Nashua, NH Business License Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, no-nonsense hub for starting and licensing a business in Nashua, New Hampshire. It focuses on exactly what Nashua and New Hampshire require, with direct links to official sources you can use right away.

New Hampshire does not have a single, statewide “general business license.” Nashua does not issue a citywide “general business license” either. What you do need depends on your business activity: state business registration, state tax accounts, city permits (health, building/occupancy, fire, signage), and any industry licenses (like food, childcare, liquor, tobacco).

All facts and figures are linked to the issuing agency. Where we could not verify an exact fee or dollar figure from an official page, we clearly say so and point you to the right place to check.

Quick Help (Start Here)

• Check Nashua zoning and the actual address before you sign a lease or open. Use the city’s Planning and Zoning contact page to confirm your use is allowed at that address and ask about parking, signs, and any special approvals: Nashua Planning Department – Zoning & Land Use Help.
• Register your business with the New Hampshire Secretary of State if you’re forming an LLC, corporation, or registering a trade name (DBA). You file online via QuickStart: NH Secretary of State – QuickStart (Business Filings). The state LLC filing fee is $100 online (see the Secretary of State’s fee page for other entities and exact amounts). Source: NH SOS – Corporation Division.
• Get your free federal EIN from the IRS (needed for most banks and employers): IRS – Apply for an EIN (Free). Fee: $0 (IRS).
• Open state tax accounts with the NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) through Granite Tax Connect if you will collect/submit taxes (Meals & Rooms, Communications, Tobacco, etc.): NH DRA – Granite Tax Connect. New Hampshire has no general sales tax. Source: NH DRA – Taxes Administered (No General Sales Tax).
• If you’ll sell prepared food, operate a food truck, or run a restaurant, you need a City of Nashua health license and inspections. Start with Public Health – Environmental Health: Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services – Food Protection.
• Before opening any physical location to the public, get building and fire approvals. This includes permits and a Certificate of Occupancy. Start here: Nashua Building Safety Department and Nashua Fire Rescue – Fire Marshal/Prevention.
• Hiring employees? Register for unemployment insurance with NH Employment Security and comply with NH Department of Labor rules. Links: NH Employment Security – Employers and NH Department of Labor – Employers.
• Keep calendar reminders for state annual reports (LLCs and corporations file every year). The LLC annual report fee is $100, due by April 1 each year (late fees apply). Source: NH SOS – Annual Reports.

At a Glance: What Most Nashua Businesses Actually Need

The fastest way to get oriented is to match your business type to the approvals you will need. Use this table to map your path and click through for the official page.

Reality Check: There’s No “One License,” But There Are Real Steps

• New Hampshire does not have a general sales tax, and there is no one-size business license. Official: NH DRA – Taxes Administered.
• Nashua does not issue a blanket city business license. You still must comply with city permits for your location and activity: building, fire, health, signage, and zoning. Start with the City: Nashua – Doing Business and the departments linked in this guide.
• If you skip the zoning/building/fire/health steps and just “open,” Nashua can halt your operation until you pass. That is more expensive than doing it right the first time.
• Build in time for reviews and inspections. Restaurants often take multiple inspections and plan reviews.

Step 1: Register Your Business with the NH Secretary of State

Most businesses first handle state registration. This makes your business official and opens the door to banks, leases, and tax accounts.

• File online with QuickStart: NH Secretary of State – QuickStart.
• Entity types:
  • LLC
  • Corporation (for-profit or nonprofit)
  • Partnership
  • Trade name (DBA) for sole proprietors or partnerships using a name other than the owners’ legal names
• Fees and filings:
  • LLC Articles of Organization: $100 (online) as listed by the Secretary of State. See: NH SOS – Corporation Division.
  • Annual Report (LLC): $100, due by April 1 each year. Source: NH SOS – Annual Reports.
  • Trade Name (DBA) filing fee: check the SOS fee schedule for the current amount and renewal rules: NH SOS – Forms & Fees.
• Required information (typical):
  • Business name and principal office address
  • Registered agent and address in NH
  • Business purpose
  • Member/manager or officer information
• Timelines:
  • Online filings can be processed quickly (often within days). Paper filings take longer. See processing notices inside QuickStart.
• Contact the office if needed:
  • NH SOS – Corporation Division contact page: NH SOS – Corporation Division Contacts. Use the listed phone/email on that page for current, direct assistance.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Use the free NH Small Business Development Center for one-on-one filing help: NH SBDC – Request Advising. They can walk you through QuickStart and paperwork.
• If your name gets rejected, use the SOS business search to check availability and adjust: NH SOS – Business Search.

Step 2: Get Your Free Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)

• Apply online with the IRS: IRS – EIN Application.
• Cost: $0 (official IRS process).
• You’ll need:
  • Responsible party’s SSN/ITIN
  • Legal business name and address
  • Entity type and reason for applying
• You’ll use your EIN for:
  • Opening business bank accounts
  • Hiring employees
  • Filing federal and state taxes

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If the online system is down, use the IRS phone or fax options on that page, or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line (listed on the IRS site) for guidance.

Step 3: Open Your NH State Tax Accounts (Granite Tax Connect)

New Hampshire has no general sales tax. But many businesses still need to register with the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) for other taxes, like Meals and Rooms (Rentals), Communications Services, Tobacco, and the Business Profits/Enterprise taxes.

• Create or log in: NH DRA – Granite Tax Connect.
• Common NH business taxes:

Notes and verification:

• Meals & Rooms (Rentals) Tax rate is 8.5%. Source: DRA pages under Business Taxes. Use Granite Tax Connect for registration/filing: Granite Tax Connect.
• New Hampshire’s BPT/BET thresholds and rates can change; always verify on the official DRA tax pages linked above.
• Documentation:
  • EIN
  • Entity documents (LLC/corporation)
  • Business location(s)
  • Start date for taxable activity
• Reality check:
  • Operators of short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) must register for Meals and Rooms (Rentals) Tax with DRA before renting and must file returns even for small operations. See DRA guidance via the link above.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Call or message DRA through Granite Tax Connect (secure messaging). The DRA contact info is on the site’s Contact page: NH DRA – Contact.
• Ask NH SBDC to walk you through DRA setup: NH SBDC – Request Advising.

Step 4: If You’ll Have Employees in New Hampshire

• Unemployment insurance (UI): Register with NH Employment Security (NHES). Employers generally must register when they pay wages in NH. Start here: NHES – Employers. Employer rate notices are issued by NHES; new employer rates and contribution schedules are posted by NHES.
• Workers’ compensation: New Hampshire requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for employees (including part-time). See: NH Department of Labor – Workers’ Compensation.
• Wage and hour compliance: Youth employment, minimum wage (NH follows federal), required posters, and safety rules: NH Department of Labor – Employer Resources.
• New hire reporting: Report new hires via the NH New Hire Reporting Center: NH New Hire Reporting.

Documents you’ll typically need

• EIN
• Entity documents (LLC, Corp)
• Payroll details
• Contact information

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Contact NHES Employer Accounts using the contact options on their site: NHES – Employer Contacts.
• Ask your insurance agent for a workers’ comp quote; they can also explain NH employer requirements and timelines.
• Consult NH SBDC if you’re stuck on employer registration: NH SBDC – Request Advising.

Step 5: City of Nashua Approvals for Your Location (Zoning, Building, Fire, Health, Signs)

If you’re opening a physical location in Nashua (even a small shop or a home-based operation), take these city steps in this order.

5A. Zoning fit check (do this before you sign a lease)

• Why: If your use isn’t allowed at a location, you could face delays, denials, or costly variances.
• Where: Nashua Planning Department – Zoning & Land Use.
• What to ask:
  • Is my use allowed “by right” in this zoning district?
  • Parking requirements?
  • Any special permits, site plan review, or traffic considerations?
  • Sign rules at this address?
  • If home-based, what are the “home occupation” rules?
• Real example:
  • A small bakery with 16 seats downtown might be allowed by right but still needs a site/plan review if changing use from retail to food service, plus parking and grease management considerations.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your use isn’t allowed, ask Planning about other zones/addresses that fit your use, or whether a variance/conditional use permit is achievable. Use the Planning contact page for specifics: Nashua Planning – Contact.

5B. Building permits and Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

• Start: Nashua Building Safety Department.
• When needed:
  • Most interior buildouts, electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, changes in use, and new signage require permits.
  • You typically must secure a Certificate of Occupancy before opening to the public.
• What to prepare:
  • Floor plan and scope of work
  • Contractor information (licensed trades where required)
  • For restaurants: equipment layout, grease trap/hood details (coordinate with Wastewater and Fire)
  • Accessibility considerations
• Timelines:
  • Plan review and permitting can take weeks, more for complex projects. Inspections must be scheduled; the CO is issued after passing required inspections.
• Cost:
  • Fees vary by project. See Building Safety’s fee schedule or call the department through the contact options on that page for the current rates.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your plans are flagged, ask for a pre-construction meeting with Building Safety and Fire to resolve issues before you build. It’s faster and cheaper than failed inspections.

5C. Fire Marshal/Fire Prevention approvals

• Start: Nashua Fire Rescue – Fire Prevention/Marshal.
• What they check:
  • Exits, alarms, sprinklers
  • Cooking hoods and suppression systems
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Occupant load
• Timelines:
  • Plan for plan review and inspections; these must align with building inspections to avoid delays.
• Cost:
  • Permit and inspection fees vary. Check the Fire Marshal’s page or ask the office for current fees and scheduling.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you fail an inspection, ask for a written list of corrections and schedule a targeted re-inspection. If equipment design is the issue, connect your installer directly with the Fire Marshal’s office.

5D. Health licenses for food (restaurant, café, food truck, caterer, temporary food events)

• Start: Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services – Food Protection.
• Who needs this:
  • Restaurants, cafés, food trucks, caterers, markets, temporary food events (farmers markets, fairs), and others serving food to the public.
• Typical requirements:
  • Application and fee (varies by operation)
  • Plan review for new/remodeled facilities
  • Pre-opening inspection
  • Manager-level food safety training (Certified Food Protection Manager)
  • Commissary agreement for mobile units (if applicable)
• State overlay:
  • NH has statewide food safety rules. Nashua enforces local licensing and inspections. If you operate outside Nashua too, check the state’s Food Protection program for broader requirements: NH DHHS – Food Protection.
• Timelines:
  • New restaurants with plan review can take several weeks (plan review + construction + final inspection). Temporary event permits typically have application deadlines before events.
• Cost:
  • Fees are set by the city and vary based on risk category, seats, or type (temporary, mobile). Check Nashua’s Food Protection page for the current fee schedule and application packets.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask for a pre-operational walk-through or plan review meeting to verify menu, equipment, and layout meet code before you build or buy equipment.

5E. Sign permits

• Start with Planning/Building Safety: Nashua Planning Department and Building Safety.
• What’s needed:
  • Drawings showing dimensions, materials, illumination, and location on the building/site
  • Compliance with district sign size/placement limits
  • Separate electrical permit if illuminated
• Timelines and costs:
  • Vary with sign type and whether you’re in a special district. Confirm on the city pages.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your sign is too large for the district, ask Planning about compliant alternatives or a formal variance process.

Special Industry Licenses You Might Need (State-Level)

Many regulated professions and activities are licensed by the State of New Hampshire. If your industry is listed here, you need to secure the state license in addition to any local approvals.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Contact the specific state board or commission via the “Contact” link on its page. Most provide phone/email and checklists. If you’re confused which board covers you, ask NH SBDC to triage your case: NH SBDC – Request Advising.

Food Businesses in Nashua: Step-by-Step

Food operations are the most common—and the most regulated. Here’s a deeper, practical checklist with local links.

