Opening a beauty salon in Dubai is indeed an exciting business opportunity, but one must ensure that all Beauty Salon Licensing Requirements are in place to make it a completely legal entity having smooth operations that cannot be hampered by mismanagement of regulations and wrong permits. The salon could be fined, closed, or sued for operating without a proper license. This guide walks you through all major Beauty Salon Licensing Requirements in Dubai, from trade license to health and safety regulation so that you can effectively do away with time-consuming hurdles.

For a comprehensive overview of the salon business setup process, read our in-depth post on how to open a beauty salon in Dubai.

Trade License for Beauty Salon

To open a beauty salon in Dubai, you will need to obtain the appropriate licenses and approvals from the Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET or also known as DED) or Free Zone authority and other relevant authorities. The license for a beauty salon is a Professional License.  Additionally, you will need approval from Dubai Municipality and Department of Health and Public Safety.

Key Beauty Salon Licensing Requirements include:

1. Initial Approval – Submit initial documents (passport copies, photos, and visa documents to DET)
2. Trade Name Reservation – Choose unique name following naming guidelines
3. Location & Ejari – Finalize premises and register tenancy contract
4. Municipality Inspection (health & safety)

Business License Cost

• Trade License (DET or Free Zone): Initial license fees can range between AED 30,000-50,000 (varies by location and business activity). You can find a detailed breakdown of Beauty Salon Business Setup Costs in Dubai here.
• Trade licenses are valid for one year and require annual renewal

Requirements for Initial Approval and Trade Name

You will be required to reserve the name for your business and obtain the initial approval from DET or Free Zone authority prior to submitting an application for the trade license. This stage is to reserve your trade name and determine whether your commercial activity is allowed. You will have to visit DET or Free Zone authority with the initial set of documents, apply online.

Certain guidelines need to be followed while registering trade names in UAE, so one is compliant and does not risk get into trouble. These guidelines generally include not using offensive or inappropriate terms, ensuring alignment of the name to the business activities, and conforming to specifications concerning suffixes and legal forms.

Five key UAE Trade Name Registration Guidelines:

1. Avoid Offensive or Inappropriate Names: The name should not be obscene, indecent, or offensive to the general public or include names that may be offensive to religious or cultural sentiments.
2. Align with Business Activities: The name shall reflect the nature of your business operations and the type of activities you shall be undertaking.
3. Avoid Restrictions: Names containing names of rulers, government agencies, or government bodies, or those too similar to existing registered names are generally disallowed.
4. Ensure Uniqueness: The name must be unique, not registered by another company, or trademarked.
5. Avoid Religious and Political References: The names may not contain God’s names or divine attributes, nor should they imply political affiliation or leanings. 

Full list of Name reservation you may find here.

Location Requirement

Choosing the right location for a beauty salon in Dubai is extremely important and can significantly influence your salon’s success, customer traffic, and long-term profitability. The location has to be designated for commercial use. Residential properties can not be used legally for salon, unless the purpose of usage is amended to commercial.

Once location is secured you need to register a Tenancy Contract (Ejari) under your tradename

A well-chosen location ensures better visibility, easier compliance, and higher chances of attracting and retaining your ideal clients. Always conduct proper market research, consider long-term rental costs, and consult with licensing experts before finalizing your salon location.

Dubai Municipality Approvals: Crucial Beauty Salon Licensing Requirements

Once you have Initial Approval, Trade Name Reservation and Ejari in your hand, next step is getting approval from the Planning Section and the Health and Safety Division of the Dubai Municipality. Submit your passport, DET initial approval, Trade name reservation and Ejari to concern departments.

