Nail Salon 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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (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 for OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance (opens in a new tab)

   Free (compliance requirement)·Implement before opening

   Free (compliance requirement)

   Implement before opening

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 for Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — Cosmetology Salon License (opens in a new tab)

   $220 application fee (18VAC41-20-140)·3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   $220 application fee (18VAC41-20-140)

   3–6 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 (or a registered apprenticeship) and passing written and practical exams administered by PSI Exams. Licenses expire two years from the last day of the month in which they were issued.

   Official government source for Individual Nail Technician License (per employee) (opens in a new tab)

   $120 application fee per technician; $120 renewal every two years (18VAC41-20-140)·3–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   $120 application fee per technician; $120 renewal every two years (18VAC41-20-140)

   3–6 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 general Virginia sales tax rate is 5.3% in most localities; Virginia Beach is in the Hampton Roads region, which has an additional 0.7% regional tax, for a combined rate of 6%.

   Official government source for Virginia Sales Tax Registration (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. City of Virginia Beach — Business License

   All businesses operating in Virginia Beach must obtain a Business License (BPOL) from the Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue. Nail salons are classified under General Services (personal services): $25 flat fee for gross receipts ≤$25,000; $40 for ≤$100,000; $50 for ≤$200,000; and $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts for receipts ≥$200,000. Renewed annually.

   Official government source for City of Virginia Beach — Business License (opens in a new tab)

   $25 (≤$25,000); $40 (≤$100,000); $50 (≤$200,000); $0.36 per $100 (≥$200,000) — General Services category·1–2 weeks

   $25 (≤$25,000); $40 (≤$100,000); $50 (≤$200,000); $0.36 per $100 (≥$200,000) — General Services category

   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 for City of Virginia Beach — Certificate of Occupancy (opens in a new tab)

   Varies by project scope and square footage; Virginia Beach does not publish its permit and Certificate of Occupancy fee schedule online — confirm with Permits & Inspections at 757-385-4211 or perminsp@vbgov.com·2–5 weeks

   Varies by project scope and square footage; Virginia Beach does not publish its permit and Certificate of Occupancy fee schedule online — confirm with Permits & Inspections at 757-385-4211 or perminsp@vbgov.com

   2–5 weeks

Official Sources

• Virginia DPOR — Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
• City of Virginia Beach — Business License
• City of Virginia Beach — Department of Planning
• Virginia Department of Taxation — Sales Tax

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