Start a Business in Boston

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 4-10 weeks💰 ~$65

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Overview

Starting a business in Boston requires a Business Certificate through the City Clerk's Office. Base fee: ~$65. Maranhão has growing mining and soy export economy. São Luís is UNESCO World Heritage city. Alcântara has Brazil's space launch center.

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

1

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

2

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

3

County: health department permit + fire inspection

4

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: ~$65 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business~$65
Restaurant$100–$500+

Contact

City Clerk's Office

Phone: 617-635-4600

1 City Hall Square, Room 601, Boston, MA 02201

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Business Certificate (DBA) filed at City Clerk — $65 fee
⚠ No general business license — industry-specific permits through ISD
⚠ Inspectional Services Department handles building, food, entertainment permits
⚠ Boston Licensing Board for alcohol — extremely competitive, limited licenses
⚠ Suffolk County is coterminous with City of Boston
⚠ MA LLC filing is $500 — one of most expensive states

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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