Real-world example

• A 40-seat café on Main St. with a small kitchen typically needs: Planning fit check, Building permits (for buildout and hood), Fire suppression review, Health plan review and license, Meals & Rooms registration, and possibly a sign permit. This is often a 8–16+ week timeline from lease signing to opening, depending on buildout complexity.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Request a joint meeting with Planning, Building, Fire, and Health to clarify issues early. If your layout is the problem (e.g., no space for code-compliant hood/grease), consider menu adjustments (e.g., no deep frying) or a different space better set up for food service.

Home-Based Businesses in Nashua

• Start with zoning: “Home occupations” are allowed with conditions (traffic, signage, noise, equipment). Review Nashua’s Land Use Code and talk to Planning: Nashua Planning – Home Occupations and the code library (Municode) for Nashua: Nashua Code of Ordinances – Land Use (Chapter 190).
• If you sell food from home, also review state rules for homestead/low-risk foods via NH DHHS Food Protection and ask Nashua DPHCS whether a local license is required based on your sales and distribution: NH DHHS – Food Protection and Nashua – Food Protection.
• Parking, deliveries, and customer traffic are common sticking points—clear these with Planning up front.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your activity isn’t allowed at home, consider a small commercial kitchen, a shared kitchen, or an office/retail space that fits your use. Planning can suggest districts that work for your business.

Mobile Vendors and Food Trucks

• You’ll need:
  • Nashua DPHCS food license (mobile unit category)
  • Commissary agreement (if required by the city/health code)
  • Fire safety compliance (LP tanks, fire suppression if cooking)
  • Parking/location permissions (city rules and private property agreements)
• Start with: Nashua – Food Protection (Mobile/Temporary) and Nashua Fire Rescue.
• If you’ll also operate at fairs/festivals outside Nashua, check the host community’s permits as well.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you can’t meet cooking hood/suppression requirements, adjust your menu to cold or prepackaged foods that can be safely served without on-board cooking, or use a commissary kitchen with the required equipment.

Taxes and Ongoing Compliance: What to Track

• Annual report (LLCs and corporations): Due by April 1 every year; fee $100 for LLCs. File online via QuickStart. Source: NH SOS – Annual Reports.
• Meals & Rooms (Rentals) Tax: 8.5% returns usually due by the 15th of the month after the tax period (DRA). Source: Granite Tax Connect.
• BPT/BET: Thresholds and rates on the DRA site; verify each year. Source: NH DRA – Business Taxes.
• Employer filings: NHES unemployment, workers’ comp policy maintenance, and NHDOL wage compliance. Sources: NHES – Employers and NHDOL – Employers.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your CPA to set up a filing calendar or use accounting software with NH modules.
• Use SBDC to review your compliance calendar for free: NH SBDC – Advising.

Timelines You Can Expect (Typical Ranges)

Every project is different, but these ranges help planning. Always verify with the city/state and your contractor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Signing a lease before a zoning/fit check.
• Skipping plan review and buying equipment that won’t pass (e.g., wrong hood or no grease solution).
• Waiting until the end to call Fire or Health—schedule early to avoid last-minute corrections.
• Missing the state annual report by April 1—this leads to late fees and can cause administrative dissolution.
• Not registering for Meals & Rooms when you’re actually an operator (pop-ups, caterers, food trucks count).
• Assuming NH sales tax rules from other states—NH has no general sales tax, but you still owe other taxes.
• Forgetting workers’ comp for part-timers—NH requires it.
• Using a business name that infringes on an existing NH registration—search first, file second.

Costs: What You’ll Likely Spend Upfront (Government Fees Only)

Costs vary by project. Always verify on the official page linked.

If you don’t see an exact dollar figure on the linked page, contact the issuing office (links above) to get the current posted fee.

