Opening a barbershop in Belgium can be an excellent business opportunity. The men's grooming market is growing, and more customers are looking for quality services and a professional experience in modern barbershops.
In this complete guide, we explain step by step everything you need to know to open your barbershop in Belgium: from legal requirements and business registration (KBO/BCE), to VAT (BTW/TVA), initial investment in Euros, strategic location, equipment, and management tools that will help you succeed from day one. Belgium has three regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels)—procedures may vary slightly by region.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Belgium
Research and Business Plan
Before opening your barbershop in Belgium, it's essential to conduct thorough market research and create a solid business plan. Many barbershops we see struggle with unclear pricing and target market—this step helps you avoid that.
Key elements to research:
- Competition analysis: Identify how many barbershops are in your area, what services they offer, their prices (typically €15–€45 for a haircut in major cities), and what differentiates them. Use Google Maps and local directories to analyze competition.
- Target audience: Define your ideal client: age, budget, and preferences. In Belgium, barbershops often serve professionals, students, and families—tailor your offer to your location (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels).
- Average market prices: Research what other barbershops charge. Prices vary by city: Brussels and Antwerp tend to be higher; smaller cities may be lower. Typical range: €15–€40 for a basic cut, €25–€60 for cut + beard.
- Service demand: Evaluate if there's sufficient demand. Consider population density, nearby offices or universities, and foot traffic in areas like Brussels Centre, Antwerp Centrum, Ghent, or Leuven.
- Peak hours: One common issue in Belgium is not matching operating hours to when people actually come—observe local patterns and consider lunch and evening slots.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Belgium
To legally operate a barbershop in Belgium, you need to comply with the following. Procedures may vary by region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels). One common issue in Belgium is operating without proper business registration—this can lead to fines.
Business Registration (KBO/BCE – Company Number)
Register your business through a one-stop shop (e.g. 1819 in Brussels, ondernemersloket in Flanders, Guichet d'entreprises in Wallonia). You will receive a company number (ondernemingsnummer / numéro d'entreprise) from the Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen (KBO) / Banque-Carrefour des Entreprises (BCE). For a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak / entreprise individuelle) this is usually straightforward. If you form a company (e.g. BV/SRL), you also register with the commercial court.
Where: One-stop shop in your region (1819 Brussels, Vlaanderen, SPF Economie / FOD Economie)
Estimated time: Same day to a few days
Cost: Varies; often low or free for basic registration
1819 Brussels →VAT Registration (BTW / TVA)
Register for VAT (BTW in Dutch, TVA in French) with the Belgian tax authority (FOD Financiën / SPF Finances) if your turnover exceeds the threshold (currently €25,000 per year for small businesses—check current rules) or if you want to register voluntarily. As a barbershop you will typically charge 6% or 21% VAT depending on the service (check current rates). The one-stop shop often handles VAT registration when you register your business.
Where: FOD Financiën / SPF Finances (often via one-stop shop)
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Cost: No registration fee (but you charge and remit VAT)
Social Security (RSVZ / RSI – Self-Employed)
As a self-employed person (zelfstandige / indépendant), you must register with the social security fund (RSVZ – Rijksdienst voor Sociale Zekerheid / RSI – Institut national d'assurances sociales pour travailleurs indépendants) and pay social contributions. Many barbershops we see struggle with late contributions—set up a schedule from day one. If you hire employees, you also register as an employer and pay employer and employee contributions.
Where: RSVZ/RSI or via a social fund (e.g. Xerius, Securex, Liantis)
Cost: Social contributions as per current rates
Hygiene Regulations
Barbershops and hairdressing salons in Belgium must comply with hygiene regulations (e.g. regional or municipal rules). This includes clean tools, disinfection, and often a hygiene plan. The local health inspection may carry out checks. Many barbershops we see struggle with incomplete hygiene documentation—get clear on requirements from the start (check with your municipality or region).
