Permits for a Contractor in Salem, Oregon

A contractor in Salem, Oregon needs 6 permits including city business license / business tax registration, construction contractors board (ccb) license, unemployment insurance registration, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.

We found 6 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.

6 permits found

For a Contractor in Salem, OR

Business License (2)Employment (2)Tax (2)

Business License

City Business License / Business Tax Registration
City Revenue Division·OR (state-level)
Business License

Most Oregon cities require a business license or business tax registration. Portland requires a business license for all businesses with Portland-sourced income. Other cities have similar requirements with varying fee structures.

$1 - $5 (varies by city; Portland charges $100 + percentage of net income)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Penalties for operating without a business license vary by city. Late fees and interest accrue on delinquent registrations. ($1 - $10)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Construction Contractors Board (CCB) License
Oregon Construction Contractors Board·OR (state-level)
Business License

All contractors performing work in Oregon must be licensed by the Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Requires passing an exam, obtaining a surety bond ($15,000–$25,000 depending on type), and maintaining liability insurance. License fee is $400 (as of 2026).

$4 - $4 (flat fee; bond and insurance costs additional)
Renewal: Every 2 years
Processing: ~14 days
Performing contractor work without a CCB license is a Class A misdemeanor. First offense fine up to $5,000. CCB may issue stop-work orders. ($10 - $50)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Employment

Unemployment Insurance Registration
Oregon Department of Labor / Workforce Agency·OR (state-level)
Employment

Employers in Oregon must register for unemployment insurance with the state workforce agency. Required once the business has employees.

$0 - $0 (no registration fee; tax rate varies by experience rating)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register for unemployment insurance can result in penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. ($1 - $50)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Workers' Compensation Division·OR (state-level)
Employment

Oregon requires workers' compensation insurance for all employers with one or more employees. Must be obtained from a licensed insurance carrier or through SAIF Corporation (state-owned insurer). Self-insurance available for qualifying large employers. Regulated by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.

$5 - $50 (Annual premium varies by classification and payroll. Restaurant/bar: $1.50–$3.50 per $100 of payroll.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Operating without workers' compensation is a Class IV felony. Penalties include fines up to $250 per day uninsured. Employer is personally liable for all claim costs. ($3 - $500)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Tax

Oregon Business Registry Filing
Oregon Secretary of State / Department of Revenue·OR (state-level)
Tax

All businesses must register with the Oregon Secretary of State and the Department of Revenue. Oregon has no sales tax but imposes a Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) of 0.57% on commercial activity exceeding $1 million. Registration is also required for state income tax withholding.

$1 - $1 (flat filing fee; varies by entity type (LLC $100, Corp $100))
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~5 days
Failure to file annual report results in administrative dissolution or revocation. Late filing penalties apply. ($0 - $10)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Oregon Withholding Tax Registration
Oregon Department of Revenue / Taxation·OR (state-level)
Tax

Employers in Oregon must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration required before first payroll.

$0 - $0 (no registration fee)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register for withholding can result in penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. ($1 - $50)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Don't forget these deadlines

Save this checklist to your dashboard. We'll email you before each permit expires so you never get hit with a late penalty.

From $12/month

Total penalty exposure

$15 – $670

if you skip or miss these permits

Based on published penalty schedules. Your actual fines may differ depending on your city or county.

Save this checklist & get help filing

Save this checklist

Get this full permit list in your inbox. Handy when you're actually filling out applications.

Need help with the filing process?

Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend services we'd use ourselves.

Prove you're compliant. Share it with anyone.

Your compliance packet is a one-page proof that every permit is current. Send it to your landlord, insurer, or lender.

Riverside Bar & Grill

Austin, TX

94%
Liquor LicenseActive
Business LicenseActive
Health PermitActive
Fire Safety InspectionExpiring Soon
Sign PermitApplied
Verified by PermitDue — as of March 15, 2026
permitdue.com/packet/a3f8...

Who asks for this?

Landlords
Insurers
Lenders
Franchise HQs

Check another location

Related permit checklists

Related Articles