How to Get a Business License in Allentown: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Allentown, PA requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Lehigh County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License, issued by the Finance/Revenue Department. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
The base fee for a Business License in Allentown is Varies. Contact the Finance/Revenue Department at 610-437-7500 for current requirements. More information is available at allentownpa.gov.
PermitBoard generates a complete, ordered roadmap for your specific business type in Allentown — with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form. Get My Roadmap →
What Makes Allentown Different
Allentown has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Lehigh County
- Lehigh Valley — growing commercial base
- PA state layer
- NIZ (Neighborhood Improvement Zone) tax incentives
- Third largest city in PA
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Allentown need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (PA): LLC or Corporation filing through the Pennsylvania Department of State. Filing fee: $125 LLC, processing time: 1-2 weeks.
County (Lehigh County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Allentown): Business License from the Finance/Revenue Department. Base fee: Varies. Phone: 610-437-7500.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Allentown can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Allentown has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Allentown's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.