Beauty & Wellness

Tattoo studios, piercing studios, and similar businesses performing invasive cosmetic procedures must register with the local health authority (Gesundheitsamt) before opening. This registration ensures that the premises and procedures meet infection control standards.You must submit a floor plan showing work areas and a written hygiene plan detailing your sterilization, disinfection, and waste disposal procedures. The health authority inspects the studio and conducts follow-up checks. Requirements vary by state, as each Bundesland has its own hygiene regulations. Common requirements include single-use materials, autoclave sterilization, proper ventilation, and documented training in hygiene and infection prevention. Minors cannot be tattooed regardless of parental consent.

Issued by: Public Health Authority

Manufacturers and importers of cosmetic products must notify each product in the EU Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) before placing it on the market. This requirement applies under EU Regulation 1223/2009 to anyone producing cosmetics in Germany or importing them from outside the EU.A responsible person (verantwortliche Person) must be designated for each product, typically the manufacturer if based in the EU or the importer otherwise. You must prepare a product safety report (Sicherheitsbericht), list all ingredients according to INCI nomenclature, and upload the information to the CPNP. Notification is free of charge. Once notified in the CPNP, no additional national notification is needed within EU member states.

Issued by: Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL)

Opening a hairdressing salon in Germany requires a master craftsman qualification (Meisterbrief) in the hairdressing trade, as it is listed in Annex A of the Crafts Code (Handwerksordnung, HwO). Without a Meisterbrief, you cannot independently operate a salon. Alternatively, you may employ a qualified hairdressing master as your business manager (Betriebsleiter) or apply for a special exemption under Sections 7b or 8 of the HwO.The Meisterbrief is obtained by passing a master craftsman exam at the Chamber of Skilled Crafts (Handwerkskammer, HWK), covering practical skills, business management, and pedagogical competence. You must then register the business in the trades register (Handwerksrolle). Mobile hairdressing services may be exempt from the master requirement under certain conditions. Barbershops that offer haircutting also fall under this obligation.

Issued by: Chamber of Crafts

Operating a tanning studio in Germany is regulated by the UV Protection Regulation (UVSV), which sets strict requirements for equipment, staffing, and customer safety. Tanning studios are not licensed through a single permit but must comply with multiple rules before opening.Trained specialist staff (Fachpersonal) must be present at all times during operation. Staff qualification requires completing a 12-hour accredited training course with examination, plus a refresher course every five years. All UV devices must limit output to 0.3 watts per square meter of erythemally effective irradiance and feature automatic shutoff. Minors must be denied access. You must maintain a logbook for each device, offer protective eyewear, and conduct a skin type assessment for each customer.

Issued by: Trade Supervisory Authority