How to Open a Barbershop in Germany: A Complete Guide for Expats

Germany has a thriving barbershop culture — and a growing demand for skilled barbers.

But if you're coming from another country, the German system can feel overwhelming. Different rules. Different paperwork. A lot of German words you've never seen before.

The good news: It's absolutely doable. Thousands of expats have opened successful shops here.

The challenge: You need to understand the system before you start.

This guide walks you through everything — from legal requirements to practical costs.

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Do you need a license to cut hair in Germany?

This is the first question everyone asks. The answer is nuanced.

The Meisterpflicht (Master Craftsman Requirement)

Historically, Germany required a Meisterbrief (master craftsman certificate) to open a hair salon. This is a protected trade (zulassungspflichtiges Handwerk).

However, there are important exceptions:

Barbershops (Herrenfriseur) vs. Full-Service Salons:

• Traditional barbering (men's cuts, shaves) operates in a gray area
• Many barbershops operate without a Meister under certain conditions
• Full-service salons with women's cuts, coloring, etc. typically need a Meister

Ways to operate legally without a Meister:

1. Hire a Meister — They don't have to cut hair, but one must be employed
2. Reisegewerbe (mobile business) — Different rules, but limitations apply
3. Focus on pure barbering — Men's cuts and shaves only, no chemical treatments
4. Get your foreign qualifications recognized — Possible but complex

Important: Rules are enforced differently by region. Check with your local Handwerkskammer (Chamber of Crafts) before committing.

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Step 1: Legal structure — How to register your business

Choose your business form

Most solo barbers start as Einzelunternehmen. It's the simplest — you can always change later.

Register your business (Gewerbeanmeldung)

This is your official business registration. You'll need:

• Valid passport or residence permit
• Proof of address in Germany (Meldebescheinigung)
• Completed Gewerbeanmeldung form
• Fee: €20-65 depending on city

Where: Your local Gewerbeamt (trade office) or Bürgeramt

Timeline: Usually same-day or within a few days

After registration, you'll automatically be contacted by:

• Finanzamt (tax office) — for your tax number
• IHK or Handwerkskammer — depending on your trade classification
• Berufsgenossenschaft — for mandatory accident insurance

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Step 2: Location and lease considerations

Finding a space

In Germany, you'll typically find commercial spaces through:

• ImmobilienScout24 — largest real estate portal
• Gewerbeimmobilien portals
• Local real estate agents (Makler)
• Walking neighborhoods and looking for "Zu Vermieten" signs

What to check before signing

Zoning: Make sure the space is zoned for Gewerbe (commercial use) and specifically allows a barbershop/salon.

Previous use: Was it a salon before? This can save thousands in renovation.

Lease terms:

• Typical commercial leases: 5-10 years
• Kaution (deposit): Usually 3 months rent
• Nebenkosten (additional costs): Heating, water, building fees
• Staffelmiete: Rent increases built into contract

Renovation permissions: Will the landlord allow changes? Get it in writing.

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Step 3: Permits and inspections

Health department (Gesundheitsamt)

Before opening, you need approval from the health department. They check:

• Hygiene standards
• Proper sanitation facilities
• Ventilation
• Waste disposal (especially for chemical treatments)
• Hand-washing stations

Book this inspection early — they can be backlogged.

Building permits (if renovating)

Minor cosmetic changes usually don't need permits. But if you're:

• Changing plumbing
• Adding electrical
• Modifying the structure

...you may need approval from the Bauamt (building authority).

Fire safety

Depending on size and location, you may need:

• Fire extinguishers (always required)
• Emergency exit signs
• Fire safety inspection

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Step 4: Insurance — What you actually need

Mandatory

Berufsgenossenschaft (BG):

• Accident insurance for you and employees
• Required by law
• Cost varies by risk category and payroll
• For barbers: BGW (Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege)

Strongly recommended

Betriebshaftpflichtversicherung (Business liability):

• Covers damages to clients or their property
• Example: Client allergic reaction, injury, damaged clothing
• Cost: €200-500/year

Inventarversicherung (Contents insurance):

• Covers your equipment against theft, fire, water damage
• Cost: €150-400/year

Rechtsschutzversicherung (Legal insurance):

• Covers legal disputes with landlords, clients, employees
• Optional but useful

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Step 5: Taxes — What to expect

Tax registration

After your Gewerbeanmeldung, the Finanzamt sends you a questionnaire (Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung). This determines:

• Your tax number (Steuernummer)
• VAT status
• Estimated income for advance payments

Key taxes

Einkommensteuer (Income tax):

• Progressive rates: 14% to 45%
• Paid on your profit
• Quarterly advance payments (Vorauszahlungen)

Umsatzsteuer (VAT):

• Standard rate: 19%
• You charge clients, then pay to tax office
• Kleinunternehmerregelung exception: If revenue < €22,000/year, you can opt out of VAT

Gewerbesteuer (Trade tax):

• Varies by city (Munich ~3.5%, Berlin ~4.1%)
• Only applies above €24,500 profit
• Partially offset against income tax

Get a Steuerberater (tax advisor)

Seriously. German tax law is complex. A good Steuerberater costs €100-300/month but saves you money and stress.

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Realistic costs to open

Here's a realistic budget for a small barbershop (2-3 chairs) in a mid-sized German city:

Big variables: Location (Munich vs. Leipzig), condition of space, equipment quality.

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Timeline: How long does it take?

Don't rush. Proper setup saves problems later.

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Common mistakes expats make

Ignoring the Handwerkskammer: They may contact you. Respond professionally and understand your classification.

Underestimating costs: Germany is expensive. Budget 30% more than you think.

Skipping the Steuerberater: DIY taxes in Germany is risky. The penalties for mistakes are steep.

Not learning German: You don't need fluency, but basic German helps enormously with bureaucracy and clients.

Wrong location: A cheap lease in the wrong area is worse than an expensive one in the right area.

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Resources

• Handwerkskammer: Find yours at handwerkskammer.de
• IHK (Chamber of Commerce): For general business support
• Make it in Germany: Government portal for foreign entrepreneurs
• Local Ausländerbehörde: For visa/permit questions

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It's complex — but it's possible

Opening a barbershop in Germany as an expat requires patience and paperwork.

But the market is real. The demand is there. And once you're set up properly, you're set up for good.

Do it right the first time. Get help where you need it. And build something that lasts.

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Once you're open, Vinci 26 helps you manage bookings, clients, and operations — in German, English, or whatever language your clients speak. No marketplace fees, no complicated setup.