Start a Business in New York City

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 4-10 weeks💰 $50–$500

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Overview

Starting a business in New York City requires a DCWP Business License (industry-specific) through the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Base fee: $50–$500. No general state business license. Publication requirement is unique to NY and significantly more expensive in NYC.

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: $50–$500 depending on permits and inspections.

County Health Department

NYC DOHMH (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene) (NYC (5 boroughs))

311

https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh

Contact

Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

Phone: 212-487-4060

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ DCWP licenses 40+ industries — each with own checklist and fees
⚠ LLC publication requirement: $1,000-$2,000 in NYC boroughs for 6 weeks in 2 newspapers
⚠ No general business license — industry-specific only
⚠ Borough affects costs — Manhattan most expensive
⚠ Some licenses require fingerprinting and surety bonds
⚠ In-person services by appointment only (hardship cases)

Choose Your Business Type

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

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