Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, Virginia.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $400–$1,400 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 Virginia

2 stops

  1. Virginia Massage Therapy License (DPOR)

    Virginia requires massage therapists to be certified/licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing, which oversees massage therapy. Requirements include 500 hours of approved education from an accredited school, passing the MBLEx exam, and a background check. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

    Official government source

    $130 (application fee) + $100–$200 (MBLEx exam fee)4–8 weeks

  2. Virginia Business Entity Registration (SCC)

    LLCs and corporations must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). Sole proprietors using a trade name must register with the local circuit court clerk.

    Official government source

    $100 (LLC) or $25–$50 (trade name)1–3 weeks

City of Virginia Beach / Virginia Beach City

2 stops

  1. Virginia Beach Business License

    Virginia Beach requires all businesses to obtain a Business License from the Commissioner of the Revenue. Massage establishments must comply with local zoning requirements for personal services. The license is based on gross receipts and is renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $30–$200/year (based on gross receipts)1–2 weeks

  2. Virginia Beach Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial location in Virginia Beach. Massage establishments are classified under personal services and must be in appropriately zoned commercial areas (B-1, B-2, or similar). Apply through the Department of Planning and Community Development.

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,400 · 5–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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