Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Providence, RI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island.

Verified 2026-09-06 5 stops $300–$900 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Rhode Island

2 stops

  1. Rhode Island Department of Health - Manicurist License (per technician)

    Each nail technician must hold a Rhode Island Manicurist license issued by the RI Department of Health through the Board of Barbering and Hairdressing. R.I. Gen. Laws 5-10-9(3) requires a course of not less than 300 hours of professional manicuring training at an approved school, plus passing written and practical state board examinations. The shop itself needs a separate Manicuring Shop license.

    Official government source

    $25 for application by examination, $25 for application by verification/endorsement, $25 for reexamination and $25 at renewal, per RIDOH fee regulation 216-RICR-10-05-2. A 90-day temporary permit is also $25.Not published by RIDOH; the license issues after the written and practical examinations are passed.

  2. Rhode Island Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Rhode Island. Rhode Island charges a 7% state sales tax with no local sales taxes. Register with the RI Division of Taxation online via the RI Tax Portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Providence / Providence County

2 stops

  1. Rhode Island Department of Health - Manicuring Shop License

    Nail salons in Rhode Island are licensed by the RI Department of Health through the Board of Hairdressing and Barbering. The establishment needs a Manicuring Shop license and each technician needs an individual Manicurist license. An inspection is required before the shop license is issued; annual renewal applies.

    Official government source

    $170 for the Manicuring Shop license (same amount at annual renewal); $25 for each individual Manicurist license, per RIDOH's fee schedule (216-RICR-10-05-2).Not published by RIDOH; the shop inspection must be completed before the license issues.

  2. No Providence General Business License

    Providence does not require a general business license or a fee based on gross revenue. The city's Board of Licenses issues licenses only for specific regulated activities - liquor, entertainment, food establishment, body works, second-hand dealer and second-hand auto, motor vehicle repair, vendor, private detective, pawnbroker, valet, trash hauling and similar. Photography, tutoring and wedding planning are not licensed categories. Check the Board's online licensing portal to see whether your specific activity appears on the list.

    Official government source

    Not applicable - no general Providence business license exists. Fees for the specific regulated categories are set per license type in the Board of Licenses portal.Not applicable; applications for the specific licenses are scheduled for a hearing before the Board of License Commissioners.

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$900 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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