Is fire NOC mandatory in Goa?

Yes, for buildings over 15 m and for hotels, restaurants and bakeries, public places, schools, factories of 5 HP or more, godowns, hazardous stores and registered shops and establishments, under the section 13 notification of 17 December 2014. Small guest houses and shacks also follow the 2018 extinguisher rules.

Who issues the fire NOC in Panaji and Margao?

The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, not the corporation or the municipality. The officer depends on the service: a Station Fire Officer for small LPG users and village shops, up to the Director at St. Inez, Panaji, for buildings over 15 m and public places.

Does a restaurant in Goa need a fire NOC?

Yes. Restaurants, bakeries and eating houses are a listed class. Up to 50 seats the fee is ₹150 a year; above 50 it is ₹10 per m² of built-up area. Officers decide within 10 days: a Fire Officer up to 20 seats, an Assistant Divisional Officer up to 50, a Divisional Officer up to 100.

How long is a Goa fire NOC valid?

5 years from the date of issue, for low-risk and high-risk buildings, under the Home Department notification of 23 June 2025, in force on 3 July 2025. The owner must file an Annexure A self-declaration on ₹100 stamp paper every year, and renewal needs a fresh inspection.

How much does a fire NOC cost in Goa?

The Initial NOC is free. At the Final NOC the licence fee is ₹10 per m² of built-up area for most premises, or a flat ₹150 for eateries up to 50 seats and small stores. A 6,000 m² tower pays ₹60,000.

Does a beach shack or homestay in Goa need a fire NOC?

Yes, for tourism registration. Since the Tourism order of 13 January 2026, a valid DFES NOC is needed to register or renew a homestay, hotel, or shack on private property. Shacks also keep 1 or 2 extinguishers under Annexure III.

How many days does DFES Goa take to issue a fire NOC?

5, 10 or 15 days, by service, under the public-services schedule of 3 November 2022: 5 for small LPG users and shops, 10 for restaurants, lodging, shacks and 3 or 4-star hotels, 15 for buildings over 15 m, factories and public places.

What changed in Goa after the Arpora nightclub fire?

DFES issued guidelines on 10 December 2025 making trade licences valid only with current fire clearance and asking for quarterly drills; the Tourism Department made a fire NOC part of registration on 13 January 2026. Separately, a 2 December 2025 Ordinance turned the section 21 fine into a penalty of up to ₹10,000.

Fire NOC by state 28 min read

Fire NOC in Goa: Initial NOC, Final NOC and the 5-year renewal

Updated October 2026By Flamekite Editorial DeskFacts checked against official sources on 24 October 2026

Quick answer

Goa needs a fire NOC for buildings over 15 m, hotels, restaurants, shacks and public places. The Initial NOC is free, the licence fee is ₹10 per m² of built-up area, and since 3 July 2025 a NOC is valid for 5 years, with a self-declaration on ₹100 stamp paper every year.

The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issues every Goa fire NOC on Goa Online, in 3 stages: the Initial NOC on the plans, the Final NOC after an inspection, and the renewal. Since the Arpora nightclub fire of 6 December 2025, trade licences, hotel and shack registrations in Goa also turn on a valid fire NOC.

High-rise NOC line, 2014 notification: Over 15 m; 14.2 m survives only as a fee class; Building and trade matrix
Initial NOC fee: Free; ₹10 per m² licence fee at the Final NOC; Fee lines
Validity since 3 July 2025: 5 years; With a yearly Annexure A on ₹100 stamp paper; The notification
Time limit by service: 5 to 15 days; 36 DFES services in the 2022 schedule; Who signs

Free fire NOC check

Free, on WhatsApp. Or set a renewal reminder

Goa fire NOC at a glance

The Goa fire NOC in 14 facts, each with its source. Last verified October 2026.
What	The rule	Source
Issuing authority	Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), Government of Goa, headquarters at St. Inez, Panaji	DFES Goa charter
The fire Act	Goa, Daman and Diu Fire Force Act, 1986 (Act 9 of 1986), in force from 1 February 1987, 35 sections	DFES Goa
The rules	Goa State Fire Force Rules, 1997; the NOC fee schedule was last substituted by the 2009 amendment, published 27 May 2010	DFES Goa
Where the NOC duty sits	The section 13 notification of 17 December 2014 (11 classes of premises) and Appendix VI of the Rules (55 places and trades)	DFES Goa charter
Who needs it	Buildings over 15 m, industry, hotels, restaurants and bakeries, public places and tents, schools, godowns, hazardous stores and registered shops and establishments	DFES Goa charter
When to apply	Before the construction licence for high-rise and special buildings, under the Town and Country Planning letter of 9 December 2019	Goa TCP letter
Three papers	Initial NOC (Goa Online service FES91), Final NOC (FES92) and renewal (FES93); online only since 15 November 2019	Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Fee	Initial NOC free; licence fee ₹10 per m² of built-up area; ₹150 a year for eateries up to 50 seats	Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Time limit	5, 10 or 15 days by service, under the Goa public-services schedule of 3 November 2022	Goa Gazette 2022
Validity	5 years from the date of issue for low-risk and high-risk buildings alike, from 3 July 2025	Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025
Every year in between	Annexure A self-declaration on ₹100 stamp paper that fire systems are maintained and work	Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025
Renewal	Form R on Goa Online one month before expiry, after the systems are tested again	DFES Goa
Fire service size	17 fire stations in 3 zones, 1,106 sanctioned posts	DFES Goa charter
Penalty for ignoring precautions	Up to ₹10,000 under section 21 as substituted on 2 December 2025	Goa Ordinance 4 of 2025

