Thinking about opening your own beauty salon in Canada? Whether you're a certified esthetician or an entrepreneur with a passion for self-care spaces, starting a salon takes more than just a creative vision. You’ll need to follow the rules, check off paperwork, and be sure your business is set up the right way. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to legally open and operate a beauty salon in Canada—without the fluff or confusing jargon.

1. Who Can Legally Open a Beauty Salon in Canada?

Starting a beauty salon in Canada is open to a wide range of people—but there are a few key qualifications you need to meet before you can legally operate.

Minimum age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to legally register a business and sign contracts in Canada.

Legal status requirement:

 · Canadian citizens and permanent residents (PR) are free to open a salon without restrictions.

 · Temporary residents, including those on open work permits, Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), or through provincial nominee programs (PNP), may also start a business—but it’s important to confirm the specific terms of your visa with IRCC or a qualified immigration consultant.

Business immigration routes: If you're not a citizen or PR, some provinces offer business or investor pathways that allow you to launch a salon legally. For example, British Columbia and Ontario both have programs under the PNP stream. More info: Start a Business in Canada – IRCC

Do I need a beauty license to own a salon?No, you don’t need to be a licensed esthetician to own a beauty salon in Canada. Many successful salon owners focus on business operations while hiring certified professionals to deliver services. However, if you plan to offer treatments yourself, then you’ll need proper training and certifications (see Section 4).

What about criminal record checks?While there’s no universal criminal background check required to open a salon, some provinces or municipalities may request one when applying for a business license—especially if the salon operates in shared or residential spaces.

Important note: Even if you’re not personally performing beauty services, as an owner, you're still responsible for ensuring your team is certified (where required) and that your salon follows public health standards. Learn more about compliance in Ontario’s Personal Services Settings Guide.

Quick checklist: Can you legally open a salon in Canada?

✅ Are you 18 or older?

✅ Are you a Canadian citizen, PR, or visa holder with the right to start a business?

✅ Will you hire certified staff (if you’re not performing services yourself)?

✅ Have you reviewed your municipal business licensing requirements?

If you answered yes to these, you're legally good to go!

2. Registering Your Business

You can’t just rent a space and start taking clients—you need to officially register your salon as a legal business. This ensures you're operating under Canadian law and helps you build credibility with suppliers, banks, and customers.

Step-by-step guide:

1.Choose your business structure:

Learn more at the Canada Business website.

· Sole proprietorship: Simple and low-cost. You're the sole owner and personally responsible for all debts and obligations.

 · Partnership: Two or more owners share responsibilities and profits. You’ll need a clear written agreement.

 · Corporation: A legal entity separate from its owners. Offers limited liability, tax flexibility, and easier access to capital—but comes with more paperwork and costs.

2.Register your business name:

 · Ontario Business Registry

 · Alberta Corporate Registry

 · BC Registry Services

 · You can register online through your province's portal. For example:

If you’re using your full legal name, you may not need to register a separate business name. But if you’re operating under a brand (like “Glow Room Studio”), registration is required.

3.Apply for a Business Number (BN) from CRA:

GST/HST

Payroll (if you hire employees)

Import/export account (if ordering salon products internationally)

This is your official tax ID and is required to interact with the government.

You can register for free online at the CRA Business Registration.

The BN allows you to register for:

4.Register for GST/HST (if needed):

 · If your salon’s annual revenue exceeds $30,000, you must register to collect GST/HST.




 · Even if your revenue is below that, registering early can help you claim input tax credits on business expenses like equipment or furniture.

5.Additional permits (if applicable):

 · A zoning certificate

 · A signage permit

 · Import licenses (for bulk salon supplies)

In some provinces or cities, you may also need:

Real-life tip: Many provinces now offer bundled services so you can register your business, get a BN, and apply for provincial tax accounts in one place.

Helpful resources:

 · Business Registration Online – CRA

 · Canada Business Startup Guide

Common mistake to avoid: Don’t skip business name registration just because you’re a sole proprietor. If you want to brand yourself professionally, register your trade name and secure your domain and social handles at the same time.

3. Business License & Public Health Compliance

No matter how small your salon is, you need permission to operate from your city or town.

Step 1: Municipal Business License

Visit your city’s official website (e.g., City of Toronto Licenses).

Requirements differ by location, but you’ll likely need:

 · Proof of address (lease or ownership)

 · Business registration documents

 · A floor plan of your space

 · Fire safety inspection (sometimes)

Step 2: Zoning Approval

Your salon location must be in a zone that allows personal care services.

Residential or mixed-use buildings may have restrictions. Always check before signing a lease.

You can search zoning rules via city planning departments or online zoning maps (e.g., Vancouver Zoning).

Step 3: Public Health Inspection

Your local public health unit will inspect your salon to ensure you meet sanitation and infection control standards.

