Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $400–$1,400 est. 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Arizona

2 stops

  1. Arizona Massage Therapist License (AZMT)

    Arizona requires massage therapists to be licensed by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. Requirements include 500 hours of approved education from a licensed school, passing the MBLEx exam, and a background check. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

    Official government source

    $100 (application fee) + $100–$200 (MBLEx exam fee)4–8 weeks

  2. Arizona Massage Establishment Registration

    Arizona requires massage therapy establishments to register with the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. The establishment must maintain records of all licensed therapists and comply with facility requirements. Registration is renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $100–$150/year2–4 weeks

City of Phoenix / Maricopa County

2 stops

  1. City of Phoenix Transaction Privilege Tax License

    Phoenix requires all businesses to obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue. Massage services are generally exempt from TPT, but retail product sales are taxable. Also register with the City of Phoenix for a city TPT license.

    Official government source

    $12–$50 (state + city combined)1–2 weeks (online)

  2. Phoenix Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy is required for commercial locations. Massage establishments fall under personal services use. Ensure proper zoning (C-1, C-2, or similar commercial zones). Contact the Phoenix Development Services Department.

    Official government source

    $100–$4002–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,400 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides