Gents salon license in the UAE

The gents salon license is an official authorization to operate a business in the field of men's grooming and hairstyling. This license legally permits offering a wide range of services, including haircuts, shaving, beard care, as well as various cosmetic and spa treatments for men, and is specifically designed for non-medical grooming and cosmetic services only.

At the same time, obtaining this license requires compliance with established standards. Special attention is given to the sterilization of tools, workplace organization, and regular inspections. Health and safety should be treated as a core part of the business plan, not just a one-time approval, as failure to meet these requirements may result in fines or suspension of the salon’s operations.

6 benefits of a gents salon license

1. Legal business operation

You can officially run a men’s grooming business without any legal risks.

2. Access to prime commercial locations

Ability to rent spaces in popular shopping malls, business centers, and prestigious neighborhoods, boosting customer flow and business reputation.

3. Visas for owners and employees

Business owners and their staff can obtain UAE residence visas, simplifying the hiring of qualified personnel and legal residency in the country.

4. Service expansion opportunities

You can add new services, such as spa treatments, skincare, manicures, and pedicures, increasing the business’s profitability. However, owners should match every planned service to a corresponding licensed activity and avoid promoting any treatment that is not expressly covered by the salon license.

5. Eligibility for tenders and government programs

The license grants the right to participate in business programs, grants, tenders, and to secure contracts with major hotels and resorts.

6. Tax and investment advantages

Businesses in the UAE benefit from low tax rates, no VAT on many services, and the ability to repatriate profits fully.

Main types of a gents salon license

Note: All types of salon licenses require employees to have valid Occupational Health Cards.

It is important to note that medical or invasive procedures, such as laser hair removal or injectable treatments, are prohibited under a standard license and require separate healthcare approvals from authorities like the DHA. Furthermore, services like full-body massages or Moroccan baths require separate categories and specific layout approvals.

6 steps to get a gents salon license in the UAE

1. Choose the business jurisdiction

Decide whether to register your gents salon on the UAE mainland or in a UAE free zone. Most operational gents salons in Dubai are licensed on the mainland under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to access the highest traffic retail and community locations. The mainland is ideal if you plan to serve clients across the entire emirate. Free zones offer a simpler and more cost-effective setup, but business activities are limited to the free zone’s territory. While free zones can act as a management entity, they do not replace the need for municipal health, safety, and layout approvals. Not all free zones have suitable spaces for salons, so choose city-based zones such as DMCC, Tecom, or Dubai Silicon Oasis.

2. Register a trade name

Apply to register your company name with the relevant economic department or free zone authority. The name must be unique and meet the official naming guidelines.

3. Prepare a business plan and required documents

Gather passport copies of the shareholders and manager, personal photos, a completed application form, a lease agreement (Ejari in Dubai or its equivalent in other emirates), or a letter of intent for renting a space. In some cases, a floor plan may also be required.

4. Obtain initial approval

Submit an application for initial approval to the relevant authority. At this stage, your chosen business activity will be reviewed for compliance with legal requirements.

5. Secure health and municipality approvals

Apply to the local municipality for a hygiene inspection. Submit your floor plan and demonstrate compliance with health and safety standards. The layout must include sufficient floor space, proper ventilation, and washable, non-absorbent wall and floor finishes. Separate zones must be designated for hair services and storage to ensure clean and used tools never mix. Additionally, all tools contacting skin must be sterilized between clients, and staff must follow strict hand-washing procedures and wear clean uniforms.

6. Pay the fees and receive your license

After obtaining all necessary approvals, pay the official registration and license issuance fees. Once completed, you will receive your gents salon license, allowing you to legally operate your business.

Typical gents salon setup costs in Dubai (2026)

Evaluating the budget is a crucial step for any investor, as the license is only one part of the initial investment.

• Licensing and government fees. A realistic DET license package, including trade name reservation, professional license fees (approx. AED 10,000–15,000), and an immigration card, typically ends up in the AED 18,000–25,000 range. Note that a market fee of 2.5–5% of the annual rent is also applicable.
• Premises and fit-out. Annual rent for a small neighborhood shop starts from AED 60,000–120,000, while a municipality-compliant interior fit-out can cost between AED 80,000 and AED 200,000+.
• Equipment and visas. A basic equipment package adds roughly AED 40,000–100,000, while owner and staff visas (including medical tests and Emirates IDs) cost several thousand dirhams per person.

Total investment ranges:

• Small residential barbershop: often starts from around AED 200,000 for a lean setup.
• Mid-range or premium grooming lounge: budgets frequently fall in the AED 300,000–500,000+ range.