Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

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)

2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

   Nail salons handle hazardous chemicals. OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets, employee training, and adequate ventilation (29 CFR 1910.1200).

   Official government source

   Free (compliance requirement)·Implement before opening

   Free (compliance requirement)

   Implement before opening

1. Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology — Cosmetology Salon License

   All nail salons in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology (within the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, PA Department of State). The cosmetology salon license requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with the Pennsylvania Cosmetology Law (63 P.S. §507 et seq.) and 49 Pa. Code Chapter 7. The salon must meet sanitation, equipment, ventilation, and facility standards.

   Official government source

   $142 application fee (effective July 1, 2024; biennial renewal $144)·4–8 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   $142 application fee (effective July 1, 2024; biennial renewal $144)

   4–8 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

2. Individual Nail Technician License (per employee)

   Every nail technician working in the salon must hold a valid Pennsylvania Nail Technician License issued by the State Board of Cosmetology. This requires completing an approved 200-hour nail technology program, then passing written and practical exams.

   Official government source

   $119 total per technician ($26 application fee + $93 exam fee)·3-6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   $119 total per technician ($26 application fee + $93 exam fee)

   3-6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

3. Pennsylvania Sales Tax License

   Required for selling retail products in your salon. Register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. The Pennsylvania state sales tax rate is 6%, with Philadelphia adding 2% for a total of 8% in Philadelphia.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. City of Philadelphia — Commercial Activity License

   All businesses operating in Philadelphia must obtain a Commercial Activity License from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I). This is the primary business operating permit for nail salons. There is no fee for the license and it does not need to be renewed. Apply through the Philadelphia Business Services portal or eCLIPSE portal.

   Official government source

   Free (no fee; license does not need renewal)·1–3 weeks

   Free (no fee; license does not need renewal)

   1–3 weeks

2. Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections - Zoning/Use Permit & Certificate of Occupancy

   A zoning/use registration permit from Philadelphia L&I confirms the space is approved for personal-services use; if the project involves new construction or a change of use or occupancy, a Certificate of Occupancy is also required. Contact L&I at 311 or (215) 686-8686.

   Official government source

   $189 per use for the zoning/use permit; a Certificate of Occupancy, where required, is $260.50 per space ($253 permit fee, which the $100 non-refundable filing fee is applied toward, plus $7.50 in city and state surcharges)·Applications that include plans are reviewed within about 20 business days

   $189 per use for the zoning/use permit; a Certificate of Occupancy, where required, is $260.50 per space ($253 permit fee, which the $100 non-refundable filing fee is applied toward, plus $7.50 in city and state surcharges)

   Applications that include plans are reviewed within about 20 business days

3. Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology — Nail Salon License & Inspection

   Nail salons in Philadelphia must be licensed and inspected by the PA State Board of Cosmetology (PA Department of State) — a salon may not open until it passes this state sanitation/chemical-handling inspection. There is no separate 'health establishment permit' issued by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health for nail salons.

   Official government source

   Included in state salon license fee·2-4 weeks

   Included in state salon license fee

   2-4 weeks

Official Sources

• Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
• City of Philadelphia — Business Licenses and Permits
• Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — Sales Tax

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