Opening a hair salon is a creative and courageous decision, but it's also a planning exercise where many details must be considered. Before even thinking about your first client or the style that will define your salon, there's a crucial step that makes all the difference: obtaining the necessary permits. hairdressing license.
Therefore, in this guide you will discover how the process of obtaining it in Spain really works, what factors influence its cost and how to prepare yourself to avoid mistakes that often delay the opening.
What is a Hairdressing License And why is it necessary?
Definition and legal requirements to practice hairdressing
When we talk about hairdressing licenseThis usually refers to the municipal opening and operating license, or the equivalent system of responsible declaration or prior notification, depending on the case. In other words, it's the permit that certifies that the premises and the activity meet the required urban planning and technical requirements before opening to the public.
In addition to the above, you also have general obligations such as complying with minimum workplace health and safety regulations, which affect lighting, order, cleanliness, and the condition of the premises. While these aren't exclusive to hairdressing salons, they are part of the standard that a technician and the local council typically review when processing and verifying a business activity.
The importance of having a license to operate legally
Having the license puts you on the safe side from day one. In practice, it means you can open with administrative backing and, if an inspection occurs, you can prove that the business started following the procedures established by your local council.
How much does it cost to get the Hairdressing License?
Price of a hairdressing licenseWhat factors influence this?
The first factor is the municipality, because each town hall sets its own fees and procedures, which affects both timelines and costs. The second is the type of procedure, since a formal license with a complete project plan is not the same as a self-declaration with sufficient technical documentation, when the case falls under that category.
The third factor is the premises themselves, as they require renovations for ventilation, accessibility, electrical installations, and fire protection. Consequently, the budget increases more due to the construction work than the fee.
Additional costs to consider when applying for the license
In addition to the fee, the cost of the technician who prepares the report or project is usually included, and sometimes the professional association's endorsement when required. These steps are part of the standard process described in many guides for obtaining an opening and operating license, and it's advisable to include them in the budget from the beginning to avoid running short.
On the other hand, there are start-up costs that are not the license itself, but are usually associated with it, such as insurance, risk prevention, and choosing the business activity code when registering. In hairdressing, the Spanish Tax Agency uses code 972.1 as the reference for hairdressing services for men and women.
Steps to Obtain the Hairdressing License
Prerequisites for applying for a license
So,How to obtain a hairdressing licenseWell, before submitting anything, you should verify that the use of the premises allows a hair salon, because if the urban planning does not allow it, the rest of the effort falls apart.
At the same time, it is advisable to check the condition of the space, since safety, ventilation, distribution and compliance with workplace conditions influence what a technician will be able to certify.
Documents required for the application
Just like the price of a hairdressing licenseThe documentation also varies. However, it usually revolves around a common core. Generally, it includes:
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Identification of the holder.
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Proof of the right to use the premises.
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Technical report or project according to the procedure.
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Proof of payment of fees
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And, where applicable, certificates of facilities or adaptations.
The essential thing is that everything tells the same story and there are no contradictions between the plans, the activity, and the reality of the premises. Also, if the city council accepts a declaration of responsibility, you will usually submit that declaration along with technical documentation that supports compliance.
Administrative process to obtain the hairdressing license
In a typical process, a qualified technician first prepares the report or project, then submits it to the town hall along with the corresponding fees, and, depending on the case, either a decision is awaited or the activity begins under the responsible declaration system. Simultaneously, the town hall may carry out subsequent checks, and if it finds any non-compliance, it will require you to correct it.
Tips and Recommendations to Facilitate the Process
Avoid common mistakes when applying for a license
A common mistake is signing off on construction projects or purchasing large equipment without first verifying the city council's and the technician's approval, because this often leads to layout, accessibility, or installation issues. It's also frequent to submit disjointed documentation, with plans that don't match the actual premises, and this usually results in requests for information that can waste weeks.
Another mistake is minimizing the operational aspect, as if the license only covers the walls. In reality, how you work influences hygiene, safety, and organization, so it's advisable to align basic protocols with industry best practices and maintain internal records demonstrating that the business is prepared to operate in an orderly manner.
How to speed up obtaining a license
The most effective way to accelerate obtaining the hairdressing license It's about reducing uncertainty from the very beginning. That's why, when you work with a technician who knows the local procedures and submit a complete application, you avoid the chain of corrections that usually lengthens the process more than the administrative procedure itself.
It also helps to choose a location that has already housed a similar business or that requires minimal adaptation, since structural changes are often the bottleneck. And if your case falls under the self-declaration process, submitting all the necessary technical documentation in a well-prepared manner will allow you to get started more quickly.
Benefits of Having the Hairdressing License
Access to financing and government aid
Many financing options and some grants require that the business be properly registered and operating legally, and a municipal license is part of that picture. So, when you can demonstrate that the establishment complies and that the activity is properly registered, you reduce friction in the paperwork they will request, especially if you are looking to invest in renovations, equipment, or expansion.
Legal security for your business
Finally, legal certainty becomes apparent when critical moments arise. An inspection, a complaint, an accident, or a conflict with neighbors are all handled more effectively when your paperwork is properly prepared and your premises are compliant, because you can demonstrate compliance and act quickly if specific adjustments are requested.
Now you know! how to obtain a hairdressing license In Spain! As you've seen, the process is simpler when you approach it as something technical and not as a last-minute formality.
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