Massage

We explain what to know to start a new massage or bodywork business.

Overview

A business offering massage services to customers.

Massage and bodywork is any method of using hands or devices to external parts of the human body:  

  • Apply pressure on or friction against
  • Rub, stroke, knead, tap or roll

It may include the use of:

  • Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, liniment or ointment
  • Antiseptic oil, powder, cream or lotion

It includes but is not limited to many manual therapies, such as:

  • Asian bodywork therapies
  • Massage therapy
  • Movement therapies

In this section

Hands massaging arm

What to know

Before you begin

Look at our information about: 

Disclaimer

Information on this page should be considered guidelines. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.

Requirements

Read the requirements

Types of massage businesses

See types of massage businesses

Fee

Find your license fee
See lines 2 and 3.

Requirements

  • Massage businesses must have a license.
  • Massage therapists do not need a license in Minneapolis.

You do not need a license for:

  • Chiropractic or physical therapy
  • Surgery, osteopathy or podiatry

Disciplinary history

You must include your disciplinary history with your application. You can get a copy from the Mn Dept of Health Office of Unlicensed Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practice (CAP). 

Request disciplinary history

You may also use this information for your employees and independent contractors.

Plan review

You must submit plans for any new or remodeled massage business.

See massage plan review application and guide

Contact us

Business Licenses & Consumer Services

Community Planning & Economic Development

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday – Thursday

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday

Environmental Health

Minneapolis Health Department

Phone

612-673-2301

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 520
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Minneapolis 311

Phone

311 or 612-673-3000

Relay service

612-673-3000

Hours

7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday – Friday

See list of City holidays