Catering Business Permit Requirements in Nashua, NH

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Nashua, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $500–$1,500 est. 4–8 weeks
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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

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New Hampshire

2 stops

  1. New Hampshire — No Sales Tax

    New Hampshire has no state sales tax and no local sales taxes. Businesses do not need a sales tax permit. However, businesses may be subject to the Business Profits Tax (BPT) and Business Enterprise Tax (BET). Register with the NH Department of Revenue Administration.

    Official government source

    Free (business tax registration)Immediate (online)

  2. New Hampshire Division of Public Health — Food Safety Manager Certification

    New Hampshire requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited provider.

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of Nashua / Hillsborough County

2 stops

  1. Hillsborough County / Nashua Catering / Food Service Establishment License

    Catering businesses operating out of Nashua must obtain a Food Service Establishment License from the local health department. This requires a licensed commercial kitchen (commissary) and an on-site inspection.

    Official government source

    $200–$500/year2–6 weeks

  2. City of Nashua City Clerk — Business License

    Nashua requires a Business License for regulated business types. Contact the City Clerk for requirements applicable to your business category. 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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,500 · 4–8 weeks

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Official Sources

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