Start a Business in Portland

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $50–$150

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Overview

Starting a business in Portland requires a Business License Tax Registration through the Revenue Division. Base fee: $50–$150. No state sales tax. No general state business license. Cities collect business income taxes.

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–$150 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$50–$150
Restaurant$100–$500+

Contact

Revenue Division

Phone: 503-823-5157

111 SW Columbia St, Suite 600, Portland, OR 97201

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ No sales tax (Oregon is one of 5 states without one)
⚠ BUT: 4 layers of income-based taxation (city + county + Metro + state)
⚠ Multnomah County business income tax is SEPARATE from Portland city tax
⚠ Metro regional government supportive housing services tax on certain businesses
⚠ Unique food cart pod regulations and permitting
⚠ Strong environmental regulations (stormwater, waste handling)

Choose Your Business Type

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

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