Meta WhatsApp API Registration
Everything you need to know about documents, requirements, and setup for Meta WhatsApp Cloud API approval.
1. Business Registration Documents
Meta requires at least ONE valid business legitimacy certificate. Choose the one that matches your business type.
GST Certificate
Goods and Services Tax
What: Tax registration certificate
Get it: https://www.gst.gov.in
Valid: Permanent once active
Best for: Any business size
Udyam Registration
Modern MSME registration
What: Free, Aadhaar-based registration
Get it: https://udyamregistration.gov.in
Valid: Instant approval
Best for: Startups, sole proprietors
MSME Certificate
Micro, Small, Medium Enterprise
What: Government MSME status
Get it: Udyam portal
Valid: Permanent
Best for: Formal verification
MOA / Business Proof
For partnerships/companies
What: Memorandum of Association (ROC)
Get it: Registrar of Companies
Valid: Official certificate
Best for: Private Ltd / Partnership firms
Pro Tip: Have at least 2 documents ready (GST + Udyam). If one is rejected, you can quickly upload another.
2. Company Website
Meta requires an active, professional website showing your legitimate business.
Active HTTPS Website
Not HTTP (must be secure)
Business Name Visible
Header/logo area must show your company
Privacy Policy Page
Required by Indian law
Terms of Service Page
Clear usage policies
Contact Information
Email, phone, or contact form visible
Business Address
Must match your GST certificate
Common Rejection: Website address doesn't match GST business name. Make sure your domain is registered to your business.
3. Facebook Account & Meta Business Manager
You need a personal Facebook account to set up Meta Business Manager, which manages your WhatsApp API access.
Step 1: Personal Facebook Account
Account must be 30+ days old
Use your real name (not username)
Have a profile picture
No account restrictions or warnings
Why: Meta verifies your identity through this account.
Step 2: Meta Business Manager
Go to: https://business.facebook.com
Create account with your business name
Add business email address
Add business address (must match GST)
Verify email address
Why: This is where you manage all Meta apps and WhatsApp access.
Step 3: Create WhatsApp App
Create new app in Business Manager
Select "Business" category
Add privacy policy URL
Add data use description
Why: Meta reviews your app to ensure compliance.
4. WhatsApp Business Account & Phone Number
You need a dedicated business phone number that Meta can verify and monitor.
Phone Number Requirements
Active Mobile Number
Not landline, not VOIP
Dedicated to Business Only
Not currently on personal WhatsApp
Can Receive SMS/Calls
For Meta verification
NOT Toll-Free
Meta doesn't accept toll-free numbers
WhatsApp Business Account Setup
Option 1 (Recommended): OdoReach Embedded Signup
Option 2: Setup via Meta Business Manager directly
Account Details Needed:
Business name (must match GST)
Business category (Ecommerce, Services, etc.)
Website URL
Business address
Phone Verification
Meta will verify your phone via:
• SMS code sent to your number, OR
• Voice call to your number
Verify within 7 days or request gets rejected
Quality Rating
After setup, your phone number gets a quality rating:
GREEN (Good)
98%+ delivery success — Full messaging access
YELLOW (Medium)
95-98% delivery — Some limitations may apply
RED (Low)
<95% delivery — Number may be disabled
How to maintain GREEN: Send only relevant messages to real customers, don't spam, respond to customer complaints quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my personal phone number?
No. Meta requires a dedicated business phone number not connected to personal WhatsApp. If you try using a personal number, your account will be disabled.
How long does Meta approval take?
Usually 24-48 hours. Some cases take up to 7 days if they need additional verification.
What if I don't have GST?
Use Udyam registration or MSME certificate instead. Meta requires at least one business legitimacy document.
Do I need a website?
Yes. Meta requires an active HTTPS website with privacy policy and contact info. It's part of their legitimacy verification.
What if my quality rating drops to RED?
Your phone will be temporarily disabled. Improve by: stopping spam, waiting 7 days for rating recalculation, or requesting manual review.
Can I manage multiple accounts?
Yes. Via Meta Business Manager, you can add multiple WhatsApp numbers and assign team members with different access levels.
Ready to Get Started?
OdoReach handles Meta API setup for you. Connect your WhatsApp Business Account in under 15 minutes.
Start WhatsApp Setup →Last updated: March 2026
Questions? Contact support