Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

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)

1. Virginia Massage Therapist License (Board of Nursing, DHP)

   Virginia massage therapists must be licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing under the Department of Health Professions, which regulates massage therapy. Requirements include 500 hours of approved education from an accredited school, passing the MBLEx exam, and a criminal background check. Licenses renew every two years.

   Official government source

   $140 application/initial licensure fee (18VAC90-50-30), plus the MBLEx exam fee set by the FSMTB·4–8 weeks

   $140 application/initial licensure fee (18VAC90-50-30), plus the MBLEx exam fee set by the FSMTB

   4–8 weeks

2. Virginia Business Entity Registration (SCC)

   LLCs and corporations must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). Sole proprietors and general partnerships using a trade name must file a Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name with the SCC Clerk's Office (not the local circuit court) for a $10 fee.

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC) or $10 (trade name/assumed name certificate, SCC)·1–3 weeks

   $100 (LLC) or $10 (trade name/assumed name certificate, SCC)

   1–3 weeks

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

   $25/year (gross receipts ≤$25,000), $40/year (≤$100,000), $50/year (≤$200,000) — flat tiered fee; above $200,000, taxed at $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (General Services rate; Contracting is $0.16/$100, Retail Merchant $0.20/$100, Professional/financial/real estate $0.58/$100).·1–2 weeks

   $25/year (gross receipts ≤$25,000), $40/year (≤$100,000), $50/year (≤$200,000) — flat tiered fee; above $200,000, taxed at $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (General Services rate; Contracting is $0.16/$100, Retail Merchant $0.20/$100, Professional/financial/real estate $0.58/$100).

   1–2 weeks

2. Virginia Beach Certificate of Occupancy

   A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial location in Virginia Beach, issued by the Permits & Inspections Division of the Planning Department after zoning and building-code compliance are verified. Massage establishments are classified under personal services and must be in appropriately zoned commercial areas (B-1, B-2, or similar). Fees depend on the scope of the build-out.

   Official government source

   Varies by project scope — contact Virginia Beach Permits & Inspections (757-385-4211) for the current fee·Allow several weeks; online plan review runs 15–45 business days before the CO is issued

   Varies by project scope — contact Virginia Beach Permits & Inspections (757-385-4211) for the current fee

   Allow several weeks; online plan review runs 15–45 business days before the CO is issued

Official Sources

• Virginia DPOR — Massage Therapy
• Virginia Beach — Business License
• Virginia SCC — Business Registration

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