awesome, Swati! If the status says Verified, it means you’ve cleared the most important step.

Swati

Yes, Is their anything other i need to do?

snapshot

Now, here’s what you can do next to complete the WhatsApp Business API setup:

Go back to Business Settings > WhatsApp Accounts
Select your verified account
Add your line of credit (this is needed to send messages)
Set up your message templates these are required for sending messages to users who haven’t messaged you in the last 24 hours.

Swati

I didn't get the 3rd point

snapshot

No worries, Swati

In Step 3, when I mentioned "add your line of credit," it means:

Go to your Facebook Business Settings
Click on your WhatsApp Account
Then look for the “Payment Settings” or “Line of Credit” option

This step is required by Meta to set up billing before you can start sending messages

Swati

Okay, Got it

Swati

Let me do this & get back to you

Swati

Hi, I’ve completed the payment setup. Now what should I do next?

newdata

Hi Swati,

Now the next step is to set up your message templates

Here’s how you can do it:

Go to your WhatsApp Business Account in Facebook Business Manager.
Click on Message Templates.
Click Create Template.
Choose a category (like Marketing, Utility, or Authentication).
Write your message — keep it simple, clear, and not too promotional (this increases the chance of approval).
Submit the template for Meta review — it usually takes a 1-2 minutes.
Once your template is approved, you’ll be able to send messages through the API

Just let me know if you want tips on writing your first template! Would you like help with that?

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