Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

   Nail salons handle hazardous chemicals. OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets, employee training, and adequate ventilation (29 CFR 1910.1200).

   Official government source

   Free (compliance requirement)·Implement before opening

   Free (compliance requirement)

   Implement before opening

1. Georgia State Board of Cosmetology — Cosmetology Salon License

   All nail salons in Georgia must be licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, part of the Georgia Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division. The salon/shop establishment license is governed by Georgia Administrative Code Rule 240-12: the owner must submit a complete application on the board's form with the required processing fee, complete board-approved health, safety and sanitation coursework, obtain licensure before opening, and display the license within 15 feet of the entrance. (The previously cited "Rule 50-7" is the architects' board chapter and does not apply.)

   Official government source

   The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers does not publish a fee schedule on its website; the application fee is shown in the GOALS licensing portal at the time of application - confirm the current amount before applying.·3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers does not publish a fee schedule on its website; the application fee is shown in the GOALS licensing portal at the time of application - confirm the current amount before applying.

   3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

2. Individual Nail Technician License (per employee)

   Every nail technician working in the salon must hold a valid Georgia Nail Care License issued by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. This requires 525 hours of education at an accredited school, passing a written and practical exam administered by PSI Exams.

   Official government source

   The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers does not publish a fee schedule on its website; the application fee is shown in the GOALS licensing portal at the time of application - confirm the current amount before applying.·4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers does not publish a fee schedule on its website; the application fee is shown in the GOALS licensing portal at the time of application - confirm the current amount before applying.

   4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

3. Georgia Sales Tax Registration

   Required for selling retail products (nail polish, nail care kits, etc.) in your salon. Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue. The Georgia state sales tax rate is 4%; combined with Fulton County and City of Atlanta local option taxes, the total rate in Atlanta is 8.9%.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   All businesses operating within Atlanta city limits must obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate from the City of Atlanta Department of Finance. This is renewed annually and is required before opening. Apply through the Atlanta Business Portal or in person at City Hall.

   Official government source

   For tax year 2026: $191 annual registration fee + $50 flat tax + $25 per employee (first employee exempt) + a gross-receipts tax of (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 x the NAICS tax-class rate. The registration fee was $75 for tax year 2025 and prior. Source: Atlanta Municipal Code Sec. 30-62 / Office of Revenue fee page.·1–3 weeks

   For tax year 2026: $191 annual registration fee + $50 flat tax + $25 per employee (first employee exempt) + a gross-receipts tax of (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 x the NAICS tax-class rate. The registration fee was $75 for tax year 2025 and prior. Source: Atlanta Municipal Code Sec. 30-62 / Office of Revenue fee page.

   1–3 weeks

2. City of Atlanta / Fulton County — Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy

   If you are building out or renovating a new nail salon space, a building permit from the City of Atlanta Office of Buildings is required. Upon completion, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued confirming the space complies with zoning and building codes for personal services use.

   Official government source

   $150–$600 (varies by scope of work)·2–6 weeks

   $150–$600 (varies by scope of work)

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
• City of Atlanta — Business Tax Division
• City of Atlanta — Office of Buildings
• Georgia Department of Revenue — Tax Registration

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