Relocating to Arlington:
An 8-Step Checklist to Locating Your Business in Arlington
Click on the step for more information.
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The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) regulates more than
30 occupations and professions through 19 boards composed of practitioners and citizens appointed
by the Governor. DPOR licenses or certifies over 300,000 individuals and businesses ranging from
architects and contractors to cosmetologists and professional wrestlers.
If you believe your industry sector is regulated by the state, visit
DPOR’s Web site. You’ll be able to download
the appropriate forms and register to take courses.
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The location of your business is extremely crucial to the success of your business. There is
a formula which can aid you in securing your leased space. There are 3 types of zoned business
locations in Arlington: home-based, retail or
commercial.
Home-Based Business
If you are planning to start a business in your home you must
fill out a
home occupancy permit through the Arlington County Zoning Office as well as a parking space
disclosure. There is no additional cost associated acquiring a home occupancy permit.
Note: If you reside in an apartment building check with your leasing agent to ensure there are no
restrictions in operating a business out of your rental unit.
If you need to lease space in Arlington it is highly recommended you speak with Arlington Economic
Development, hire a broker and start six months to one year in advance. Space is highly competitive
and the old adage that the early bird catches the worm is entirely true in these circumstances.
Before you speak with a broker, make sure you know how much space you need and the amount you can
afford per square foot. This is where the business plan comes in handy!
Retail Business
Construction Permit
When do you need a Permit?
The Permit Process (PDF file; Adobe Acrobat required)
Certificate of Occupancy
Signage
Does your business involve food?
Click here
Commercial Business
Construction Permit
When do you need a Permit?
The Permit Process (PDF file; Adobe Acrobat required)
Certificate of Occupancy
Signage
Recycling
A business is required by law to recycle the two recyclable materials it generates in the greatest
quantities. They must submit a recycling plan with DES within thirty days of receiving a Certificate of
Occupancy and have an operational recycling program in place within ninety days. Forms are available
online. If a business qualifies for a Home Occupancy Permit, it is exempt from this requirement. For
additional information contact:
Department of Environmental Services Solid Waste Division
4300 S. 29th Street, Arlington, Virginia 22206
703-228-6570
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A Fictitious Trade Name is required to be filed when a business is operating
under an assumed name. If the company is incorporated with the State of Virginia and is doing business in
Arlington County under the corporate name, the company does not have to register the name on county level.
If the company is incorporated in a different state, then it must register with the State Corporation
Commission in Richmond Virginia as a foreign corporation.
There are three types of Fictitious Trade Name applications:
- Individual
- Partnership
- Corporation
If a company is incorporated with the State of Virginia and is doing business in Arlington County
under a fictitious name, the Company must register the fictitious trade names on county level.
The Arlington County Circuit Court will administer your official trade name.
Locate forms to submit
to the Clerk of Court’s Office.
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The Business License is the way you pay for your local taxes.
Business License Tax
The Commissioner of Revenue assesses Arlington County business privilege license taxes on business
conducted in Arlington County, including home-based businesses. Applications for licenses must be filed
by March 1 of each year or within 75 days from the day a business commences operations.
Business Tangible Personal Property Tax
Arlington County levies a tax on tangible personal property located in Arlington on January 1 and
used in a trade or business. This includes items such as furniture, fixtures, machinery, tools, and
programmable computer equipment. Businesses must itemize personal property and/or equipment, giving its
date of acquisition and original purchase price. You must file a return by May 1; payment is due by
September 15. Business tangible personal property tax is not prorated if you should cease business
during the year.
Other Business Taxes
The following taxes are levied on industry specific activities:
Short-Term Rental Tax applies to certain rental businesses such as video rental stores.
Transient Occupancy Tax applies to hotel, motel, or tourist home room or space rentals.
Meals, Food, and Beverage Tax must be charged by a seller for prepared foods sold in Arlington.
Obtain local tax forms.
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Local Contracting
Arlington County Government is a Central Purchasing Agency.
Register your business to receive emails regarding upcoming business opportunities
in your company’s field of expertise.
State Contracting
The Commonwealth of Virginia as well as many local jurisdictions in Virginia use the
state’s purchasing engine. The Commonwealth
spends approximately $8 billion a year in the purchase of goods and services. There is a fee to
participate in this service.
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Arlington Employment Center
One of Arlington’s best kept secrets for business owners is the Arlington Employment Center.
This Arlington County department can help you find the right employees without paying a fee.
Click here to learn more.
Workforce Services – State of Virginia Programs
The Workforce Services division of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance provides customized
recruiting and training services to companies that are creating new jobs or experiencing technological
change. As a business development incentive supporting economic development efforts throughout Virginia,
the program reduces the human resource development costs of new and expanding companies throughout the
Commonwealth of Virginia. Workforce Services offers consulting services, organizational development
support, electronic media services, and funding. With strong support from the Governor and the General
Assembly, Workforce Services' programs are completely state-funded, demonstrating Virginia's commitment
to enhancing job opportunities for its citizens.
Learn if you’re eligible to benefit from Workforce Services Programs.
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