How much permits cost to open in Arlington

In Arlington, the filings with a fixed government fee add up to about $40. 7 more are set by the space or the business, and 6 are free. Build-out, insurance and adviser costs are on top.

Updated October 17, 202614 filingsSources: the agencies' own sites

Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

Fee
Free
Filed
Paper form, faxed or mailed
Takes
Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Virginia business tax registration

Virginia Department of TaxationVA

Every new business registers online with Virginia Tax, or on paper Form R-1 if it can't: sales and use tax for dealers, and employer withholding with Virginia employees.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed online

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Create/Update Importer Identity Form

U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.

Fee
Free
Filed
Paper form, mailed
Takes
Up to 5 business days.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Customs Bond

U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed on the agency's portal
Takes
At least 5 business days for review.
Renews
Continuous bonds renew yearly.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Certified food protection manager

Virginia Department of Health, with local health departmentsVA

Every Virginia food establishment, unless exempt, has at least one employee with authority over food preparation and service who holds a food protection manager certificate from a program accredited through the Conference for Food Protection. Arlington and Fairfax County check for it before opening.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed online

File on the agency's site How to fill it
ACE Secure Data Portal account for importers

U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

Applied for online in ACE. Lets you see your entries, duties and bond.

Fee
Free
Filed
Filed online

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA)

U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal

Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the facility that makes or processes the cosmetics.

Fee
Free
Filed
Filed online
Renews
Every two years.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA)

U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal

Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the brand (the responsible person on the label), one listing per product.

Fee
Free
Filed
Filed online
Renews
Update every year.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry

U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionUS federal

The importer issues the certificate itself (there is no government form) and, under the eFiling rule, files the certificate data with CBP at entry.

Fee
Free
Filed
Filed online

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Arlington County business license

Arlington County Commissioner of Revenue, Business Tax DivisionArlington

After the state requirements and the county permits, register the business in CAPP, the county's online system; a Business Tax Inspector then contacts you to finish the license.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed on the agency's portal
Renews
Every year; filing and payment are due March 1.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Hazardous materials registration

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT)US federal

Filed online when you ship or offer certain hazardous materials in bulk, such as large lithium battery shipments.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed online
Renews
Every year by June 30.

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Unemployment insurance employer registration

Virginia Employment CommissionVA

A business with employees in Virginia must by law register with the VEC: online through iFile and iReg, or by mailing the FC-27.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed online

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Food service plan review

Arlington County Public Health Division, Environmental Health ProgramArlington

For a new place or a major alteration. Send the application with the building plans, site plan, equipment schedule and the certified food protection manager certificate to ehealth@arlingtonva.us or 2110 Washington Blvd, Suite 350, and pay the fee online. A pre-opening inspection with the equipment in place and working follows.

Fee
$40
Filed
Paper form, mailed

File on the agency's site How to fill it
Arlington County food establishment license

Arlington County Public Health Division, Environmental Health ProgramArlington

Any place selling prepared or packaged food needs the county's food establishment license. Before opening, a certified food protection manager must be in place and present during all operating hours.

Fee
Varies
Filed
Filed in person
Renews
Every year.

File on the agency's site How to fill it

Guides for each business in Arlington

Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.

Get the plan for your business in Arlington

This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.

The full list for your address, in filing order
The official forms, filled line by line
Renewal and inspection reminders