Qualifications To Open A Hairdresser Shop In Italy
After you’ve reached the day you dreamed of becoming a hairdresser, it’s time to open a hair salon. It can be both exciting and challenging to start something new. You might feel like you can’t handle all the changes that come with learning how to run your own business. There’s much to consider and plan for, from getting licenses and permits to setting up business models.
But the question is, “What are the Qualifications To Open A Hairdresser Shop?” So, you may need:
- Professional qualifications such as degrees or certifications
- Business qualifications such as licenses, VAT certifications, physical shops, etc.
This article will go in depth about the requirements of opening a hairdresser shop in Italy and provide additional details about this business. Let’s dig deep!
What to do to open a hairdresser shop in Italy
Before we go any further, here is a quick rundown of what you need to do to open a hairdresser shop in Italy:
- Complete training and obtain a hairdresser qualification.
- Register your business with the Chamber of Commerce.
- Obtain a VAT number and tax code.
- Find a suitable location and ensure it complies with zoning laws and health and safety regulations.
- Obtain liability insurance.
- Ensure all employees (if any) are registered according to Italian labor laws.
- Get your business license and any necessary health and safety certifications.
Now, let’s dive into the details to make your dream real.
Qualifications To Open A Hairdresser Shop In Italy
Italy has many rules and laws you must follow before you can open a hair shop. It’s not like you just do a professional course and you can open a shop. You need to follow local rules, customs, financial rules, etc. The following is a list of the most essential steps and conditions to follow:
Professional Qualifications
The first thing to do is to get a legal hairdresser qualification to work. You need to go through a professional training program in hairdressing. Usually, trade schools or local chambers of commerce offer these kinds of programs. After getting the certification, try to attend an internship, which usually lasts two to three years and lets you learn by doing while supervised by a licensed barber. After completing the internship, you must pass a test to show what you know and can do.
Once you’ve finished your training and internship, you can get a hairdresser’s license from the local Chamber of Commerce. This license is required to provide hairdressing services to the public legally.
Business Requirements
Your business must be registered with the local Chamber of Commerce’s. You must choose a business structure (sole ownership, partnership, LLC). After having the business registration, get a tax code in Italy for yourself and your business. You’ll also have to sign up for VAT (Partita IVA) if your yearly income exceeds a certain amount. This is needed to send bills to customers and pay taxes.
Health and Safety Requirements
Health and safety rules in Italy say that your building has to meet certain requirements. This includes ensuring good cleanliness, a way to get rid of trash, and clean water. You also have to follow fire safety rules. To open a hairdresser salon in Italy, you must also have a health and safety certification. If you don’t have one, you should take a course in health and safety. This is very important if you have employees. Another important thing is having liability insurance. It is a good idea in case of crashes or client injuries.
Premises and Zoning
You must have your hair salon in an area that conforms with zoning laws. The building has to be ready for business use and meet the requirements set by the local government. You might need building licenses from the local government (Comune) if you want to make any changes to the property, like remodeling or changing the layout.
Additional Licenses (if necessary)
You should follow certain rules or get extra licenses if you provide specialized services, like permanent hair removal or other chemical treatments. You must obtain a license from SIAE (Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori) if you intend to play music in your store.
Is It Better To Open A Hairdresser Salon In Italy?
Opening a hair salon in Italy comes with both big possibilities and major challenges. There are many good reasons to open a salon in Italy, especially since personal looks are important to the Italian culture. Fashion and personal hygiene are very important in Italy, and many people go to hairdressers often to get haircuts, colour treatments, and styling. People of all ages and backgrounds will always need haircut services.
Another benefit is that Italy’s tourism business is doing very well. This is especially true in big cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, where tourists often look for good hair salons. If a salon is placed well in these areas, it can get local customers and tourists from other countries, which could help it make more money. Compared to other businesses, opening a hair salon only takes a little money upfront, which makes it an appealing choice. In addition to selling hair products and providing specialized services, salons can create multiple income lines to stabilize their business.
Do I need a special license to run a hair salon in Italy?
The local Chamber of Commerce will give you a hairdresser’s license called a “Licenza di Parrucchiere.” This license ensures you have the right professional credentials and follow health and safety rules. You’ll also have to register your business and follow labor rules to hire people.
What are the costs of opening a hair salon in Italy?
The prices rely on where and how big your salon is. Still, they usually cover rent, repairs, furniture (like chairs, hair dryers, and mirrors), and licenses. Renting a space in big towns like Milan or Rome can be pricey. Insurance, staff salaries, and promotions may add to the costs. Setting up something simple could cost anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros.
Is it hard to find skilled staff for a hair salon?
Finding skilled hairdressers in Italy, especially in the bigger towns, can be hard. But Italy has a long history of teaching hairdressers as a trade, so you can hire people who are already good at what they do. Suppose you want to hire the best people to work at your high-end salon. In that case, you should offer fair pay and opportunities for professional growth.
Can I open a hair salon in a tourist area in Italy?
Yes, it can be profitable to open a salon in a place that gets a lot of tourists. Every year, millions of people visit Italy, and many want to get their hair styled while there. But there is a lot of competition, so to stand out in the market, you must offer unique services, hire staff who speak more than one language, and provide excellent customer service.