How to get the WhatsApp Business API in India

MRBy Mitesh Rao, Founder, CloudFigma· Updated 5 October 2026

The short answer

To get the WhatsApp Business API in India, a business needs Meta business verification with a document such as a GST certificate, a phone number not active on the WhatsApp app, an approved display name and approved message templates. With Pulse, CloudFigma completes these steps for you, usually within a week.

What you need

A document showing your business’s legal name and address: a GST certificate, Udyam registration or certificate of incorporation.
A website or online profile that shows the same business name.
A phone number that can receive a call or SMS and is not active on the WhatsApp app at the same time.
A debit or credit card, added in Meta, for Meta’s message charges.

The steps, in order

Business verification: Meta checks your documents against your business name and address. This takes a few working days.
Number registration: the number is verified by call or SMS and added to the WhatsApp Business Platform.
Display name: Meta checks that the name customers will see matches your business.
Templates: your first confirmations and reminders are submitted; utility templates are often approved within minutes.
Payment method: your card is added in Meta, so messages are billed to you directly.

How long it takes

Most businesses with documents ready go live in about a week. The longest step is Meta’s business verification. Marketing templates take longer to approve than utility ones because Meta reviews them more closely.

Why applications are rejected, and how to avoid it

The name on the document does not match the name on the website or display name.
The website is missing, unfinished, or does not show the business’s contact details.
The display name is generic, such as “Offers” or “Support”, instead of the business’s name.
A template mixes an offer into a confirmation, so it is placed in the wrong category. How template categories work.

LAUNCH OFFER · 40% OFF

₹5,999₹9,999

for your whole first year, everything included

Then ₹9,999 a year, GST included. Messages billed by Meta.

You save ₹4,000

Offer ends in

Days

Hours

Mins

Secs

Ends 24 Oct, 11:59 pm, India time

Your coupon code

Applied automatically when you sign up.

Claim 40% off now →

Questions people ask

Can I get the WhatsApp Business API without a GST number?

Often yes. Meta accepts other documents showing your legal name and address, such as Udyam registration or a certificate of incorporation. A GST certificate is the simplest.

Do I need a website?

A website or online presence that shows your business name helps Meta verify you, and a mismatch is a common reason for rejection.

How do I get the green tick?

WhatsApp’s old green tick has been replaced by the blue badge of Meta Verified for business. It is granted by Meta, separately from API access, not by providers, and is not needed to send messages or reach customers.

Who pays Meta for messages?

With Pulse, you do, directly: your card is added in Meta and Meta bills each message at its own rate. Pulse charges only its yearly fee.

How to get the WhatsApp Business API in India

MRBy Mitesh Rao, Founder, CloudFigma· Updated 5 October 2026

The short answer

What you need

A document showing your business’s legal name and address: a GST certificate, Udyam registration or certificate of incorporation.
A website or online profile that shows the same business name.
A phone number that can receive a call or SMS and is not active on the WhatsApp app at the same time.
A debit or credit card, added in Meta, for Meta’s message charges.

The steps, in order

Business verification: Meta checks your documents against your business name and address. This takes a few working days.
Number registration: the number is verified by call or SMS and added to the WhatsApp Business Platform.
Display name: Meta checks that the name customers will see matches your business.
Templates: your first confirmations and reminders are submitted; utility templates are often approved within minutes.
Payment method: your card is added in Meta, so messages are billed to you directly.

How long it takes

Why applications are rejected, and how to avoid it

The name on the document does not match the name on the website or display name.
The website is missing, unfinished, or does not show the business’s contact details.
The display name is generic, such as “Offers” or “Support”, instead of the business’s name.
A template mixes an offer into a confirmation, so it is placed in the wrong category. How template categories work.

LAUNCH OFFER · 40% OFF

₹5,999₹9,999

for your whole first year, everything included

Then ₹9,999 a year, GST included. Messages billed by Meta.

You save ₹4,000

Offer ends in

Days

Hours

Mins

Secs

Ends 24 Oct, 11:59 pm, India time

Your coupon code

Applied automatically when you sign up.

Claim 40% off now →

Questions people ask

Can I get the WhatsApp Business API without a GST number?

Often yes. Meta accepts other documents showing your legal name and address, such as Udyam registration or a certificate of incorporation. A GST certificate is the simplest.

Do I need a website?

A website or online presence that shows your business name helps Meta verify you, and a mismatch is a common reason for rejection.

How do I get the green tick?

Who pays Meta for messages?

With Pulse, you do, directly: your card is added in Meta and Meta bills each message at its own rate. Pulse charges only its yearly fee.

How to get the WhatsApp Business API in India

What you need

The steps, in order

How long it takes

Why applications are rejected, and how to avoid it

Questions people ask

Can I get the WhatsApp Business API without a GST number?

Do I need a website?

How do I get the green tick?

Who pays Meta for messages?

Read next

Start talking to your customers where they already are.

How to get the WhatsApp Business API in India

What you need

The steps, in order

How long it takes

Why applications are rejected, and how to avoid it

Questions people ask

Can I get the WhatsApp Business API without a GST number?

Do I need a website?

How do I get the green tick?

Who pays Meta for messages?

Read next

Start talking to your customers where they already are.