Start a Business in Milwaukee

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $50–$300

Skip the research

Get your full roadmap instantly

Overview

Starting a business in Milwaukee requires a Business License through the City Clerk's License Division. Base fee: $50–$300. No general state business license.

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: $50–$300 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$50–$300

Restaurant$100–$500

Contact

City Clerk's License Division

Phone: 414-286-3200

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Milwaukee city business license through City Clerk

⚠ Milwaukee County health department for food permits

⚠ Alcohol licensing through city — separate from state

⚠ Wisconsin seller's permit required for taxable sales

⚠ Wisconsin requires Seller Permit registration before making any retail sales

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

Get your full permit roadmap

Everything in the right order with links, fees, and timelines.

Get My Roadmap → $29

Read our complete Milwaukee business license guide →