Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Newark, NJ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey.

Verified 2026-08-31 5 stops $300–$900 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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 Jersey

2 stops

  1. New Jersey Manicurist (Nail Technician) License — per technician

    Each nail technician must hold a New Jersey manicurist license from the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs). Applicants must be at least 17 years old, provide proof of high school completion or its equivalent, complete a 300-hour manicuring course at a Board-approved school, and pass the examination administered by the Board.

    Official government source

    $140 in the first year of the biennial licensing cycle ($50 nonrefundable application filing fee plus a $90 license fee) or $95 in the second year ($50 plus $45), by check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey4–8 weeks

  2. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate to 3 business days (online)

City of Newark / Essex County

2 stops

  1. New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Salon License

    Nail salons in New Jersey must obtain a shop license from the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs) under N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.1. The application must be notarized and submitted with a certified check or money order (no cash or personal checks), and requires a final Certificate of Occupancy and zoning certificate from the municipality, the lease or deed, and entity/trade-name documentation. An inspection is required before the license is issued.

    Official government source

    $250 (odd year of the biennial licensure period) or $350 (even year), nonrefundable application filing fee4–8 weeks after application and inspection

  2. City of Newark Business License (category-specific)

    The City of Newark licenses businesses by specific enumerated category (e.g., Restaurant/Eatery, Bakery, Retail, Public Garage, Dog Kennels, Food Caterer, Dry Cleaners, etc.) through its online Business License Portal, rather than issuing one universal registration certificate to every business type. Check the City's license list for your specific business type -- some service businesses (e.g., personal training, tutoring, insurance/real estate sales, cleaning, handyman, massage therapy, landscaping, HVAC/electrical/plumbing contracting, photography, pet sitting) may not appear on Newark's enumerated license list at all. Where a license does apply, it must be displayed at the place of business and renewed per the category's terms.

    Official government source

    Varies by license category; fees are listed per-category on Newark's Business License Portal1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$900 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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