How to Get a Business License in Savannah: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Savannah, GA requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Chatham County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business Tax Certificate, issued by the Revenue Department. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
Contact the Revenue Department at 912-651-6430 for current requirements. More information is available at savannahga.gov.
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What Makes Savannah Different
Savannah has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Historic district has strict preservation overlay — extensive design review
- SCAD (art college) presence influences business mix
- Tourism/hospitality heavy — seasonal businesses
- Chatham County Health for food permits
- Georgia requires an Occupation Tax Certificate (business license) at the city or county level
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Savannah need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (GA): LLC or Corporation filing through the Georgia Secretary of State. Filing fee: $100 LLC, processing time: 1-3 business days.
County (Chatham County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Savannah): Business Tax Certificate from the Revenue Department. Phone: 912-651-6430.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Savannah can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Savannah has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Savannah's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.