Goa Initial NOC, Final NOC and renewal compared

The three DFES papers side by side, as published on 24 October 2026.
Option	Initial NOC	Final NOC	Renewal	Source
What it is for	The plans and site, before work starts	The finished building, before it is occupied	Keeping the Final NOC in force after 5 years	DFES Goa
Goa Online service	FES91	FES92	FES93	Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Form	Form I, then the Form U undertaking on ₹50 stamp paper	Form F	Form R, one month before expiry	DFES Goa
Documents	7 on the BRAP 2024 checklist, Form U included	The same set without Form U	Not listed in the BRAP checklist	Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
What the officer checks	Approved plans against GLDBCR 2010 access, setbacks and stair widths; fire plans against NBC 2016 Part 4 and the 2014 notification	Every Initial NOC condition, physical testing of the systems and all test certificates	The systems certified in the Final NOC, verified and tested	DFES Goa
Fee	None	Licence fee worked out by the portal at the rate per m²	No separate renewal fee published	Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Time	5 to 15 working days	5 to 15 working days	Not stated	Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Validity	Not stated	5 years from the date of issue	5 years	Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025

How to get a fire NOC in Goa on Goa Online, step by step

Find your class and your service number
Match the premises to the 11 classes of the 2014 notification and to one of the 36 DFES services: a 40-seat restaurant is service 100, a 3-star hotel service 109, a building over 15 m service 81.
Apply before the construction licence
For high-rise and special buildings, the Town and Country Planning letter of 9 December 2019 tells panchayats and municipalities to insist on DFES clearance before they license construction.
File the Initial NOC (FES91)
Register on goaonline.gov.in, choose the Fire and Emergency service, and upload Form I with proof of ownership, the TCP-approved plans, the fire protection plan and the project report. The portal sends an acknowledgement number by SMS and e-mail.
Answer the site inspection with Form U
The designated officer inspects and uploads recommendations. You upload a Form U undertaking on ₹50 stamp paper to carry them out, and the e-signed Initial NOC follows within 5 to 15 working days.
Install through a licensed agency, then file Form F (FES92)
Since 3 July 2025 only an agency licensed by the Director may install, certify or audit fire systems. On completion, apply for the Final NOC in Form F; the officer inspects, asks for compliance and re-inspects.
Pay the licence fee and download the Final NOC
The portal works out the fee at ₹10 per m² of built-up area, or ₹150 for a small eatery, and asks for online payment before the Final NOC is issued.
Declare every year and renew at 5 years (FES93)
File the Annexure A self-declaration on ₹100 stamp paper each year, and apply for renewal in Form R one month before the 5 years run out.

Which Goa buildings and trades need a fire NOC

Goa lists premises, not a single height line: a building over 15 m, and any hotel, restaurant, public place, school, factory or godown, whatever its size.

	The line in the notifications	Fee class	Designated officer and time limit
High-rise building Goa Gazette 2022	Over 15 m from the ground (2014 notification; service 81)	₹10 per m²; the fee rule still says over 14.2 m	Director, 15 days
Hotel of 3 or 4 stars Goa Gazette 2022	Any size (service 109); 5-star hotels are a separate listed category	₹10 per m² where lodging exceeds 50 persons	Deputy Director (Fire), 10 days
Non-classified lodging house or hotel under 15 m Goa Gazette 2022	Up to 25 rooms (service 99) or up to 15 rooms (service 102)	₹10 per m² above 50 persons	Divisional Officer or Assistant Divisional Officer, 10 days
Restaurant, bakery or eating house Goa Gazette 2022	Up to 20, 50 or 100 seats (services 101, 100 and 98)	₹150 a year up to 50 seats; ₹10 per m² above 50	Fire Officer, Assistant Divisional Officer or Divisional Officer, 10 days
Temporary shack under the Tourist Trade Act Goa Gazette 2022	Service 103	Not in the fee schedule	Assistant Divisional Officer, 10 days
Public place: dancing hall, theatre, assembly hall, stadium, airport, station DFES Goa charter	Any size (service 95); the 2014 list adds temporary structures and tented enclosures	₹10 per m²	Director, 15 days
Educational and institutional building Goa Gazette 2022	Any size (service 97)	₹10 per m²	Deputy Director (Fire), 15 days
Factory or establishment Goa Gazette 2022	Electric motor capacity of 5 HP and above (service 82)	₹10 per m²	Director, 15 days
Shop or establishment Goa Gazette 2022	Inside a village panchayat (service 90) or outside (service 91)	Not in the fee schedule	Station Fire Officer or Assistant Divisional Officer, 5 days
Commercial LPG DFES Goa charter	Up to 50 kg (service 89); beyond 50 kg a prior DFES NOC under the 2018 Annexure III	₹150 per occupancy under 100 kg	Station Fire Officer, 5 days

The 14.2 m figure comes from the 1998 notification and the 2010 fee schedule. The section 13 notification of 17 December 2014, which replaced the 1998 one, lists high-rise buildings of more than 15 m, and the 2022 public-services schedule and the DFES service list say over 15 m too.