Common requirements:

 · Closed storage for clean towels and tools

 · Approved disinfectants for multi-use tools

 · Clean hand-washing stations

 · Sharps disposal (if offering waxing or microneedling)

Reference link: Ontario Personal Service Settings Guidelines

Pro tip: Book your inspection a few weeks before your planned opening. If something needs fixing, you’ll have time to make adjustments.

4. Esthetician Certification & Training (If You’ll Be Performing Services)

If you’re planning to provide any hands-on services, like facials, lash lifts, or nail work, you’ll need proper training.

Where to get certified:

 · Canadian Beauty College (Ontario)

 · Blanche Macdonald Centre (BC)

 · MC College (AB, SK, MB)

 · Aveda Institute (nationwide)

What a good program should cover:

 · Practical hands-on hours

 · Theory (skin care, anatomy, safety)

 · Infection prevention and control

 · Provincial safety standards

Provincial differences:

 · Ontario and Quebec: No provincial license needed for most esthetics, but your training must be from a recognized institution.

 · Alberta and BC: May require you to register as a tradesperson or meet licensing standards for medical aesthetics or lasers.

Helpful link: BeautyCouncil of Canada – For updated info and voluntary certifications.

5. Choosing & Preparing Your Salon Location

Things to look for in a commercial space:

 · Zoned for personal care services (check with your city)

 · Ventilation, plumbing, and lighting that meets health regulations

 · Visibility from the street, foot traffic, and parking availability

Lease considerations:

 · Ask if renovations are allowed

 · Find out if utilities (like water lines for sinks) are included

 · Consider a short-term lease if it’s your first time (12–24 months)

Home-based salon setup:

 · Some provinces allow this with limitations: signage, hours, client volume

 · You may still need an inspection and insurance

6. Insurance, Safety, and Documentation

Before you open your salon doors to the public, make sure you’re covered—literally. Insurance, workplace safety planning, and organized documentation aren’t just paperwork—they protect your investment, your clients, and your peace of mind.

Essential Insurance Coverage:

1.Commercial General Liability Insurance

 · Covers third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage (e.g., a client slipping on a wet floor).

 · Often required to sign a commercial lease.

2.Professional Liability Insurance (a.k.a. Errors & Omissions Insurance)

 · Covers claims related to the services you or your staff provide (e.g., allergic reactions, skin irritation from treatments).

 · Highly recommended for estheticians, lash techs, and anyone doing hands-on treatments.

3.Commercial Property Insurance

 · Covers damage or loss of equipment, furniture, or inventory due to fire, theft, water leaks, etc.

 · Can include equipment breakdown coverage for your sterilizer, towel warmers, or laser devices.

4.Business Interruption Insurance (optional but smart)

 · Helps cover lost income if you’re forced to close temporarily due to disaster or repairs.

You can often bundle these into one policy—talk to a broker who specializes in beauty or small service-based businesses in Canada.

Helpful resource: Insurance Bureau of Canada – Small Business Tips

Workplace Safety Compliance:

If you plan to hire employees, you have responsibilities under your province’s occupational health and safety laws.

1.WSIB / Workers’ Compensation Registration (mandatory in most provinces if you have staff)

 · Covers medical expenses and wage replacement if an employee gets injured at work.

 · Example: WSIB Ontario Employer Registration

2.Health & Safety Program

 · Must include basic training, policies on sanitation and infection control, emergency procedures, and proper PPE use.

 · In some provinces (like BC and Alberta), you'll need a formal safety plan in writing.

3.Workplace Posters & Documentation

 · Display legally required posters (employment standards, safety rights, etc.).

 · Maintain written policies and employee records on file.

Documentation You Should Keep Organized:

 · A copy of your business license and lease agreement

 · All insurance policies and contact info

 · Disinfection logs and cleaning schedules

 · Staff certifications and employment contracts

 · Emergency contact list and incident report forms

Pro tip: Use a digital folder system (like Google Drive or Dropbox) with backups. It’ll save you time during inspections or audits.

Final Checklist: Can You Open Your Salon Yet?

✅ You’re 18+ and legally allowed to run a business in Canada

✅ You’ve registered your business and got your BN and GST/HST number

✅ You’ve applied for a local business license and confirmed zoning approval

✅ You’ve booked or passed your health inspection

✅ You and/or your staff have recognized esthetics training

✅ You’ve secured your lease, renovations, and insurance coverage

✅ You have your tools, supplies, and disinfection protocols ready

If you can check these off, you’re ready to open your doors.

Opening a salon is a big move, but in Canada, it’s fully achievable with the right paperwork and preparation. Get the legal stuff done first, then build the space and team of your dreams. If you’re ever in doubt, reach out to your city’s small business office or health unit—they’re there to help you get started the right way.

Need help sourcing salon beds, lighting, or sterilization tools? Check out Dongpin’s professional salon equipment catalog—high-quality, customizable, and ready to ship across Canada.

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