How to Get a Business License in Richmond: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Richmond, VA requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Independent city (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License, issued by the Finance Department, Business License Division. 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 Richmond is BPOL tax on gross receipts. Contact the Finance Department, Business License Division at 804-646-7000 for current requirements. More information is available at rva.gov.
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What Makes Richmond Different
Richmond has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Virginia independent city
- State capital — government contractor considerations
- BPOL tax system
- Historic districts have design review requirements
- Virginia requires a Business Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) in most localities
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Richmond 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 (VA): LLC or Corporation filing through the Virginia SCC. Filing fee: $100 LLC, processing time: 1-3 business days.
County (Independent city): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Richmond): Business License from the Finance Department, Business License Division. Base fee: BPOL tax on gross receipts. Phone: 804-646-7000.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Richmond 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 Richmond has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Richmond's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.