Opening a barbershop in Switzerland can be an excellent business opportunity. The men's grooming market is strong, and customers value 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 Switzerland: from legal requirements and business registration (commercial register), to VAT (MWST), initial investment in Swiss Francs (CHF), strategic location, equipment, and management tools that will help you succeed from day one.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Switzerland
Research and Business Plan
Before opening your barbershop in Switzerland, 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 40–80 CHF 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 Switzerland, barbershops often serve professionals, expats, and locals—tailor your offer to your canton and location.
- Average market prices: Research what other barbershops charge. Prices vary by city: Zurich and Geneva tend to be higher; smaller cities may be lower. Typical range: 40–90 CHF for a basic cut, 60–120 CHF for cut + beard.
- Service demand: Evaluate if there's sufficient demand. Consider population density, nearby offices or universities, and foot traffic in areas like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, or Bern.
- Peak hours: One common issue in Switzerland is not matching operating hours to when people actually come—observe local patterns and consider lunch and evening slots.
Your business plan should include:
- Executive summary: Overview of your business, objectives, and main strategy.
- Market and competition analysis: Information on the local market, competitors, and your positioning.
- Marketing strategy: How you plan to attract and retain clients.
- Financial projections: Revenue, costs, and profitability estimates.
- Operations plan: How your barbershop will run day to day.
You can find business guidance and startup info at:
Strategic Location
Location is one of the most important factors for success. A good location can make the difference between success and failure.
Characteristics of a good location:
- High foot traffic: Areas with many pedestrians increase your visibility.
- Near offices, universities or residential areas: Proximity to your target audience makes it easier for clients to visit regularly.
- Parking or public transport: Many clients arrive by car or train; easy access matters.
- Good visibility from the street: A visible shop front and clear signage attract more clients.
- Safe, well-lit area: Clients prefer places where they feel safe.
- Easy access: Consider accessibility for all customers.
How to evaluate a location:
- Analyse nearby competition: Having competitors nearby is not always bad, but check if the market is saturated.
- Check the demographic profile: Make sure the area matches your target audience.
- Consider rent vs. potential income: High rent is only worth it if you can generate enough revenue.
- Evaluate accessibility: How clients get there—public transport, parking, etc.
You can search for commercial premises at:
Key cities and areas:
Zurich
Bahnhofstrasse area, Kreis 4, Kreis 5—high rent but high traffic. Good for premium or mid-range barbershops.
Geneva
Rive, Eaux-Vives, Plainpalais—strong market with international clientele.
Basel
City centre—vibrant market with good foot traffic.
Other cities
Bern, Lausanne, Winterthur, Lucerne, and St. Gallen offer strong markets with varying rent levels.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Switzerland
To legally operate a barbershop in Switzerland, you need to comply with the following. One common issue in Switzerland is operating without the cantonal trade permit—this can lead to fines.
Business Registration and Commercial Register (Handelsregister)
Depending on your legal form, you may need to register in the commercial register (Handelsregister). Sole proprietors (Einzelfirma) register in some cantons; companies (e.g. GmbH, AG) must register. The central business index is Zefix. Check your canton's requirements—registration is done through the cantonal commercial register office.
Where: Cantonal Handelsregister / Zefix (zefix.ch)
Estimated time: A few days to a few weeks
Cost: Registration fees vary by canton; typically a few hundred CHF
Zefix →VAT Registration (MWST / TVA / IVA)
Register for VAT (Mehrwertsteuer MWST / TVA / IVA) with the Federal Tax Administration (Eidgenössische Steuerverwaltung ESTV) if your turnover exceeds 100,000 CHF per year (check current threshold). As a barbershop you will typically charge the reduced rate (e.g. 8.1%) on services. Registration can be done online.
Where: ESTV (estv.admin.ch)
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Cost: No registration fee (but you charge and remit MWST)
ESTV →Trade Permit (Gewerbewilligung)
You need a trade permit (Gewerbewilligung) from your municipality or canton to operate a barbershop. Requirements and procedures vary by canton. Contact your local Gewerbeamt or municipality. One common issue in Switzerland is starting before obtaining this permit—do it before opening.
Where: Municipality or cantonal economic office
Cost: Permit fees vary by canton; typically a modest annual fee
Hygiene Regulations
Barbershops and hairdressing salons in Switzerland must comply with cantonal and federal hygiene regulations. This includes clean tools, disinfection, and a hygiene plan. The local authority may carry out inspections. Many barbershops we see struggle with incomplete hygiene documentation—get clear on requirements from the start.
