Massage Therapy Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy in New Orleans, Orleans County, Louisiana.

$200 -- $700 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses 5 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

New Orleans / Orleans County Requirements

2 requirements
1

City of New Orleans Bureau of Revenue / Department of Safety and Permits — Business License

New Orleans requires a City Business License (Annual Business Tax) and a Certificate of Occupancy for all businesses. The Bureau of Revenue handles business taxes; the Department of Safety and Permits handles occupancy and zoning. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
Official government source
2

Zoning / Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial space used as a massage therapy practice. Confirm with City of New Orleans Bureau of Revenue / Department of Safety and Permits that the location is properly zoned for personal service businesses.

$50–$2001–4 weeks
Official government source

Louisiana State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy — Massage Therapist License

Massage therapists in Louisiana must be licensed by the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy. Requires 500 hours of massage therapy education and passing the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam.

$100 (initial)4–8 weeks
Official government source
2

Louisiana Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Louisiana. Louisiana's state sales tax rate is 4.45%. Louisiana has a complex tax structure with local parish sales taxes that can bring the total rate to 8–12%. Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and separately with each applicable parish.

Free1–5 business days (online)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

Related Guides