Start a Business in Philadelphia

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 4-10 weeks💰 $0 (free)

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Overview

Starting a business in Philadelphia requires a Activity License + BIRT Registration through the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) + Revenue Department. Base fee: $0 (free). Pará is Amazon gateway. Belém is culinary capital of northern Brazil. Mining (Carajás) and açaí production significant.

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 (free) depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$0 (free)

Restaurant$0 + activity-based taxes

Contact

Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) + Revenue Department

Phone: 215-686-6600

1401 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ BIRT taxes BOTH gross receipts AND net income — not one or the other

⚠ Net Profits Tax for self-employed is additional to BIRT

⚠ Activity license system — dozens of business activity categories through L&I

⚠ Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is one of most restrictive in country

⚠ Even money-losing businesses owe tax on gross receipts

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 Philadelphia business license guide →