Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

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

Updated 2026-02-15 8 stops $600–$1,900 est. 5–10 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

2 stops

  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)

  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

State of Pennsylvania

3 stops

  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

    $50 application fee4–8 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, passing a written and practical exam.

    Official government source

    $35 application fee per technician3–6 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

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Philadelphia / Philadelphia County

3 stops

  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. Apply through the Philadelphia Business Services portal or eClipse portal at phl.eklaraworks.com.

    Official government source

    $300 (biennial — every 2 years)1–3 weeks

  2. Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections — Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy (Use Registration Permit) from Philadelphia L&I is required to confirm the space is properly zoned for personal services use. Contact L&I at 215-686-2400.

    Official government source

    $200–$600 (varies by scope of work)2–6 weeks

  3. Philadelphia Health Department — Health Establishment Permit

    Nail salons in Philadelphia may require a health permit from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health for sanitation and chemical handling compliance.

    Official government source

    $100–$300/year2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,900 · 5–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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