Real-World Examples

• Downtown café with beer and wine:
  • SOS LLC filing ($100), EIN ($0), Nashua building permit for minor buildout (fee varies), Fire permit checks, Nashua health plan review/license (fee varies), DRA Meals & Rooms account (8.5% tax on taxable sales), NH Liquor on-premise license (fee per class), sign permit (fee varies). Timeline often 10–16+ weeks depending on buildout and inspections.
• Home-based online craft seller (no food):
  • If using a name other than your personal name, register a trade name (DBA) with SOS (see fee schedule). EIN ($0) if needed. No NH sales tax account. Comply with zoning home occupation rules if you have customer pickups or on-site employees.
• Food truck:
  • SOS filing/EIN as needed, DPHCS mobile food license (fee varies), commissary letter (if required), Fire safety compliance, DRA Meals & Rooms account (8.5% on taxable sales), event permits as required by host sites. Timeline: often 2–6 weeks once the truck is built and compliant.

Inclusivity, Diversity, and Accessibility Resources (Nashua and New Hampshire)

• Women-owned businesses:
  • Center for Women & Enterprise – NH Women’s Business Center: training, mentoring, and federal WOSB certification support. CWE NH – Women’s Business Center.
• Minority-owned businesses:
  • New England Minority Supplier Development Council (MBE certification for private sector supplier diversity). NEMSDC – Certification.
• Veteran-owned businesses:
  • SBA Veteran certification (for federal contracting): SBA – Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert).
• LGBTQ+-owned businesses:
  • National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) certification and support. NGLCC – Certification.
• Disability-owned businesses:
  • Disability:IN certification (DOBE). Disability:IN – Supplier Diversity.
• Immigrant-owned businesses and language access:
  • City of Nashua provides multilingual public health services and can connect you to interpreters for health licensing questions. Start with DPHCS: Nashua Public Health & Community Services.
• New Hampshire SBDC (inclusive advising statewide):
  • Free, confidential advising in multiple languages upon request; helps with licensing steps and applications. NH SBDC – Advising.
• Government contracting (all small businesses):
  • NH APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) helps with SAM.gov, certifications (WOSB/SDVOSB/8(a)), and bids. NH APEX Accelerator.

Tip: If you need translation or disability accommodation for city or state meetings, ask the agency’s contact listed on the official page in advance. They will explain available accommodations and scheduling.

10 New Hampshire–Specific FAQs

• Do I need a general business license in Nashua or New Hampshire?
  • No. New Hampshire has no statewide general business license, and Nashua does not issue a blanket city business license. You still need to register your entity with the Secretary of State and get the specific city/state permits for your activity. Sources: NH SOS – Corporation Division; City of Nashua.
• Does New Hampshire have sales tax? Do I need a sales tax permit?
  • New Hampshire has no general sales tax, so there is no sales tax permit. If you sell prepared meals or rent rooms/cars, you must register for the Meals & Rooms (Rentals) Tax (8.5%). Source: NH DRA – Taxes Administered and Granite Tax Connect.
• What are the NH LLC fees and deadlines?
  • LLC formation filing fee is $100 online. Annual report is $100 and due by April 1 each year. File via QuickStart. Source: NH SOS – Annual Reports and NH SOS – QuickStart.
• I’m a sole proprietor using a business name. Do I need to register a DBA?
  • Yes. If you operate under a name other than your legal name, you must register a trade name with the NH Secretary of State. Check the current fee and renewals here: NH SOS – Corporation Division (Trade Names).
• I’m opening a restaurant in Nashua. What are the tax filings I’ll make?
  • You’ll collect and file Meals & Rooms (Rentals) Tax at 8.5% (usually monthly, due by the 15th). You may also owe BPT/BET at year-end depending on thresholds. Register via Granite Tax Connect. Source: NH DRA – Granite Tax Connect.
• My store sells both groceries and prepared sandwiches. How is that taxed?
  • General groceries aren’t subject to a sales tax in NH. Prepared meals are subject to the Meals & Rooms (Rentals) Tax at 8.5%. The DRA’s Meals & Rooms guidance explains what is taxable as a “meal.” Source: NH DRA – Business Taxes (Meals & Rooms).
• Do I need workers’ compensation insurance if I only have part-time help?
  • Yes. New Hampshire requires workers’ compensation for employees, including part-time. Source: NH Department of Labor – Workers’ Compensation.
• When do I register for unemployment tax?
  • Register with NH Employment Security when you pay wages in NH that make you an employer under state rules (generally when you begin paying employees). Register here: NHES – Employers.
• Can I run a business from my apartment or house in Nashua?
  • Often yes, under “home occupation” rules. Traffic, signage, and equipment limits apply. Ask Planning before you start: Nashua Planning – Home Occupations.
• I want to serve beer and wine at my café. Who licenses that?
  • The New Hampshire Liquor Commission issues liquor licenses (not the city). Start here and allow several weeks: NH Liquor Commission – Licensing.

