Business License Costs in Wisconsin
General business license fees in Wisconsin range from $20 to $300 per year, set by each municipality. Most cities charge $50 to $150 for a standard business license.
A General Business License in Wisconsin costs between $20 and $300, with a state average of $75. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Municipality and local fee schedule
- Type of business (some categories have higher fees)
- Business size (number of employees or revenue in some cities)
- New application vs. annual renewal
- Whether additional specialized licenses are required
Cost by Municipality
General Business License fees across Wisconsin municipalities. Fees are based on official fee schedules and may vary by project scope.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | General business license $50–$150/year depending on business type. Additional specialized licenses for specific industries. Online application available. | -33% below avg |
| City of Madison | General business license $50–$200/year. Some business types require additional specialized licenses. Renewal reminders sent annually. | -33% below avg |
| City of Green Bay | General business license $40–$125/year. Straightforward application process. Most licenses processed within 1–2 weeks. | -47% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | General business license $40–$100/year. Additional fees for regulated industries (food, alcohol, entertainment). | -47% below avg |
| City of Racine | General business license $35–$100/year. Among the more affordable business license fees in southeastern Wisconsin. | -53% below avg |
| City of Appleton | General business license $30–$100/year. Quick processing. Online renewal available for existing businesses. | -60% below avg |
| City of Waukesha | General business license $50–$150/year. New business applications may require a zoning compliance check. | -33% below avg |
| City of Oshkosh | General business license $25–$75/year. One of the more affordable business license costs in the state. | -67% below avg |
Fee data is sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified quarterly. Fees shown may represent base rates — actual costs depend on project valuation and scope. Use the Fee Calculator for project-specific estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all businesses in Wisconsin need a business license?
Most Wisconsin municipalities require all businesses operating within city limits to hold a general business license. However, some very small home-based businesses may be exempt depending on the municipality. There is no statewide general business license in Wisconsin — it is entirely a municipal requirement. Even if your municipality does not require a general license, you may still need specialized licenses depending on your industry.
What is the difference between a business license and a seller's permit?
A business license is issued by your municipality and gives you permission to operate a business in that city. A seller's permit is issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and is required for businesses that sell taxable goods — it authorizes you to collect and remit sales tax. Most retail and food businesses need both. The seller's permit is free; the business license has an annual fee.
Do I need a separate business license for each city I operate in?
If your business has a physical presence or operates in multiple municipalities, you may need a business license from each one. Service contractors who work in multiple cities typically need to check each municipality's requirements — some require contractor registration even if your main office is elsewhere. Delivery and online-only businesses generally only need a license where they are physically located.
Need permit costs for every project?
Access real-time fee data across all Wisconsin municipalities. Know the exact cost before you bid, and get notified when fee schedules change.