Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

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

Updated 2026-02-15 8 stops $500–$1,700 est. 5–10 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

2 stops

  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)

  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

State of Minnesota

3 stops

  1. Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners — Cosmetology Salon License

    All nail salons in Minnesota must be licensed by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. The salon establishment license requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 155A and Minnesota Rules Chapter 2105. The salon must meet ventilation, sanitation, equipment, and facility standards.

    Official government source

    $75 application fee3–6 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 Minnesota Nail Technician License issued by the Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. This requires completing an approved 350-hour nail technology program, passing a written exam.

    Official government source

    $40 application fee per technician3–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exam)

  3. Minnesota Sales Tax Permit

    Required for selling retail products in your salon. Register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The Minnesota state sales tax rate is 6.875%, with Minneapolis adding local taxes for a combined rate of approximately 8.025%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Minneapolis / Hennepin County

3 stops

  1. City of Minneapolis — Business License

    Nail salons in Minneapolis require a Business License from the City of Minneapolis Licensing & Consumer Services department. Nail salons are licensed as Body Art Establishments or under the personal services category. Contact at 612-673-2080.

    Official government source

    $200–$500/year2–4 weeks

  2. City of Minneapolis — Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy from Minneapolis Community Development is required before opening a nail salon. The CO confirms the space is approved for personal services use and meets fire and building codes.

    Official government source

    $100–$500 (varies by scope of work)2–5 weeks

  3. Minneapolis Environmental Health — Health Establishment Permit

    Nail salons may require a health establishment permit from Minneapolis Environmental Health to verify ventilation, sanitation, and chemical handling compliance. Contact Environmental Health at 612-673-2080.

    Official government source

    $150–$350/year2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,700 · 5–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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