Start a Business in Arlington

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 CO fee varies

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Overview

Starting a business in Arlington requires a Certificate of Occupancy through the Development Services. Base fee: CO fee varies. No state business license. No state income tax. Cities vary widely — some require licenses, some don't.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

✓County: health department permit + fire inspection

✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

County: health department permit + fire inspection

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: CO fee varies depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Development Services

Phone: 817-459-6777

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Similar CO system to Dallas and Fort Worth

⚠ Tarrant County layer

⚠ DFW metroplex — shares county with Fort Worth

⚠ Entertainment district near stadiums has special zoning

⚠ Texas has no state income tax but requires a franchise tax (margin tax) filing annually

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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Read our complete Arlington business license guide →