Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, Virginia.

Updated 2026-02-15 7 stops $350–$1,300 est. 4–8 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 Virginia

3 stops

  1. Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — Cosmetology Salon License

    All nail salons in Virginia must be licensed by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation — DPOR). The salon establishment license requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with Virginia Code Title 54.1 and 18 VAC 41. The salon must meet sanitation, equipment, ventilation, and facility standards.

    Official government source

    $70 application fee3–6 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 Virginia Nail Technician License issued by DPOR. This requires completing an approved 150-hour nail technician program, passing a written and practical exam administered by PSI Exams.

    Official government source

    $50 application fee per technician3–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

  3. Virginia Sales Tax Registration

    Required for selling retail products in your salon. Register with the Virginia Department of Taxation. The Virginia state sales tax rate is 5.3%, with Virginia Beach adding 1% for a combined rate of 6% in Virginia Beach. (No additional local tax is added in most cases.)

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Virginia Beach / Virginia Beach City

2 stops

  1. City of Virginia Beach — Business License

    All businesses operating in Virginia Beach must obtain a Business License (BPOL — Business, Professional and Occupational License) from the Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue. Nail salons are classified as personal services businesses. The license is based on gross receipts and is renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year (based on gross receipts; rate is $0.19 per $100 of gross receipts for personal services)1–2 weeks

  2. City of Virginia Beach — Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy from the Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development is required before opening a nail salon. The CO confirms the space is zoned for personal services use and meets building and fire codes. Contact at 757-385-4211.

    Official government source

    $100–$500 (varies by scope of work)2–5 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $350–$1,300 · 4–8 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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