Portland, OR Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Massage therapy in Oregon is a state-regulated profession. ORS 687.021 makes it unlawful to 'engage in or purport to engage in the practice of massage' without a license issued by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT), and to operate a massage facility without an OBMT-issued facility permit. The exception under ORS 687.059 allows an individual licensed therapist working alone out of their own home to skip the facility permit. Licensing requires: graduation from a 625-hour approved program, passing the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination) or NCETMB, a criminal background check, and completion of continuing education for renewal. License fees are set by OBMT at OAR Chapter 334. Portland itself does NOT issue a separate massage establishment license; the city's general Business License Tax (PCC Title 7.02) and Multnomah County Business Income Tax apply to any massage business, and the location must comply with Portland zoning (Title 33) -- 'Personal Service' uses are generally permitted in commercial and mixed-use zones. Local police retain authority to investigate prostitution offenses (ORS 167.007, ORS 167.012) regardless of OBMT licensure status. Portland does not regulate adult-massage parlors via a separate licensing scheme; OBMT and Portland Police are the enforcement bodies.