Massage Therapy Permit Requirements in Burlington, VT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy in Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont.

Verified 2026-09-07 5 stops $200–$700 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all 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 Vermont

2 stops

  1. Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Massage Therapist, Bodyworker and Touch Professional Registration

    Since 1 April 2021, massage therapists, bodyworkers and touch professionals practising in Vermont must be registered with the Office of Professional Regulation. Per OPR's own FAQ, applicants need only complete the application and pay the fee — no documentation of qualifications, education, or examination scores is required, and there is no MBLEx or continuing-education requirement. Registrants must display their registration in any establishment where they practise and give clients the statutory disclosure.

    Official government source

    $90 application fee (initial); $275 renewal (OPR code 164, renewed 31 May of odd years)OPR does not publish a processing time; allow several weeks after a complete application.

  2. Vermont Department of Taxes — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Vermont. Vermont charges a 6% state sales tax; meals and lodging are taxed at 9%. Register with the Vermont Department of Taxes online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via myVTax)

City of Burlington / Chittenden County

2 stops

  1. Burlington Business License (not required for most businesses)

    Burlington's City Clerk/Treasurer does not issue a general business licence, and there is no gross-receipts-based city business tax certificate. The office licenses exactly four categories: cannabis, liquor, peddler, and taxi. Fitness studios, tutoring, cleaning services, salons, contractors, food trucks, child care, pet services, photography, and professional services are not required to hold a blanket city business licence. Check whether your business falls into one of the four licensed categories; otherwise the relevant approvals are trade- or use-specific — a zoning permit or Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of Permitting & Inspections, a state Health Department food licence, or a state professional licence from the Office of Professional Regulation.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business licence exists in BurlingtonN/A — there is no application to file unless your business is cannabis, liquor, peddling, or taxi

  2. Burlington Zoning Permit and Certificate of Occupancy

    A change of use to a massage therapy practice in Burlington requires a zoning permit from the Zoning Division of the Department of Permitting & Inspections (not the City Clerk), applied for through the City's OpenGov system. For zoning permits issued on or after 1 July 2020 the Certificate of Occupancy is issued automatically and does not need to be separately requested; older permits require a request before the permit expires. A Zoning Compliance Report can confirm a property's permitted use before you sign a lease.

    Official government source

    $15 filing fee plus $107 for a change of use or a project under $29,000 of estimated construction cost (FY2027 COA Level I). The final Certificate of Occupancy fee of $30 plus 10% of total application fees is included in that. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy $150; Zoning Compliance Report $35 ($70 expedited).The City does not publish a processing time for administrative permits; contact Permitting & Inspections at 802-863-0442.

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses

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Official Sources

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