Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.

$400 -- $1400 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits 5 requirements

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

Detroit / Wayne County Requirements

2 requirements
1

City of Detroit Business License

Detroit requires all businesses to obtain a business license from the Detroit Business License Center. Massage establishments must also comply with Detroit's massage establishment ordinance and undergo a premises inspection. All therapists must hold Michigan state licenses.

$150–$400/year3–6 weeks
Official government source
2

Wayne County DBA (Assumed Name Filing)

Required if operating under a business name other than your legal name. Filed with the Wayne County Clerk.

$10–$25Same day to 1 week
Official government source

Michigan State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Michigan Massage Therapist License (LARA)

Michigan requires massage therapists to be licensed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Requirements include 500 hours of education from an approved program, passing the MBLEx exam, and a background check. Licenses expire every three years on the therapist's birth month.

$75 (application fee) + $100–$200 (MBLEx exam fee)4–8 weeks
Official government source
2

Michigan Business Registration

LLCs and corporations must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Corporations Division. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a DBA certificate.

$50 (LLC) or $10–$25 (DBA)1–3 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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