Requirements for opening a beauty salon: qualifications, paperwork and process

The beautician qualification

Providing treatments requires a beautician qualification (a 2-3 year programme plus professional certification); you can own a salon without this qualification only if those providing treatments are qualified.

Rules on professional certification and required experience vary between regions: before signing any lease or franchise agreement, check your regional regulations with the local council or an adviser.

The administrative process step by step

The typical process: VAT and INPS/INAIL registration, checking premises requirements, submitting a SCIA to the local council, notifying local health authorities where required, registering with the Business Register.

• VAT registration with the correct business activity code and social security registrations.
• Premises meeting health, hygiene and safety requirements (ceiling height, ventilation, drainage).
• SCIA submission to the local council before opening.
• Local health authority checks and occupancy approval in line with local regulations.
• Privacy: privacy notices and consent for client records and before/after photos.

Realistic timelines

Between choosing premises, building work and paperwork, opening generally takes 3 to 6 months: building work is almost always the longest stage, not the bureaucracy.

Practical advice: start your marketing (social media page, Google profile, waiting list) while the work is still underway, so your appointment book is not empty on opening day.