What Goa's notification of 23 June 2025 says about the 5-year NOC

One Home Department notification ended the yearly renewal of every Goa fire NOC. Its operative clause is short.

Word for word

2. The validity of No Objection Certificate shall be period of five (5) years, subject to the following condition: a. The concerned owner/occupier must submit a self-declaration in the prescribed Format (Annexure-A) on the stamp paper of ₹100, annually stating that the Fire Protection Arrangements installed in the premises are regularly maintained, are fully functional, and can be operated in case of an emergency. b. Upon completion of five-year period, the NOC may be renewed provided the Fire Protection Systems are inspected and found to be in proper working condition by the competent authority.

Home Department notification 3/14/2024-HD(G)/1652, 23 June 2025, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025, clause 2 Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025

Three points follow. The 5 years run from the date of issue and cover low-risk and high-risk buildings alike; until then a Goa NOC was valid for 1 year. Clause 3 lets the designated officer inspect at any time in the calendar year and revoke the NOC, after a hearing, if the systems do not work. And the notification came into force on publication, 3 July 2025.

Does your Goa restaurant, hotel, shack or homestay need a fire NOC?

Find the line that fits. Each answer gives the Goa instrument that decides it.

If A restaurant, bakery or eating house of any size
Yes. Class (ix) of the 2014 notification covers hotels, restaurants and bakeries; up to 50 seats the fee is ₹150 a year, above it ₹10 per m². DFES Goa charter
If A hotel, homestay or travel agency registering with the Tourism Department
Yes. Since the order of 13 January 2026 a valid DFES NOC is required for new registration and for every renewal. Goa Tourism order
If A shack or hut on private property for the season
Yes. Tourism registration now asks for a valid DFES NOC, and DFES lists temporary shacks as service 103, issued by the Assistant Divisional Officer in 10 days. Goa Tourism order
If A nightclub, bar with a dance floor, event tent or exhibition
Yes. These are public places, decided by the Director within 15 days; the 2014 list names temporary structures and tented enclosures. Do I need a fire NOC? Goa Gazette 2022
If A shop or office registered under the Shops and Establishments Act
Yes since 2018, when the village-panchayat exclusion was dropped: services 90 and 91, decided in 5 days. DFES Goa charter
If A residential building of 15 m or less
Not in the 2014 list, unless it has more than 500 m² of mixed use on a floor, an assembly area over 300 m², or 2 basements: then the 2019 TCP letter asks for DFES clearance before the construction licence. Goa TCP letter
If An existing building that already holds a Final NOC
File Annexure A every year and renew after 5 years from the date of issue. Validity, all states Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025

The eleven Goa instruments behind a fire NOC in 2026

One 1986 Act and its 1997 Rules, then a chain of notifications, a circular and a tourism order, most of them issued since 2014.

Act 9 of 1986
Goa, Daman and Diu Fire Force Act, 1986
Sets up the Fire Force. Section 13 lets the Government notify risky premises and the precautions they must take; section 21 punishes failure. It never uses the words fire NOC. DFES Goa
Rules of 1997
Goa State Fire Force Rules, 1997
Appendix VI lists 55 places and trades that need a NOC; Appendix VII, as substituted by the 2009 amendment, sets the ₹150 and ₹10 per m² fees. DFES Goa
3/5/97-HD(G) Part/3934
Section 13 notification of 17 December 2014
Replaced the 1998 list with 11 classes, from high-rise buildings over 15 m to shops and establishments, and 18 required fire measures. DFES Goa charter
Part/1485 and Part/1934
Annexure III of 17 May 2018, amended 28 June 2018
Extinguisher rules and a ₹100 self-declaration for guest houses, temporary structures and beach shacks of up to 100 m². DFES Goa charter
21/1/TCP/2017-19/2485
Town and Country Planning letter of 9 December 2019
DFES clearance before the construction licence for high-rise and special buildings, not during construction. Goa TCP letter
15/2019/Goa-IPB/EoDB/515
Online-only notification of 25 January 2021
Makes the Goa Online route the only way to apply. Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
41/1/2022/PG(Notification)/235
Public-services schedule of 3 November 2022
36 DFES services, each with a designated officer, a time limit of 5, 10 or 15 days and an appellate authority. Goa Gazette 2022
3/14/2024-HD(G)/1652
Validity notification of 23 June 2025
5 years for every NOC, a yearly Annexure A, inspection at any time and revocation. Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025
3/13/2024-HD(G)/1653
Licensed-agency notification of 23 June 2025
Only agencies licensed by the Director may install, certify or audit fire systems in Goa. Goa Gazette 2025
Ordinance 4 of 2025
Goa Jan Vishwas (Laws Amendment) Ordinance, 2025
Promulgated 2 December 2025: section 21 becomes a penalty of up to ₹10,000 and section 20 a penalty of up to 6 months' pay. Goa Ordinance 4 of 2025
N5/3(865)/2025-26/DT/339
Tourism order of 13 January 2026
A valid DFES NOC for registration and renewal of hotels, homestays, shacks, water sports, adventure sports, travel agents and spice farms with rooms. Goa Tourism order

