Everything You Need to Know About Obtaining a Barbering and Beauty Salon License in Saudi Arabia
Opening a barber shop or beauty center in Saudi Arabia requires official licenses from the Ministry of Commerce, the Municipality, and the Ministry of Health. In this article, we provide you with the complete steps and requirements.
Responsible Authorities for Licensing
The first thing to know is that opening a salon or beauty center requires approval from three main authorities:
- Ministry of Commerce — to issue the commercial register and approve the activity
- Municipality — to issue the municipal license for commercial activities (operating license)
- Ministry of Health — for health supervision and sterilization (especially for women’s barber shops and beauty salons)
Basic Licensing Requirements
To obtain the license, you must meet the following requirements:
- Commercial Register: The activity must be registered under the name “Men’s Barber Shop” or “Women’s Beauty Center”
- Premises Location: Must comply with municipal requirements in terms of area and location — minimum 25 square meters for the salon
- Health Requirements: Provision of sterilization tools for each client, disinfectants, single-use gloves
- Ventilation and Lighting: Suitable ventilation system and adequate lighting for the premises
- Workforce Permit: Salon workers must have valid health certificates
Steps for Electronic Application
Everything today is done electronically via the Baladi platform:
1. Go to the Baladi platform (balady.gov.sa)
2. Select “Issue a commercial activity license”
3. Upload the required documents (Commercial Register, premises plan, conformity certificate)
4. Pay the fees — starting from 200 SAR for the municipal license for the first year
5. After approval, download the electronic license
Difference Between Men’s Barber Shops and Women’s Beauty Centers
- Men’s Barber Shop: Requires a municipal permit and a health certificate for workers. Allows barbering, cutting, and machine shaving
- Women’s Beauty Center: Requires approval from the Ministry of Health in addition to the municipality. Requires the presence of a qualified health supervisor. Larger area (no less than 50 square meters)
Fines and Violations
Operating without a license exposes you to:
- A fine starting from 10,000 SAR
- Closure of the premises
- Deprivation of licensing for one year
Estimated Licensing Fees
- Commercial Register: 1,200 SAR (first year)
- Municipal License: 200 – 500 SAR annually
- Health Certificate for Workers: 0 SAR (provided free of charge in some municipalities)
- Ministry of Health Permit (for women’s beauty centers): Varies by activity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a scientific qualification to open a barber shop?
A: You do not need a university degree, but the barber must have a valid health certificate.
Q: What is the cost of opening a complete barber shop?
A: The cost varies depending on the location, but the estimate starts from 30,000 SAR, including equipment and licenses.
Q: Are women allowed to open a men’s barber shop?
A: No, licensing is gender-specific — men’s barber shops are licensed for men, and women’s beauty centers are licensed for women.
Q: How can I check if a salon is licensed before visiting?
A: Use the “Baladi” app or check the advertising board — every licensed premises must display the municipal license in a visible place.
Q: Do I need an additional license if I add new services like laser?
A: Yes — adding services such as laser or electrolysis requires a Ministry of Health license as a health facility.
Published by: toly.today — Your comprehensive guide to government services in Saudi Arabia
