Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in New York City, New York County, New York.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $800–$2,500 est. 8–16 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

1 stop

  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)

State of New York

1 stop

  1. New York State Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) License

    New York State requires massage therapists to be licensed as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) by the Office of the Professions, New York State Education Department. Requirements include 1,000 hours of approved education (one of the highest in the nation), passing the MBLEx exam, and a background check. Licenses are renewable every three years.

    Official government source

    $75 (application fee) + $100–$200 (MBLEx exam fee)4–8 weeks after completing the 1,000-hour program

City of New York City / New York County

3 stops

  1. NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection — Massage Establishment License

    New York City requires all massage establishments (defined as any place where massage is practiced for compensation) to obtain a Massage Establishment License from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). All massage therapists must hold a valid New York State license. The application requires background checks for owners, premises inspection, and proof of worker's compensation insurance. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

    Official government source

    $400–$600 (biennial license fee)6–12 weeks

  2. NYC Business Certificate (DBA)

    If operating under a trade name, file a Business Certificate (DBA) with the county clerk in the borough where your business is located. For Manhattan businesses, file with the New York County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $100 (Manhattan/New York County)Same day to 1 week

  3. NYC Certificate of Occupancy

    Commercial locations in NYC must have a valid Certificate of Occupancy consistent with the use (personal services / assembly). Contact the NYC Department of Buildings.

    Official government source

    $100–$500 (if modification needed)2–8 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $800–$2,500 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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