Goa fire NOC fees, from a 40-seat restaurant to a Panaji tower

Goa charges nothing for the Initial NOC and a licence fee at the Final NOC: a flat ₹150 for small eateries and stores, ₹10 per m² for everything larger.

As published

Initial NOCFreeNo fee is charged for the Initial NOC Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Restaurant, bakery or eating house up to 50 seats₹150 per NOC per year DFES Goa
Fireworks under 50 lb, sawmill wood, petroleum under 5,000 kg, LPG under 100 kg₹150 per occupancy DFES Goa
Buildings over 14.2 m, factories of 5 HP or more, hotels and restaurants for more than 50, public places, schools, godowns, hazardous stores₹10 per m²Of built-up area, worked out by the portal at the Final NOC DFES Goa
Form U undertaking (Initial NOC)₹50 stamp paper DFES Goa
Annexure A self-declaration, every year₹100 stamp paper Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025
Copy of a DFES fire report₹35, or ₹250 if the loss is ₹5 lakh or more DFES Goa
Turntable ladder or hydraulic platform on hire₹2,100 an hourPlus ₹30 per km from the station and back DFES Goa
Licensed-agency registration₹25,000 or ₹15,000Corporation area or other municipalities Goa Gazette 2025

Rates from Appendix VII of the Rules as substituted in 2010, repeated in the DFES BRAP 2024 sheet. No separate renewal fee is published. The licensed-agency rate for areas outside municipalities is printed as "100.00" and is not quoted here. Every state's rates are on the fire NOC fees page.

Worked Goa fire NOC cases from Panaji to Canacona

Flamekite’s working from the official rules; no government publishes this figure.

Flamekite's arithmetic on the fee schedule, the 2022 time limits and the 2018 shack rules, for 6 premises.

Case 1
A 21 m apartment block in Panaji
Residential, 7 floors, built-up area 6,000 m².
What applies Over 15 m, so the Director decides within 15 days. 6,000 × ₹10 is ₹60,000 at the Final NOC; DFES clearance comes before the construction licence. Goa Gazette 2022
Case 2
A 40-seat restaurant in Panaji
Eating house, ground floor, 40 seats.
What applies Service 100, the Assistant Divisional Officer, 10 days. The fee is the flat ₹150 a year; how DFES bills it across a 5-year NOC is not published. DFES Goa
Case 3
An 80-seat restaurant of 250 m² in Margao
Eating house above 50 seats.
What applies Service 98, the Divisional Officer, 10 days. 250 × ₹10 is ₹2,500. Goa Gazette 2022
Case 4
A 3-star hotel of 4,000 m² in Calangute
Hotel, 12 m, 60 rooms.
What applies Service 109, the Deputy Director (Fire), 10 days. 4,000 × ₹10 is ₹40,000, and the hotel cannot register or renew with Tourism without the NOC. Goa Tourism order
Case 5
An 80 m² shack on private land near Canacona
Seasonal shack with a commercial LPG cylinder.
What applies Annexure III: 2 extinguishers for 50 to 100 m², and 1 more for the LPG cylinder, with a ₹100 self-declaration. Tourism registration also needs a valid DFES NOC. DFES Goa charter
Case 6
A 1,000 m² moderate-hazard godown at Verna
Warehouse, single storey.
What applies Service 93, the Deputy Director, 15 days. 1,000 × ₹10 is ₹10,000. Goa Gazette 2022

Who signs a Goa fire NOC: Station Fire Officer to Director, 5 to 15 days

The 2022 schedule names one designated officer for each of the 36 services. Rank rises with risk, and so does the appeal.

