Business setup · Health & wellness
How to Open a Beauty Salon or Spa in Dubai
A beauty salon or spa in Dubai is a mainland business that needs a trade licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism and municipality health and safety approval of the premises before opening. If the salon offers medical or aesthetic treatments, such as injectables or laser procedures, it also needs a health facility licence from the Dubai Health Authority and licensed practitioners.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts
- Licence
- DET mainland licence for salon or spa services
- Premises approval
- Municipality health and safety standards
- Medical aesthetics
- DHA facility licence and licensed practitioners
- Tenancy
- Registered Ejari contract
- Customers
- Walk-in, so mainland is usual
What do you need to know first?
Salons serve walk-in customers, so they are normally licensed on the mainland with a registered tenancy. The premises must meet hygiene and safety standards for the services offered, and staff should hold any health or training certificates the municipality requires.
The line between beauty and medical aesthetics matters. Hair, nails and standard beauty services are licensed as a salon, but treatments classed as medical require a DHA-licensed facility and practitioners. Mixing the two without the right licence is a common cause of penalties.
Ladies’ salons and men’s barbershops are typically licensed as separate activities, and services such as massage or spa treatments can carry extra conditions. Listing every service you plan to offer at the start avoids licence amendments and failed inspections later.
Regulators
Which approvals are needed?
Where to set up
Which jurisdictions suit this activity?
Visas: Stylists and therapists need employment visas and any required health certificates. Visa capacity depends on premises.
Process
Step by step
-
01
Define services
Beauty-only or including medical aesthetics.
-
02
Initial approval
Trade name and DET initial approval.
-
03
Premises and fit-out
Lease, register Ejari and fit out to standards.
-
04
Municipality approval
Pass health and safety inspection.
-
05
DHA if medical
Facility licence and licensed practitioners for medical treatments.
Checklist
What should you prepare before applying?
Settle these before you pay any government fees.
- 01
Decide whether you will offer any medical or aesthetic treatments.
- 02
Choose a location with suitable plumbing, ventilation and access.
- 03
Fit out to municipality hygiene and safety standards.
- 04
Check staff certificate requirements before hiring.
- 05
Arrange insurance and product supplier records.
Frequently asked
Questions about beauty salon & spa in the UAE
Can I open a salon with a free zone licence?
Salons serving walk-in customers are generally licensed on the mainland with a DET licence.
Do I need DHA approval for a beauty salon?
Only if you offer medical or aesthetic treatments. Standard beauty services need a trade licence and municipality approvals; medical treatments need a DHA facility licence.
What approvals does a spa need?
A trade licence, municipality health and safety approval of the premises, and DHA licensing for any medical or therapeutic treatments classed as healthcare.
Do salon staff need certificates?
Staff may need health and training certificates required by the municipality. Check before hiring and opening.
Can I open a home-based beauty business in Dubai?
Home-based activities have specific rules, and salon services usually need approved commercial premises. Check the current home-business options before you start.
How do I add medical aesthetics later?
You would need a DHA health facility licence and licensed practitioners, which usually means separate approvals and premises standards.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Regulators update their rules. These are the authoritative references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
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