Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

$400 -- $1400 5–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits 5 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Portland / Multnomah County Requirements

3 requirements
1

City of Portland Business License

Portland requires all businesses to obtain a Business License through the City's Revenue Division. Annual renewal is required. The license fee is based on gross receipts.

$100–$300/year (based on gross receipts)1–2 weeks (online application)
Official government source
2

Multnomah County Business Income Tax Registration

Businesses operating in Multnomah County must register for the Combined Tax Registration (city and county). This covers both Portland Business License Tax and Multnomah County Business Income Tax.

Combined with city license registration; tax rates apply to net income1–2 weeks
Official government source
3

Portland Zoning / Certificate of Occupancy

Commercial locations must have a Certificate of Occupancy for personal service use. Portland's Bureau of Development Services (BDS) handles zoning compliance. Massage establishments are generally permitted in commercial (CM, CS, CX) zones.

$100–$4002–4 weeks
Official government source

Oregon State Requirements

1 requirement
1

Oregon Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) License

Oregon requires massage therapists to be licensed by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists. Requirements include 500 hours of approved education, passing the MBLEx exam, and a background check. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

$75 (application fee) + $100–$200 (MBLEx exam fee)4–8 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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