How to Formalize a Barbershop: Steps and Paperwork

Formalizing a barbershop is not just paperwork: it’s registering your activity, complying with the law, taking care of how your shop looks, and using tools that help you run the business well. In this guide we explain the usual steps and everything that adds up so your barbershop runs legally and comes across as professional.

One of the first steps we recommend is joining Barbería Club. Having barbershop software is not an extra: it’s what gives your appointments and schedule credibility. Clients book when they want, you get appointments via WhatsApp, and you stop depending on the phone. If you want to organize bookings, clients, and reminders from day one, join Barbería Club and try management without the hassle.

Why Formalize Your Barbershop

Working legally and with a good image gives you:

• Legal protection: tax registration, permits, and insurance protect you and your business.
• Invoicing: you can issue invoices and get paid by clients (especially businesses) without issues.
• Professional image: a well-kept shop, uniforms, and a good presence on social media build trust.
• Fewer no-shows: a schedule with reminders (like Barbería Club) reduces missed appointments.
• Access to grants and credit: many funding and loan programs require the business to be formalized.

Join Barbería Club (or Use Barbershop Software)

For appointments and scheduling, joining a tool like Barbería Club is essential for credibility and order. Barbershop software helps you run the business better from start to finish. Here are the benefits of using Barbería Club:

• Bookings 24/7: clients book whenever they want, without you having to answer the phone in the middle of a cut.
• Centralized calendar: you see all appointments in one calendar, by barber and by service.
• WhatsApp reminders: you and the client get confirmation and a reminder; that cuts down no-shows.
• Multiple barbers: you can add all barbers in the shop, each with their own schedule and services.
• Services and prices: you define cuts, beard, combos, duration and price; the client chooses when booking.
• Client history: you keep a record of who came, what was done, and which barber.
• Personal booking link: one link to share on social or in the window; anyone can book in seconds.
• Instant notifications: every booking, cancellation or change comes to you via WhatsApp.

Without a tool like this, appointments get messy, get lost, or depend on random calls and messages. With Barbería Club you look professional and save time. More details in what is Barbería Club and how does it work.

Legal Part: Check the Article for Your Country

Legal steps (tax registration, licenses, health permits, insurance) depend on your country and sometimes your city. Instead of a generic list, we recommend you check the article for your country, where you’ll find the exact requirements and order of steps:

• How to open a barbershop in the United States
• How to open a barbershop in the United Kingdom
• How to open a barbershop in Canada
• How to open a barbershop in Australia
• How to open a barbershop in New Zealand
• How to open a barbershop in Ireland
• How to open a barbershop in Germany
• How to open a barbershop in Italy
• How to open a barbershop in the Netherlands
• How to open a barbershop in South Africa
• And more countries on the site: search “how to open a barbershop in [your country]” on Barbería Club.

There you’ll see legal structure (sole proprietor or company), tax registration, social security, business license, health permit, and liability insurance. If you haven’t opened yet, how to start a barbershop and how much it costs to open a barbershop give you more context.

More Things That Formalize Your Barbershop

Besides the legal side, these points add up so your barbershop is truly “formalized”: order, image, and good practices.

Shop decor

A well-kept shop looks professional and makes clients feel at ease. Decor doesn’t have to be expensive: order, good lighting, mirrors, and a consistent style already make a difference. In how to decorate a barbershop you’ll find practical ideas.

Barber uniforms

Uniform clothing (t-shirt, polo or apron with the barbershop name) gives a team look and credibility. Clients identify staff and the shop looks more professional. In barber uniforms you’ll find options and tips.

Hygiene and disinfection

Disinfecting clippers and tools between clients is required in many places and is basic for safety. In how to disinfect barbershop machines you’ll find products and steps.

Tool maintenance

Well-maintained clippers and scissors extend the life of your equipment and improve the cut. In barbershop tools maintenance you’ll find a guide.

Basic accounting

Keeping income and expenses up to date helps you comply with tax and know if the business is profitable. In basic accounting for barbershops you’ll find useful concepts.

Good social media

Presence on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok with photos of cuts, hours and booking link attracts clients and strengthens your image. In how to get more clients with WhatsApp and social media and hashtags for barbershop you’ll find ideas. If you use Barbería Club, you can put your booking link in your profile and bio.

Contracts if you have employees

If you hire barbers or staff, you need contracts, social security registration and labor law compliance. In how to hire barbers you’ll find ideas for the process.

Summary: Formalize Your Barbershop

Formalizing a barbershop means: (1) using booking software like Barbería Club to give credibility to appointments and schedule, (2) complying with the legal part for your country (check the article for your country in the links above), (3) taking care of decor, uniforms, hygiene and tools, (4) keeping your books in order and (5) having good social media with a booking link. If you want to organize bookings and clients in one place, join Barbería Club and take your barbershop to the next level.