Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $400–$1,500 est. 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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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 Georgia

2 stops

  1. Georgia Massage Therapy License (GRMA)

    All massage therapists practicing in Georgia must be licensed by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy (part of Georgia Secretary of State). Requirements include 500 hours of approved massage education from an accredited school and passing the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

    Official government source

    $75 (application fee) + $100–$200 (exam fee)4–8 weeks after completing education and exam

  2. Georgia Massage Therapy Establishment Permit

    Georgia does not have a separate state-level massage establishment license, but all therapists working at the establishment must hold individual GRMA licenses. The establishment must maintain records of all employed therapists and their license numbers.

    Official government source

    No separate feeN/A (covered by individual therapist licenses)

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

3 stops

  1. City of Atlanta Business License (Occupation Tax Certificate)

    All businesses operating within Atlanta city limits must obtain an Occupation Tax Certificate (business license) from the City of Atlanta Department of Finance. For massage establishments, the application requires proof of state licensure. Renewals are due annually by February 15.

    Official government source

    $75–$400/year (based on gross receipts)2–4 weeks

  2. City of Atlanta Massage Business Permit

    Atlanta requires massage establishments to obtain a specific massage business permit under the city's massage-establishment ordinance (Atlanta Code of Ordinances Chapter 30, Article XVI). The permit requires submission of GRMA license copies for all therapists, a premises inspection, and background checks for owners. Establishments must comply with signage, lighting, and operational requirements.

    Official government source

    $200–$500/year3–6 weeks

  3. Fulton County Business Registration

    If operating in unincorporated Fulton County, a county business license is required. Businesses within Atlanta city limits pay only city taxes but may need to register with the county for certain purposes.

    Official government source

    $50–$150/year1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,500 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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