Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Seattle, King County, Washington.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $400–$1,500 est. 6–12 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 Washington

2 stops

  1. Washington State Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) License

    Washington requires massage therapists to be licensed by the Washington State Department of Health. Requirements include 500 hours of approved education, passing the MBLEx exam, and a background check. Licenses expire every year on the practitioner's birthday.

    Official government source

    $75 (application fee) + $100–$200 (MBLEx exam fee)4–8 weeks

  2. Washington Business License (UBI)

    All businesses operating in Washington State must register with the Washington State Department of Revenue to get a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number and Business License. Register through Washington's Business Licensing Service.

    Official government source

    $19 (initial filing fee)1–2 weeks

City of Seattle / King County

2 stops

  1. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

    All businesses operating in Seattle must obtain a Business License Tax Certificate from the Seattle Office of Finance. The fee is based on gross business income. Annual renewal required.

    Official government source

    $55–$2,000+/year (based on gross income; minimum $55 for businesses under $100,000 gross)1–2 weeks (online)

  2. Seattle Zoning / Certificate of Occupancy

    Commercial locations must comply with Seattle zoning for personal services (NC, C, or MU zones). A Certificate of Occupancy may be required for new commercial tenants. Contact Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI).

    Official government source

    $100–$5002–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,500 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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