Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.

$400 -- $1000 4–8 weeks 8 requirements

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

Minneapolis / Hennepin County Requirements

3 requirements
1

City of Minneapolis Business License

The City of Minneapolis Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI) requires a general business license for hair salons operating in Minneapolis. The license must be renewed annually and may require a facility inspection for new salon locations.

$50–$150/year1–2 weeks
Official government source
2

Certificate of Occupancy

Minneapolis requires a Certificate of Occupancy for new salon locations or when making significant improvements to a commercial space. The City of Minneapolis Department of Safety & Inspections reviews zoning compliance, building codes, and ADA accessibility requirements before issuing this certificate.

$150–$500 (depending on improvements)3–8 weeks
Official government source
3

Hennepin County Environmental Health Salon Inspection

Hennepin County Environmental Health inspects cosmetology establishments to ensure compliance with Minnesota sanitation standards. Salons must maintain proper ventilation, sanitation equipment, and comply with chemical storage requirements.

$75–$150 (inspection fee)2–4 weeks
Official government source

Minnesota State Requirements

4 requirements
1

Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners — Salon License

The Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners issues salon establishment licenses to all cosmetology businesses in Minnesota. The salon license is required in addition to individual cosmetologist licenses. Application includes proof of facility compliance with board standards.

$100–$200/year2–4 weeks
Official government source
2

Individual Cosmetologist Licenses

All cosmetologists, stylists, estheticians, and nail technicians working in Minnesota must hold individual licenses issued by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. Licenses require completion of accredited training programs and passing state licensing exams.

$50–$75/year per individual2–6 weeks
Official government source
3

Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration

All formal business entities operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. An LLC is the most common structure for salon owners and costs approximately $155 to file.

$155 (LLC filing fee)1–2 weeks
Official government source
4

Minnesota Department of Revenue Sales Tax License

Hair salon services in Minnesota are subject to sales tax. Salon owners must register for a sales tax license with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and collect the applicable state and local sales tax rates on taxable services.

Free1 week
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)
Official government source

Official Sources

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