Does Pennsylvania require any license or permit to operate a business?

Pennsylvania does not have a general business license at the state level. However, businesses need to be aware of certain occupational license requirements as well as municipal licenses that may be required depending on the type of business or where it is located within the state. Certain occupations, such as barbers, engineers, pharmacists, real estate brokers, etc., do require licenses to operate in Pennsylvania. Also, certain municipalities, such as Philadelphia, require businesses to obtain a license to do business within their boundaries. As used here, the term municipality includes cities, boroughs, townships, and counties.