1. Station Fire Officer: 5 days
Commercial LPG up to 50 kg and shops inside a village panchayat. Appeal to the Assistant Divisional Officer. Goa Gazette 2022
2. Fire Officer: 10 days
Restaurants and eating houses of up to 20 seats. Goa Gazette 2022
3. Assistant Divisional Officer: 5 to 15 days
Shops outside village panchayats (5 days); restaurants up to 50 seats, lodging up to 15 rooms, temporary shacks, fireworks up to 25 kg (10 days); video cinemas (15 days). Goa Gazette 2022
4. Divisional Officer: 10 or 15 days
Restaurants up to 100 seats, lodging up to 25 rooms, scrap yards (10 days); low-hazard godowns and petroleum up to 8,000 litres (15 days). Goa Gazette 2022
5. Deputy Director (Fire): 10 or 15 days
Hotels of 3 and 4 stars (10 days); schools and institutions, moderate-hazard godowns and fuel outlets (15 days). Goa Gazette 2022
6. Director: 15 days
Buildings over 15 m, factories of 5 HP and above, shipyards, tank farms, LPG and high-hazard godowns, hazardous stores and public places. Appeal to the Additional or Special Secretary (Home). Goa Gazette 2022
7. No deemed approval
DFES's BRAP 2024 sheet says deemed approval and auto-renewal are not available for the fire NOC, so a missed limit means an appeal, not an automatic NOC. Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa

DFES Goa offices for Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Vasco and Ponda

Goa's 17 fire stations sit in 3 zones. Office numbers as printed in the Citizen's Charter of December 2024; emergencies 101 or 112.

Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Headquarters DFES Goa charter
Director; dir-fire.goa@nic.in
Address
St. Inez, Panaji, Goa 403001
Phone
0832-2227616; 0832-2225500; 7391047132
Website
dfes.goa.gov.in
Divisional Officer, North Zone DFES Goa charter
Pernem, Mapusa, Pilerne, Porvorim, Panaji and Vasco stations; donz-fire@goa.gov.in
Address
St. Inez, Panaji
Phone
0832-2225500
Deputy Director (Fire), South Zone DFES Goa charter
Margao, Verna, Curchorem, Cuncolim and Canacona stations; ddf-fire.goa@nic.in
Address
Aquem, Margao
Phone
0832-2714600
Deputy Director (Fire), Central Zone DFES Goa charter
Ponda, Valpoi, Bicholim, Kundaim and Old Goa stations
Address
Near Almeida High School, Varkhande, Ponda
Phone
0832-2312044
Fire Station, Mapusa DFES Goa charter
map-fire.goa@nic.in
Phone
0832-2262900
Fire Station, Vasco DFES Goa charter
vas-fire.goa@nic.in
Phone
0832-2513840
Station Fire Officer, Stores and Fire Prevention DFES Goa charter
fp-fire.goa@nic.in
Phone
0832-2423101

Goa's fire service and fire NOC rules in numbers

The figures behind the Goa regime, from the Citizen's Charter, the Rules and the 2022 schedule.

17
Fire stations, from Pernem to Canacona DFES Goa charter
1,106
Sanctioned posts in the Goa Fire and Emergency Services DFES Goa charter
36
DFES services with a legal time limit Goa Gazette 2022
11
Classes of premises in the 2014 section 13 notification DFES Goa charter
55
Places and trades in Appendix VI of the Rules DFES Goa
56,730
Candidates trained at the Fire Force Training Centre, St. Inez DFES Goa charter

What a Goa fire officer checks: points from the DFES audit checklist

The DFES Fire Safety Audit and Inspection Checklist runs to 49 points. These are the ones with a number an owner must meet.

A passageway of at least 4.5 m for fire vehicles to enter the premises Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Clear headroom of at least 5 m under any arch or covered gate Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Service ducts enclosed by walls of 2 hours' fire resistance and sealed at every floor with 1-hour material Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Two means of escape, remote from each other, with stair widths and tread and riser recorded Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
A refuge area of 15 m² in buildings above 24 m to 39 m Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
A fire tower above 8 storeys or 24 m, and a fire lift for 8 passengers on alternate power Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
At least 2 ramps or exits for basement parking, remote from each other Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Wet risers or down-comers of 100 mm and landing valves of 63 mm Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
A fire alarm to IS 2189, exit signs to IS 12349 and extinguishers to IS 15683 Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Lightning protection to IS 2309 and the capacity of the standby generator for fire systems Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa

Goa beach shacks, guest houses and small shops: the Annexure III rules

Annexure III, added to the 2014 notification on 17 May 2018, sets the fire kit for small premises, with a self-declaration instead of a site visit.

Do

Keep 1 ABC dry powder extinguisher of 4 or 6 kg, or 1 CO2 extinguisher of 4.5 kg to IS 2190, in a guest house or temporary structure of up to 50 m². DFES Goa charter
Keep 2 such extinguishers in premises above 50 m² and up to 100 m². DFES Goa charter
Add 1 more extinguisher where a commercial LPG cylinder of up to 50 kg is used in 50 m². DFES Goa charter
File the self-declaration on ₹100 non-judicial stamp paper with the licence application. DFES Goa charter
Hold a valid DFES NOC before registering or renewing a shack on private property with Tourism. Goa Tourism order

Don’t

Don't store or use more than 50 kg of commercial LPG without a prior DFES NOC and an IS 6044 (Part 1) installation. DFES Goa charter
Don't set off fireworks, pyrotechnics or open flames unsupervised. DFES Goa circular
Don't lock or block an exit during opening hours. DFES Goa circular

Goa fire safety penalties after the 2025 Jan Vishwas Ordinance

Goa's fire Act now fines through penalties, not prosecution. The bigger losses for an owner are a revoked NOC and a suspended licence.

