Start a Business in Oakland

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 3-8 weeks💰 Based on gross receipts

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Overview

Starting a business in Oakland requires a Business Tax Certificate through the Finance Department, Revenue Division. Base fee: Based on gross receipts. No state business license required. Cities handle licensing independently.

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: Based on gross receipts depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Finance Department, Revenue Division

Phone: 510-238-3704

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Alameda County DEH for health permits

⚠ Business Tax Certificate required

⚠ Oakland has separate business tax from neighboring cities

⚠ Cannabis licensing program established

⚠ California requires an $800 minimum franchise tax annually for all LLCs after the first year

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 Oakland business license guide →