What to Prepare: Document Checklist

Bring these to speed things up.

• SOS filings:
  • Business name options
  • Registered agent info
  • Member/manager/officer info
  • Payment method for filing fee ($100 for LLC)
• DRA tax accounts:
  • EIN
  • Business start date for taxable activity
  • Business locations
  • Bank info for e-payments (optional but helpful)
• Nashua building permits:
  • Plans/drawings
  • Contractor license details for trades
  • Equipment specs (food hoods, grease traps)
• Nashua health license:
  • Menu
  • Equipment list
  • Floor plan
  • Food safety manager certificate plan
  • Commissary letter (mobile)
• Liquor/tobacco (if applicable):
  • Lease/deed
  • Floor plan
  • Entity documents
  • Background check materials

Who to Call: Verified Official Starting Points

To avoid outdated phone numbers, use these official contact pages. Each has current phones/emails.

What to Do, Step-by-Step (Condensed Checklist)

• Confirm your address and use with Nashua Planning.
• Form your NH entity (LLC/Corp) or register your trade name (DBA) via QuickStart.
• Apply for your free EIN from the IRS.
• Register with DRA on Granite Tax Connect for any taxes you must collect/file (Meals & Rooms, Communications, Tobacco, BPT/BET).
• For brick-and-mortar: submit building plans, coordinate Fire, and secure a Certificate of Occupancy.
• For food businesses: complete health plan review and licensing with Nashua DPHCS.
• For alcohol or tobacco: start state licensing early (NH Liquor Commission).
• For employees: register with NHES; secure workers’ comp; follow NHDOL rules.
• Order required posters and set calendar reminders for monthly/annual filings (e.g., April 1 annual report).

“What If” Scenarios and Plan B Options

• Your landlord promises “no permits needed.” This is a red flag. Always verify with Building Safety and Planning. If the space was used for a different purpose, you probably need permits and a new CO.
• Your contractor says the hood or grease interceptor is optional. Ask Fire and DPHCS in writing. If it’s required and you skip it, you won’t pass inspections.
• You can’t meet home occupation rules. Look for a small commercial space in a district that fits your use; Planning can suggest areas that work.
• You missed an M&R return. File as soon as possible via Granite Tax Connect and contact DRA about penalties and interest; they can explain options.

Extra Tips That Save Time and Money

• Book a pre-application meeting with Planning, Building, Fire, and Health. Ten minutes together can prevent months of delays.
• Bring complete drawings and equipment specs the first time. Incomplete plans trigger re-reviews.
• For signs, get landlord approval first and check district limits before you order a custom sign.
• Keep digital copies of every approval (permits, CO, health license) in one folder.

About This Guide

• Purpose: Provide an accurate, practical pathway to open and license a business in Nashua, NH, with direct official links, realistic timelines, and common pitfalls.
• Sources: Only official New Hampshire state and City of Nashua pages, plus well-established state agencies like the IRS and SBA partners (SBDC/CWE/APEX). Every claim that needs a number or rule points to an official source.
• Currency: Verified for availability as of August–September 2025 where possible. Fees and processes can change; always use the official links to confirm current amounts and requirements for your specific case.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information. Laws, fees, forms, and processes change. Always verify the latest requirements and amounts with the City of Nashua and the State of New Hampshire using the official links provided. If your situation is complex, consult a qualified attorney, accountant, or licensing specialist.