Offence	Penalty	Law
Failing without reasonable cause to take the precautions a section 13 notification or direction requires	Penalty up to ₹10,000 (a fine up to ₹1,000 until 2 December 2025)	Goa Fire Force Act 1986, section 21 as substituted Goa Ordinance 4 of 2025
Wilfully obstructing fire-fighting	Up to 3 months' imprisonment, a fine up to ₹1,000, or both	Section 22 DFES Goa
A Fire Force member's violation of duty	Penalty up to 6 months' pay (3 months' imprisonment until 2 December 2025)	Section 20 as amended Goa Ordinance 4 of 2025
Not giving way to a fire unit sounding its bell or hooter	Fine up to ₹500	Goa State Fire Force Rules 1997, rule 25(3) DFES Goa
Fire systems found non-operational on an inspection	NOC revoked after a reasonable hearing	Notification of 23 June 2025, clause 3(b) Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025
Running without a valid fire NOC	Trade and other licences liable to suspension or revocation	DFES circular of 10 December 2025, head 9 DFES Goa circular
Using a place for a licensed trade without a municipal licence	Penalty up to ₹50,000, plus ₹1,000 a day	Goa Municipalities Act 1968, section 252(2) as amended Goa Ordinance 4 of 2025
A licensed agency issuing a false certificate	Licence suspended or cancelled after a show-cause notice	Notification of 23 June 2025 (agencies), clause 9 Goa Gazette 2025
A deliberate or negligent fire that leads the Force to damage a neighbour's property	Compensation fixed by the Collector; claims within 30 days	Section 27 DFES Goa

The Ordinance raises every Schedule I penalty by 10% of the minimum every 3 years. It was replaced by the Goa Jan Vishwas (Laws Amendment) Act, 2026, deemed in force from 2 December 2025. Its gazette text (Goa Act 2 of 2026, published 9 February 2026) keeps the Ordinance's changes to sections 20 and 21.

Goa fire law and fires, 1984 to 2026

Goa's fire NOC rests on a 1986 Act and grew by notification; most of the change came in 2025 and 2026.

1984
The Directorate of Fire Services is set up. DFES Goa charter
1 February 1987
The Goa, Daman and Diu Fire Force Act, 1986 comes into force. DFES Goa
21 July 1997
The Goa State Fire Force Rules are published, with Appendix VI's list of trades needing a NOC. DFES Goa
11 June 1998
The first section 13 notification names buildings over 14.2 m, hotels, restaurants and bakeries. DFES Goa
27 May 2010
The 2009 amendment sets today's ₹150 and ₹10 per m² NOC fees. DFES Goa
17 December 2014
A new section 13 notification lists 11 classes and moves the high-rise line to over 15 m. DFES Goa charter
17 May 2018
Annexure III adds extinguisher rules for shacks, guest houses and temporary structures. DFES Goa charter
15 November 2019
Fire NOC applications move to Goa Online only. Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
9 December 2019
The Chief Town Planner asks for DFES clearance before construction licences. Goa TCP letter
31 October 2022
The current public-services schedule, with 36 DFES services, takes effect. Goa Gazette 2022
3 July 2025
The 5-year validity and licensed-agency notifications are published. Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025
2 December 2025
The Goa Jan Vishwas Ordinance turns section 21 into a ₹10,000 penalty; it is gazetted on 9 December. Goa Ordinance 4 of 2025
6 December 2025
25 people die in the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire at Arpora (news reports). PTInews report
10 December 2025
DFES issues its Fire and Life Safety Guidelines for all occupancies. DFES Goa circular
13 January 2026
The Tourism Department makes a fire NOC part of registration and renewal. Goa Tourism order
30 April 2026
BIS withdraws NBC 2016, which DFES's inspection procedure still names. Gazette of India

The Arpora nightclub fire of December 2025 and Goa's fire NOC

From news reports, not yet an official source.

Five reports, December 2025 to January 2026. The magisterial inquiry report itself was not found as an official document.

8 December 2025
PTI reported that the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, Arpora, 25 km from Panaji, began at 11.45 pm on 6 December and killed 25, including 5 tourists and 20 staff. Officials said fireworks were the likely cause and that the club allegedly did not have even a fire department NOC; the Chief Minister announced an audit of clubs and high-footfall places. PTInews report
8 December 2025
News On AIR reported that 3 officials, including the then Director of Panchayats and the panchayat secretary, were suspended over the permissions given to the club. News On AIRnews report
27 December 2025
The Goan reported that a 4-member magisterial inquiry under the North Goa Collector, with a DFES Deputy Director as a member, reported on 23 December and placed responsibility on Revenue, Panchayat, Town and Country Planning, Health and Fire and Emergency Services, among others. The Goannews report
31 December 2025
The Week reported the inquiry's finding that the club stood in a salt pan, ran without a valid trade licence and set off fireworks without proper care, with staff trapped in the basement and kitchen. The Weeknews report
16 January 2026
The Goan reported figures tabled in the Assembly: DFES fire NOCs to beach shacks numbered 222 in 2023, 194 in 2024 and 232 in 2025; to hotels 168, 300 and 291; to homestays 7, 2 and 0. The Goannews report

Goa fire NOC mistakes that cost a licence or a renewal

Seven traps from the Goa notifications and DFES pages, each with the fix.