Cost: No permit fee, but you must invest in disinfection and hygiene measures
Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) →Liability Insurance (Betriebshaftpflicht)
Business liability insurance (Betriebshaftpflichtversicherung) 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 500–2,000 CHF per year depending on coverage and insurer
If You Hire Employees: AHV/AVS, UVG, and Employment Contracts
If you employ staff, you must register as an employer, deduct AHV/AVS (old-age and survivors' insurance), UVG (accident insurance), and other social contributions, and comply with Swiss employment law (contracts, minimum conditions). Consider using a payroll service or accountant to avoid errors.
Resources:
Estimated Initial Investment
The initial investment to open a barbershop in Switzerland can vary significantly. Here's an approximate breakdown in Swiss Francs (CHF):
Note: A small barbershop with basic equipment can start around 40,000–100,000 CHF. A larger or more premium setup in Zurich or Geneva may require 150,000–350,000 CHF or more. In our experience working with barbershops, keeping 3–6 months of operating expenses as working capital reduces stress in the first year.
Manage Your Barbershop with Technology
From day one, use management software like BarberíaClub to:
- Organise appointments online 24/7
- Manage clients and their history
- Send automatic reminders
- Reduce no-shows and stay organised
- Save time on admin
Equipment You Need for Your Barbershop
To open a professional barbershop in Switzerland, you need to invest in quality equipment. Here is a guide to the essentials with approximate prices in CHF and where to find them:
Professional Barber Chairs
Barber chairs are the most important investment. Look for hydraulic, comfortable and durable chairs. You need at least one per barber.
Estimated price: 800 – 3,500 CHF per unit
Basic chairs from 800 CHF. Premium chairs 2,500 CHF or more.
Barbershop Mirrors
Large, good-quality mirrors are essential. We recommend mirrors of at least 60x90 cm, ideally with integrated lighting.
Estimated price: 150 – 1,200 CHF per unit
Basic mirrors from 150 CHF. Mirrors with LED from 800 CHF.
Professional Scissors
Invest in professional-grade scissors. Each barber needs at least one pair of cutting scissors and one texturising pair.
Estimated price: 80 – 500 CHF per pair
Basic from 80 CHF. Japanese or German professional from 300 CHF.
Hair Clippers
Professional clippers are essential. Look for recognised brands like Wahl, Andis or Oster. Each barber needs at least one main clipper.
Estimated price: 60 – 800 CHF per unit
Basic from 60 CHF. Professional from 400 CHF.
Razors and Shaving Tools
For precise shaves and finishes. Include straight razors, disposable blades and spare blades.
Estimated price: 40 – 400 CHF
Disposable blades from 20 CHF. Professional razors from 150 CHF.
Professional Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for precise work. LED professional lamps, mirror lighting and adequate general light.
Estimated price: 150 – 1,200 CHF
Basic LED from 150 CHF. Full lighting setup from 800 CHF.
Hair and Beard Products
Initial stock: gels, pomades, waxes, beard oils, aftershave lotions, etc.
Estimated price: 500 – 3,000 CHF (initial stock)
Depends on variety and brands. For use in service and for sale.
Staff Hiring
Hiring experienced barbers with a good reputation is key to your barbershop's success. A strong team can make your business stand out and build a loyal client base.
What to consider:
- Experience and portfolio: Review past work and ask for client references.
- Technical skills: Assess knowledge of cutting, shaving and current trends.
- Professional attitude: A good barber delivers great cuts and treats clients well.
- Availability: Define clear schedules and ensure they can meet them.
- Pay structure: Be clear on commissions, base salary and bonuses.
Employer obligations in Switzerland:
- Registration as employer: You must register and deduct AHV/AVS, UVG and other social contributions.
- Written employment contracts: All employees must have a written contract.
- Social contributions: Pay AHV/AVS, UVG (accident insurance), and any pension (BVG) according to Swiss law.
Resources for hiring and employment:
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 Swiss clients increasingly expect.
Marketing and Promotion
Effective marketing is crucial to attract clients. In Switzerland, Google and Instagram are widely used—post your work, location, and prices. Get your barbershop on Google Maps (Google Business Profile) 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 Switzerland?
You need a trade permit (Gewerbewilligung) from your municipality or canton, and depending on your legal form, registration in the commercial register (Handelsregister). VAT registration (MWST) with the ESTV is required if turnover exceeds the threshold. There is no specific barber license for basic operation. Compliance with hygiene regulations and liability insurance are strongly recommended. If you hire employees, you must register as an employer and comply with AHV/AVS, UVG, and employment law.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Switzerland?
The initial investment can range from 40,000 to 350,000 CHF depending on size, location, and equipment. A small barbershop can start around 40,000–100,000 CHF; a larger or premium setup in Zurich or Geneva may require 150,000–350,000 CHF or more.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Switzerland?
Obtain the trade permit (Gewerbewilligung) from your municipality or canton—this is required before you start operating. Then complete business registration (commercial register if applicable) and VAT (MWST) registration with the ESTV if your turnover will exceed the threshold. Doing market research and a simple business plan first will help you choose location and pricing.