Opening a Salon in Dubai - License Cost & Estimate

Do you dream of opening your own beauty salon in Dubai? Well, it’s a smart move! The beauty industry in Dubai is booming, with over 4,000 salons already operating, and the numbers keep growing. Why? Because people in Dubai love self-care and looking their best! In this article, we will walk you through the legal steps to open your salon, whether it's for men, women, or children. Each type has different rules and approvals from the Dubai Municipality, and we’ll explain all of that right here.

We'll also break down the costs involved in setting up a salon, from license fees to rental expenses, so you can plan your investment effectively. If you have any questions you can reach out to us.

Let’s dive into the process of opening a salon in Dubai mainland and get you ready for success! Is the Salon Business Profitable?

Yes, it definitely is! Salons are always in demand because people always need grooming services. But here’s something important to remember: location matters. If you pick the right spot, your salon will have a better chance of attracting customers and growing your business.

A good location can be the difference between a salon that just survives and one that thrives.

List of Permissions Needed to Open a Salon in Dubai

To get started with your salon, you’ll need a few key permissions. Here’s what you need to know:

Mainland License: You’ll need a business license to operate legally. The type of license depends on whether your salon is for men, women, or children. The initial process of obtaining a trade license or to setup a company in discussed in detail here.

Location and Layout Approval: Before setting up your salon, you must get approval from Dubai Municipality. They’ll check your salon’s layout to make sure it follows health and safety guidelines.

Health and Safety Department Approval: Dubai Municipality’s health and safety team will also inspect your salon to ensure it meets their strict hygiene standards.

Steps to Get a Salon License

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the salon licensing process in Dubai:

1. Get Trade Name Approval: First, you’ll need to choose a name for your salon and get it approved. The name should align with Dubai’s naming rules.
2. Initial Approval: After getting your trade name, you’ll need initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
3. Select a Location: Once you have initial approval, find the perfect spot for your salon. Remember, location is key!
4. Lease Agreement: Sign a lease for your salon space. You’ll need this document for further approvals.
5. Interior Setup: Your salon’s interior must follow Dubai Municipality’s rules (we’ll discuss these in detail below).
6. Municipality Approval: Once your interior is set up, you’ll need an inspection from Dubai Municipality to get their final approval.
7. Final Trade License: After all the approvals, you can apply for your business trade license and start operating!

Your Documents Required to Open a Salon

Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Passport Copy: For all business owners and partners.
• Emirates ID or Visit Visa Entry Stamp: Proof of your legal status in the UAE.
• Lease Agreement: Your signed rental contract for the salon space.
• Salon Layout Plan: You’ll need this for Dubai Municipality approval.
• Dubai Municipality NOC Certificate: After the final inspection, you’ll get this certificate to proceed with your trade license.

License Cost to open a Salon

The total cost of license is only AED 15000 approx. But if you need visa for yourself and your staff then the cost will increase. It is estimated that AED 18000 is required for license with one visa. Also, salon rent is not included in the license cost. Rent is dependent on the location you select. Here is the breakdown of license cost with one Visa.

Updated Information for Opening a Salon (As of 25th January 2025):

Name Approval: AED 735
Initial Approval: AED 230
MOA (Memorandum of Association): AED 450
License Fee: Approx. AED 15,000 + 5% of total office/shop rent
Establishment Card: AED 580
Compliance & Documentation Charges: AED 4,000 + VAT

For a detailed cost breakdown, contact CSPzone today! Chat with us live or email us at info@cspzone.com for expert assistance.

Required Documents:

Clear Passport Copy
Visa Copy
Emirates ID (EID)
Mobile Number
Email ID

DM approval required.

In total, the approximate cost to open a salon is around AED 18,000 - 20000, excluding rent.

Also, we have shared a detailed information on minimum investment to start a business in Dubai.

Municipality Guidelines for Salon Interior and Layout

Your salon’s interior must follow strict guidelines set by Dubai Municipality. Here’s a quick overview of what’s required:

• Sound Construction: Your salon space must be sturdy and well-built.
• Ceiling Height: The ceiling should be at least 2.3 metres high.
• Chair Spacing: Keep a 1-metre distance between hairdressing/makeup chairs and a 0.5-metre distance between manicure/pedicure chairs.
• Wall Spacing: Ensure there’s at least a 0.5-metre distance between chairs and the walls.
• Minimum Area: A two-chair salon should be at least 3 metres by 4 metres in size.
• Separate Treatment Areas: Make sure there are distinct areas for different beauty services.

How CSPzone Can Help You

At CSPzone, we’re here to make setting up your salon in Dubai as easy as possible. We’ve helped countless business owners get their salon licenses and meet all the necessary requirements. Whether you need help with approvals, documents, or legal processes, we’ve got you covered. Contact our experienced team today to get started on your dream salon!