Start a Business in Richmond

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 BPOL tax on gross receipts

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Overview

Starting a business in Richmond requires a Business License through the Finance Department, Business License Division. Base fee: BPOL tax on gross receipts. BPOL tax at city level. Virginia has independent cities not in any county. 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: BPOL tax on gross receipts depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Finance Department, Business License Division

Phone: 804-646-7000

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Virginia independent city

⚠ State capital — government contractor considerations

⚠ BPOL tax system

⚠ Historic districts have design review requirements

⚠ Virginia requires a Business Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) in most localities

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 Richmond business license guide →