Start a Business in Houston

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $0–$150

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Overview

Starting a business in Houston requires a No general city business license through the Houston Permitting Center. Base fee: $0–$150. No state business license. No state income tax. Cities vary widely — some require licenses, some don't.

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: $0–$150 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$0–$150

Restaurant$0–$500

County Health Department

Harris County Public Health (Harris County)

(713) 439-6000

https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov

Contact

Houston Permitting Center

Phone: 832-394-8800

Houston Permitting Center, 1002 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77002

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ NO ZONING — largest US city without zoning laws

⚠ Deed restrictions and HOA rules substitute for zoning

⚠ Houston Permitting Center at 1002 Washington Ave for most permits

⚠ Certificate of Occupancy required for all commercial buildings

⚠ 10-day notice for missing CO, then daily citations

⚠ Harris County Public Health for food permits

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 Houston business license guide →