Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Updated 2026-03-13 8 stops $600–$1,500 est. 6-12 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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Pennsylvania

3 stops

  1. PA Cosmetology Shop License

    Required from the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs (BPOA). All cosmetology establishments in Pennsylvania must hold a shop license in addition to individual practitioner licenses. Covers the physical salon location.

    Official government source

    $50-$100/year4-8 weeks

  2. Individual Cosmetologist License

    Each cosmetologist, barber, or esthetician working in the salon must hold a valid Pennsylvania individual license issued by the PA State Board of Cosmetology under BPOA. Requires completion of approved training hours and passing state board exams.

    Official government source

    $50-$100/per stylist/year4-8 weeks

  3. PA Sales Tax License

    Required by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue if the salon sells retail products (shampoo, conditioner, styling products). Services themselves are generally not subject to PA sales tax, but retail sales are.

    Official government source

    Free1-2 weeks

City of Philadelphia / Philadelphia County

4 stops

  1. Commercial Activity License

    Issued by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I), this is the foundational business license required for operating a hair salon in Philadelphia. All commercial operations must hold this license.

    Official government source

    $300/year1-2 weeks

  2. Zoning Permit

    Required from Philadelphia L&I to confirm that your salon location is properly zoned for commercial salon use. The zoning review ensures the property is compliant with the Philadelphia Zoning Code before the business can legally operate.

    Official government source

    $100-$3002-4 weeks

  3. Certificate of Occupancy

    Issued by Philadelphia L&I after inspection of the physical premises. Required for any new business occupying a commercial space or when significant renovations are made. Confirms the space meets safety and building code standards.

    Official government source

    $100-$500 (varies by square footage)2-6 weeks

  4. Philadelphia Health Department Salon Inspection

    Philadelphia Department of Public Health conducts sanitation inspections of cosmetology establishments to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, including proper sterilization of tools and sanitary conditions.

    Official government source

    Included in license fees1-3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,500 · 6-12 weeks

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Official Sources

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