If Trusting the DFES flowchart's one-year validity
The notification of 23 June 2025 gives 5 years from the date of issue. Diary the yearly Annexure A instead of a yearly renewal. DFES Goa
If Skipping the yearly Annexure A because the NOC runs 5 years
The 5 years are conditional on it, and an inspection can come at any time in the year. Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025
If Planning a 14.5 m block as exempt because the fee rule says 14.2 m
The NOC line in the 2014 notification is over 15 m; the 14.2 m figure sets the fee class. Check use first: a hotel or restaurant needs a NOC at any height. DFES Goa charter
If Applying for the fire NOC once construction is under way
For high-rise and special buildings, DFES clearance comes before the construction licence. Goa TCP letter
If Hiring an unlicensed installer for the fire systems
Since 3 July 2025 only a licensed agency may install, certify or audit them in Goa. Goa Gazette 2025
If Refitting the interiors or moving exits without telling DFES
The circular of 10 December 2025 requires prior DFES approval for changes to layout, interiors, fire systems or escape routes. DFES Goa circular
If Renewing a hotel, homestay or shack registration without a current fire NOC
Since 13 January 2026 the Tourism Department asks for it at renewal too. Goa Tourism order

Five myths about the fire licence in Goa

You may have read
Goa has a Fire and Emergency Services Act.
Myth
What the sources say
The law is still the Goa, Daman and Diu Fire Force Act, 1986, with the 1997 Rules and section 13 notifications. DFES Goa
You may have read
A Goa fire NOC must be renewed every year.
Myth
What the sources say
Not since 3 July 2025: it lasts 5 years, but the owner files a self-declaration every year. Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025
You may have read
A small restaurant in Goa needs no fire NOC.
Myth
What the sources say
Eateries of up to 20 seats are a DFES service of their own, issued by a Fire Officer in 10 days; up to 50 seats the fee is ₹150 a year. Goa Gazette 2022
You may have read
The panchayat or the Panaji corporation issues the fire licence.
Myth
What the sources say
DFES issues it; licensing authorities must check it before they issue or renew a trade licence. DFES Goa circular
You may have read
A beach shack only needs an extinguisher.
Myth
What the sources say
Annexure III sets the extinguishers, and since January 2026 a shack on private land also needs a valid DFES NOC to register with Tourism. Goa Tourism order

Goa fire NOC terms, from Form I to Annexure A

The 10 terms a Goa applicant meets on Goa Online and in the notifications.

Initial NOC: The plan-stage NOC, Goa Online service FES91, free of charge. Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Final NOC: The completion NOC, service FES92, issued after inspection and payment of the licence fee. Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
Form I: The Initial NOC application, checked against the approved plans and the fire plans. DFES Goa
Form U: The undertaking on ₹50 stamp paper to carry out the officer's recommendations. DFES Goa
Form F: The Final NOC application, with the as-installed details. DFES Goa
Form R: The renewal application, due one month before the NOC expires. DFES Goa
Annexure A: The yearly self-declaration on ₹100 stamp paper that fire systems are maintained. Government of Goa, Official Gazette Series II No. 14, 3 July 2025
Annexure III: The 2018 extinguisher rules for guest houses, temporary structures and shacks of up to 100 m². DFES Goa charter
Designated Officer: The DFES officer named for a service in the public-services schedule, from Station Fire Officer to Director. Goa Gazette 2022
Licensed Agency: A firm licensed by the DFES Director to install, audit and certify fire systems, filing a certificate every January and July. Goa Gazette 2025

Goa fire NOC online: Goa Online services and the DFES pages

Every Goa fire NOC is filed on Goa Online; the forms, manuals and notifications sit on the DFES site.

Initial NOC
Goa Online, service FES91
The plan-stage application, with Form I and the 7 documents; login with a captcha. Goa Online
goaonline.gov.in/Appln/Uil/DeptServices?__DocId=FES&__ServiceId=FES91
Final NOC and renewal
Goa Online home
Services FES92 (Final NOC), FES93 (renewal) and FES94 (fire or incident report). Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
goaonline.gov.in
Forms
DFES Ease of Doing Business page
Annexure A, the citizens' user manual, the flowchart, the inspection procedure and the TCP letter. Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
dfes.goa.gov.in/fire-prevention/ease-of-doing-business
Rules sheet
BRAP 2024 item 284 service information
The 36 categories, fees, 7 documents, 39 steps and the 49-point audit checklist. Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa
dfes.goa.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GA_BRAP-2024_284_Fire.pdf
Manual
E-service user manual for citizens
Screen by screen: owner, plot, block details, questionnaire, uploads. Goa Online manual
dfes.goa.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Ease%20of%20Doing%20Business/4230-ease-doing-business.pdf

What Flamekite could not confirm about fire NOC in Goa

Eight points no official Goa source we read settles, as of 24 October 2026.

