Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   New York State requires massage therapists to be licensed by the NYS Education Department, Office of the Professions. Requirements: graduate from a NYSED-approved massage therapy program of at least 1,000 hours (one of the highest requirements in the nation) and pass the New York State Massage Therapy Examination (New York does not use the MBLEx). The license registration renews every three years.

   Official government source

   $108 (licensure and first registration); optional limited permit $35·4–8 weeks after completing the 1,000-hour program

   $108 (licensure and first registration); optional limited permit $35

   4–8 weeks after completing the 1,000-hour program

1. No NYC massage establishment license; NYS-licensed massage therapists required

   New York City does not issue a massage establishment license. Every massage therapist must hold a New York State massage therapy license from the NYS Education Department (Office of the Professions); practicing without one is a crime. Depending on zoning district and the service mix, certain spa-type facilities may require a Physical Culture Establishment special permit under the NYC Zoning Resolution — verify with the Department of City Planning/Board of Standards and Appeals for the specific location.

   Official government source

   $0 city license (none exists); NYS massage therapist licensure fees apply at the state level·6–12 weeks

   $0 city license (none exists); NYS massage therapist licensure fees apply at the state level

   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

   $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

   Varies — DOB filing fees if a CO amendment is needed; verify with the Department of Buildings·2–8 weeks

   Varies — DOB filing fees if a CO amendment is needed; verify with the Department of Buildings

   2–8 weeks

Official Sources

• NY State Education Department — Licensed Massage Therapist
• NYC DCWP — Massage Establishment License
• NYC Department of Buildings

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