Cost: No permit fee, but you must invest in disinfection and hygiene measures
Liability Insurance (BA / RC)
Business liability insurance (bedrijfsaansprakelijkheidsverzekering / assurance responsabilité civile professionnelle) is strongly recommended for barbershops. It covers claims for injury or damage to clients. Some landlords or contracts may require it. In our experience working with barbershops, having insurance from day one avoids stress if something goes wrong.
Cost: Roughly €150–€500 per year depending on coverage and insurer
If You Hire Employees: Payroll and Social Security
If you employ staff, you must register as an employer, deduct wage tax and social contributions, and comply with Belgian employment law (contracts, minimum wage, holiday pay, etc.). Consider using a payroll service (sociaal secretariaat / secrétariat social) or accountant to avoid errors.
Estimated Initial Investment
The initial investment to open a barbershop in Belgium can vary significantly. Here's an approximate breakdown in Euros (EUR):
Note: A small barbershop with basic equipment can start around €15,000–€35,000. A larger or more premium setup in Brussels or Antwerp may require €50,000–€80,000 or more. In our experience working with barbershops, keeping 3–6 months of operating expenses as working capital reduces stress in the first year.
Strategic Location
Location is one of the most important factors for success. Look for areas with good foot traffic, visibility, and access. In Belgium, being near offices, universities, or busy high streets often helps.
Key cities and areas:
Brussels
Centre, Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, Schaerbeek—high rent but high traffic. Good for premium or mid-range barbershops.
Antwerp (Antwerpen)
Centrum, Zuid, Eilandje—strong market with good foot traffic and slightly lower rents than Brussels.
Ghent (Gent)
Centrum, Patershol—vibrant city with student and local clientele.
Other cities
Bruges (Brugge), Leuven, Liège (Luik), Charleroi, and Namur offer strong markets with varying rent levels.
Equipment and Furniture
Quality equipment is essential for providing excellent service. Invest in professional chairs, mirrors, clippers, scissors, and good lighting. Add a management system like BarberíaClub to manage appointments and clients from day one.
Note: For a small barbershop with 2–3 chairs, equipment can cost roughly €5,000–€25,000 depending on quality and brand.
Staff Hiring
Hire barbers with good skills and a professional attitude. Define clear schedules, wages, and policies. Register employees for social security and comply with Belgian employment law. A good team creates a memorable experience and brings clients back.
Management System and Technology
A good management system helps you organize appointments, manage clients, and send reminders. Many barbershops we see struggle with no-shows and double bookings—software like BarberíaClub solves this and offers online booking that Belgian clients increasingly expect.
Marketing and Promotion
Effective marketing is crucial to attract clients. In Belgium, Google and Instagram are widely used—post your work, location, and prices. Get your barbershop on Google Maps (Google My Business) and encourage reviews. Offer opening promotions and rely on word of mouth by delivering excellent service.
- Google Business Profile: Register and keep your address, hours, and photos updated
- Instagram: Post regularly; consider paid ads for your area
- Encourage happy clients to leave reviews on Google and refer friends
Tips and Best Practices for Success
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to open a barbershop in Belgium?
You need business registration (KBO/BCE company number) via a one-stop shop, VAT registration (BTW/TVA) if applicable, social security registration (RSVZ/RSI) for self-employed, and compliance with hygiene regulations. There is no specific barber license for basic operation. Liability insurance (BA/RC) is strongly recommended. If you hire employees, you must register as an employer and comply with employment law.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Belgium?
The initial investment can range from €15,000 to €80,000 depending on size, location, and equipment. A small barbershop can start around €15,000–€35,000; a larger or premium setup in Brussels or Antwerp may require €50,000–€80,000 or more.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Belgium?
Register your business through the one-stop shop in your region (1819 in Brussels, ondernemersloket in Flanders, Guichet d'entreprises in Wallonia) to get your KBO/BCE company number. Then complete VAT and social security registration. Doing market research and a simple business plan first will help you choose location and pricing.