Where the January and July agency certificate under notification 1653 (Annexure II(B)) is filed, and what follows if one is missed: no operative clause says.

How the ₹150-a-year eatery fee is charged under a 5-year NOC: once, or 5 times. The fee schedule still prices it per year.

Whether a renewal carries a fee. Neither the Rules nor the DFES BRAP sheet publishes one.

The exact low-risk and high-risk wording of the Goa Land Development and Building Construction (Amendment) Regulations, 2022, which the validity notification borrows; only the 2019 definition has been read.

Which lodging line applies: the DFES service list says up to 40 rooms, the 2022 gazette up to 25 and up to 15 rooms.

How long a licensed agency's licence lasts. The 2025 notification says 3 years in clause 2(c) and 1 year in clause 7(a).

Whether the public dashboard of third-party inspections promised by the 2025 notification exists. Flamekite found none online.

What the Arpora magisterial inquiry found about the club's fire NOC. Only press accounts of the report were found.

Questions about fire NOC in Goa

Is fire NOC mandatory in Goa?: Yes, for buildings over 15 m and for hotels, restaurants and bakeries, public places, schools, factories of 5 HP or more, godowns, hazardous stores and registered shops and establishments, under the section 13 notification of 17 December 2014. Small guest houses and shacks also follow the 2018 extinguisher rules.
Who issues the fire NOC in Panaji and Margao?: The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, not the corporation or the municipality. The officer depends on the service: a Station Fire Officer for small LPG users and village shops, up to the Director at St. Inez, Panaji, for buildings over 15 m and public places.
Does a restaurant in Goa need a fire NOC?: Yes. Restaurants, bakeries and eating houses are a listed class. Up to 50 seats the fee is ₹150 a year; above 50 it is ₹10 per m² of built-up area. Officers decide within 10 days: a Fire Officer up to 20 seats, an Assistant Divisional Officer up to 50, a Divisional Officer up to 100.
How long is a Goa fire NOC valid?: 5 years from the date of issue, for low-risk and high-risk buildings, under the Home Department notification of 23 June 2025, in force on 3 July 2025. The owner must file an Annexure A self-declaration on ₹100 stamp paper every year, and renewal needs a fresh inspection.
How much does a fire NOC cost in Goa?: The Initial NOC is free. At the Final NOC the licence fee is ₹10 per m² of built-up area for most premises, or a flat ₹150 for eateries up to 50 seats and small stores. A 6,000 m² tower pays ₹60,000.
Does a beach shack or homestay in Goa need a fire NOC?: Yes, for tourism registration. Since the Tourism order of 13 January 2026, a valid DFES NOC is needed to register or renew a homestay, hotel, or shack on private property. Shacks also keep 1 or 2 extinguishers under Annexure III.
How many days does DFES Goa take to issue a fire NOC?: 5, 10 or 15 days, by service, under the public-services schedule of 3 November 2022: 5 for small LPG users and shops, 10 for restaurants, lodging, shacks and 3 or 4-star hotels, 15 for buildings over 15 m, factories and public places.
What changed in Goa after the Arpora nightclub fire?: DFES issued guidelines on 10 December 2025 making trade licences valid only with current fire clearance and asking for quarterly drills; the Tourism Department made a fire NOC part of registration on 13 January 2026. Separately, a 2 December 2025 Ordinance turned the section 21 fine into a penalty of up to ₹10,000.

Keep reading

Fire NOC in India: the complete guideWho needs a fire NOC, how to apply, and the rules in every state.
Fire audit in GoaLicensed agencies, the January and July certificate, and the post-Arpora drives.
Fire NOC for homestaysGoa Tourism's TOU03 documents, the fire NOC or self-declaration, state by state.
Fire NOC checkerAnswer a few questions to see whether your Goa premises need a NOC.
Fire NOC renewal date toolWork out when a 5-year Goa NOC falls due, and its yearly Annexure A.
Fire NOC fees by stateGoa's free Initial NOC and ₹10 per m² beside every other state's rates.
Fire NOC validity by stateGoa's 5-year term against the rest of India.
Documents for a fire NOCGoa's 7-document checklist beside other states' lists.

Keep exploring

Fire NOC in other West Indian states

Also in Fire NOC

Sources

Each source was opened and read on the date shown. How Flamekite checks its sources

Show all 23 sourcesShow fewer

Goa fire NOC at a glance

Goa Initial NOC, Final NOC and renewal compared

How to get a fire NOC in Goa on Goa Online, step by step

Find your class and your service number

Apply before the construction licence

File the Initial NOC (FES91)

Answer the site inspection with Form U

Install through a licensed agency, then file Form F (FES92)

Pay the licence fee and download the Final NOC

Declare every year and renew at 5 years (FES93)