Start a Business in New Orleans

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $50–$200

Skip the research

Get your full roadmap instantly

Overview

Starting a business in New Orleans requires a Occupational License through the Bureau of Revenue, One Stop App Portal. Base fee: $50–$200. Parish system (not counties). No general state business license. Cities use Occupational 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–$200 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$50–$200

Restaurant$100–$500+

Contact

Bureau of Revenue, One Stop App Portal

Phone: 504-658-1500

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Uses parishes instead of counties — Orleans Parish

⚠ Consolidated city-parish government

⚠ Liberal alcohol licensing but strict entertainment/music/STR regulations

⚠ One Stop App portal for business licensing

⚠ Series LLC available (unique to few states)

⚠ Occupational license based on gross receipts

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 New Orleans business license guide →