The Planning Department at Dubai Municipality will conduct inspections and will check the shop to ensure that premise is up to the following requirements:

• Signboard should be placed in the proper place
• Proper and sufficient lighting inside should be in the salon
• Furniture should be clean and neat
• Size of the dressing chairs as per the Dubai Municipality standards
• For beauty treatments such as pedicure, manicure, hair removing, and henna separate areas must be designated
• Washbasin must be installed in a dedicated area for facial treatments
• Use of fireproof materials is mandatory in the area designated for hair removal treatments
• There must be cupboards and drawers for cosmetics and towels.
• The beauty salon must have a water heater in place.

These inspections are a standard part of the Beauty Salon Licensing Requirements in Dubai and must be passed for final approval.

Staff Licensing and Health Card Requirements

Salon employees such as hairdressers, beauticians, nail technicians, and massage therapists are not required to hold licenses from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Ministry of Health (MOH). However, Cosmetology or beauty-related certificates are required for all technical staff. Staff should be qualified for the services they offer, such as hair styling, facials, nail care, waxing, or body treatments. Hiring certified professionals ensures not only legal compliance but also customer satisfaction and reduced risk of injury or malpractice.

Before beginning work, all salon staff must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized medical centre in Dubai. A fitness certificate is issued upon passing the test, which is essential for the next step – obtaining a health card.  Health card confirms that the staff member is medically fit to work in the personal care and grooming sector.

Hygiene and Safety Compliance

Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene is mandatory for all beauty salons operating in Dubai. The Dubai Municipality enforces strict rules to protect public health and ensure customer safety. Non-compliance can lead to fines, license suspension, or closure. Safety Division of Dubai Municipality will conduct inspections at the beauty salon to ensure that the salon fulfills guidelines on quality, public safety and hygiene control.

Common Licensing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Opening a beauty salon in Dubai involves several regulatory steps. While the Beauty Salon Licensing Requirements are clearly defined, many salon owners make critical mistakes that can lead to delays, extra costs, or even license rejection. Here are the most common licensing mistakes and how to avoid them.

1.     Choosing the Wrong Activity Code

Every trade license is linked to a specific business activity code. Selecting the wrong one such as “general trading” instead of “ladies salon” or “men’s grooming salon” can result in your license being invalid for the services you intend to offer

Avoid it by:

• Consulting the DET’s list of business activity codes specific to salons.
• Choosing activities that reflect all the services you plan to offer (e.g., hairdressing, nail care, facials, waxing).
• Getting guidance from a professional to ensure accuracy.

2.     Submitting Unapproved or Non-Compliant Layouts

Dubai Municipality has strict regulations on salon layout, including minimum floor area, partitioning, plumbing, and equipment placement. Submitting a layout that doesn’t meet these standards can cause delays in receiving approvals.

Avoid it by:

• Working with a licensed interior designer familiar with Dubai Municipality salon regulations.
• Submitting layout plans for approval before starting any fit-out or renovation work.
• Ensuring areas for each treatment (e.g., hair, nails, waxing) are clearly defined and separate where required.

3.     Incomplete or Incorrect License Applications

One of the most frequent errors is submitting applications that are missing documents, contain incorrect details, or fail to meet official requirements.

Avoid it by:

• Carefully reviewing all documentation requirements from the DET
• Making sure all fields in the application form are complete and accurate.
• Double-checking trade name, contact details, and business activity descriptions before submission.

4.     Underestimating the Role of Business Consultants

Many new entrepreneurs attempt to handle the licensing process on their own, only to face issues due to a lack of local knowledge. Misunderstanding legal procedures or missing a step in the approval chain can be costly.

Avoid it by:

• Hiring a reputable business setup consultant or PRO service that specializes in salon licensing.
• Letting them assist with document preparation, application submissions, and municipality coordination.
• Benefiting from their knowledge to streamline the process and avoid penalties.

Are you ready to meet all the Beauty Salon Licensing Requirements and start your beauty salon journey in Dubai? Our experienced team ensures a smooth process by handling all the requirements, DET and DM approval and legal regulations on your behalf. We are your transparent partner, guaranteeing a successful and smooth setting up of your dream beauty salon in Dubai.

FAQs