WhatsApp Business API Registration and Setup Requirements

Emma Jones
Last updated 25 September 2025

WhatsApp Business API

WhatsApp Business API Registration and Setup Requirements

1. Core Eligibility & Compliance

To use the WhatsApp Business API, your business must be legitimate and adhere strictly to Meta's policies.

• Permitted Businesses: Most legitimate business sectors are eligible.
• Prohibited Categories: You cannot operate in sectors such as adult content, alcohol and tobacco, gambling, weapons, or certain pharmaceuticals.
• Mandatory Policies: Compliance with the following is non-negotiable:
  • WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy   https://business.whatsapp.com/policy 
  • Meta Commerce Policy     https://www.facebook.com/policies_center/commerce 
• Consequences: Non-compliance can lead to account suspension or a permanent ban.

2. Essential Prerequisites

Before starting the verification process, ensure you have the following assets ready.

• Meta Business Manager: An active and configured account is the foundation for managing your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).
• Dedicated Phone Number:
  • Must be a new number not currently registered on any version of WhatsApp (Personal or Business App).
  • It must be able to receive an OTP (One-Time Password) via SMS or a voice call for verification.
• Business Website:
  •  A live, professional website is required.
  • It should clearly state your legal business name (often in the footer), contact information, and describe your services.
• Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card is needed to pay for conversation-based messaging fees charged by Meta. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

3. Business Verification & Required Documents

Meta must verify that your business is a legitimate legal entity. This is the most critical step.

• Core Principle: The legal business name, address, and phone number on your documents must exactly match the information you provide in your Meta Business Manager.
• General Documents: You must provide one valid business document based on your country of registration. The document must clearly show the legal business name, registered address, phone number, and email ID. You will typically need to provide at least two types of official documents to meet these requirements. Common examples include:
  • Proof of Legal Name: Certificate of Incorporation (COI), Business License, Tax/VAT/GST Registration Certificate.
  • Proof of Address/Phone: Utility bills, bank statements, or government-issued licenses that show both the business's legal name and its physical address or phone number.
• Country-Specific Examples:
  • India: Certificate of Incorporation, GST Certificate, PAN Card, Udyog Aadhar.
  • United States: Articles of Incorporation, Employer Identification Number (EIN) confirmation letter (IRS forms SS-4 or 147c).
  • United Kingdom: Certificate of Incorporation, HMRC VAT Certificate, Companies House documents.
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): Commercial License, VAT Registration Certificate.
  • Note: All submitted documents must be clear, valid, and unaltered. Self-filled forms or invoices are not accepted.
• Verification Process, Timeline & Status:
  • You must complete Meta's Business Verification process within the Business Manager.
  • Timeline: The review can take from 24 hours to 15 working days, depending entirely on Meta's internal process.
  • Possible Outcomes:
    • Approved: Your business is verified and you can proceed.
    • Request for more information: Additional documents or clarifications are needed.
    • Rejected: Documents were invalid, incomplete, or did not match your business details.
  • Tips for Faster Approval:
    • Use official, government-issued documents.
    • Ensure your domain and website match your brand identity.
    • Keep your Facebook Page and Business Manager details consistent.
  • Account Status Issues:
    • If your account gets disabled, the resolution is at Meta’s sole discretion.
    • If the main business portfolio is restricted, a separate account will be required to continue operations.

4. OTPs and Verifications

Several steps in the setup process require OTP verification to confirm access and ownership.

• Meta Account Setup:
  • Purpose: To verify access to your Meta account.
  • OTP Sent To: The email or mobile number used during sign-up.
• Business Document Validation:
  • Purpose: May be required to validate official documents.
  • OTP Sent To: The mobile number or email linked with your GST/MSME/Tax ID/License.
• Email Verification:
  • Purpose: To verify ownership of your business domain.
  • OTP Sent To: Your business domain email address.
• WhatsApp Number Registration:
  • Purpose: To verify ownership of the phone number for the API.
  • OTP Sent To: The dedicated phone number via SMS or a voice call.

5. Account & Profile Setup

Once verified, you will configure how your business appears to customers.

• Display Name:
  • This is the name users see in WhatsApp.
  • It must clearly relate to your brand and be consistent with your website and documents.
  • Generic names (e.g., "Customer Support") are not allowed.
  • All display names are reviewed and must be approved by Meta.
• "Green Tick" / Official Business Account (OBA):
  • This is an optional status that adds a green checkmark next to your display name, indicating authenticity.
  • It is reserved for notable, well-known brands.
  • To apply, you typically need to provide evidence of public recognition, such as links to at least 5 recent articles about your business in credible news publications.

6. Technical Setup & Messaging

This section covers the basic technical requirements and pricing structure.

• API Variant (Cloud API): The most common choice is the Cloud API, which is hosted by Meta. It has no setup fee and is suitable for high-volume messaging.
• Meta Developer Account: You will need to create a developer app within the Meta portal to configure the WhatsApp product.
• Webhooks: A webhook server is required to receive incoming messages and status notifications in real-time.
• Messaging Limits, Categories, and Charges:
  • Initial Limit: Your account starts with an initial messaging limit of 250-1,000 messages per 24 hours. This is scalable with a good account reputation.
  • Conversation Categories & Pricing: Meta charges per 24-hour conversation window, and prices vary by country and message category. A user opt-in is required to initiate messages in certain categories.
    • Marketing: Promotional messages (offers, discounts).
    • Utility: Informational messages (order confirmations, reminders).
    • Authentication: Verification messages (OTPs, login verification).
  • Meta Charges – Official Rates : https://business.whatsapp.com/products/platform-pricing 

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