Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $350–$1,200 est. 5–12 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

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 application)

State of Tennessee

2 stops

  1. Tennessee Massage License (TDCI)

    Tennessee requires massage therapists to be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI), specifically the Board of Massage Licensure. Requirements include 500 hours of approved education, passing the MBLEx exam, and a background check. Licenses are renewable every two years.

    Official government source

    $100 (application fee) + $100–$200 (MBLEx exam fee)4–8 weeks

  2. Tennessee Business Tax Registration

    Businesses in Tennessee with gross receipts over $3,000/year must pay state and local business taxes. Register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Massage services are generally taxable in Tennessee.

    Official government source

    Free to register; tax based on gross receiptsImmediate (online)

City of Nashville / Davidson County

2 stops

  1. Metro Nashville Business License

    All businesses operating in Nashville-Davidson County must obtain a Metro Business License through the Metro Codes Department. For massage establishments, this includes proof of state licensing for all therapists. The metro combined city-county government issues one license covering both jurisdictions.

    Official government source

    $15–$100/year (based on gross receipts)1–2 weeks

  2. Nashville Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy is required for commercial locations. Ensure the space is zoned for personal service business use (CS or CA zoning typically). Contact Metro Codes and Building Safety.

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $350–$1,200 · 5–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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