What licence does a beauty salon need in Hong Kong

What Licence Does a Beauty Salon Need in Hong Kong

A beauty salon operating in Hong Kong generally only needs a Business Registration Certificate and does not require any specific trade licence for standard cosmetic services. What licence a beauty salon needs depends entirely on whether it offers additional regulated activities such as selling food or alcohol, or providing services that fall under a specific licensing regime.

General Business Registration

Every beauty salon in Hong Kong must first obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310). This is not a trade licence but a basic requirement for any business operating in Hong Kong, at https://www.gov.hk/en/business/registration/. The beauty salon business registration process involves completing the application and paying the prescribed fee, with a one-year or three-year certificate available. A Business Registration Certificate does not authorise any regulated activity and must be displayed at the business premises.

Hong Kong Beauty Salon Licence - No General Trade Licence

Hong Kong does not have a single general licence for beauty salons covering all services. The government does not require a beauty parlour or cosmetic salon to hold a specific trade licence for standard treatments such as facials, waxing, manicures, or hairdressing. However, certain services that overlap with medical procedures, such as laser treatments, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, or injectables, may be regulated under the Medical Clinics Ordinance (Cap. 343) or require registration with the Department of Health. A salon offering such services should confirm with the relevant authority whether its activities fall within the definition of a medical practice.

Licence for Beauty Services Hong Kong - When a Separate Licence Is Needed

A separate licence or permit is required only for regulated activities that a beauty salon might offer alongside its core services. These include:

• Selling food or drink: A beauty salon offering refreshments, such as pre-packaged snacks or cakes, may need a food factory or general restaurant licence from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, depending on the nature of the offering.
• Selling alcohol: A salon wishing to sell or serve liquor for consumption on the premises must hold a liquor licence issued by the Liquor Licensing Board. This is a separate licence and involves a distinct application process.
• Providing employment placement: If the salon also acts as an employment agency for beauty staff, it must hold an employment agency licence from the Commissioner for Labour.
• Offering insurance products: Recommending or selling insurance to clients requires authorisation from the Insurance Authority.
• Providing training or education: A salon offering beauty courses may need registration with the Education Bureau as a tutorial centre or school.

Cosmetic Salon Licence Hong Kong - Applying for Permits and Licences

If your beauty salon requires any of the licences mentioned above, you must apply directly to the relevant government department. The application for each specific trade licence follows different procedures, fees and processing times. For example, a liquor licence application is submitted to the Liquor Licensing Board, while a food licence is handled by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Each authority will assess the premises, the business plan, and the applicant's suitability before granting a permit.

What to Do Next

For a standard beauty salon providing cosmetic services without any regulated add-ons, the only requirement is a Business Registration Certificate. If you plan to offer food, alcohol, or any other regulated service, identify which specific trade licence applies and apply to the issuing department before starting that activity. Operating without the required licence can result in fines and legal action.