Opening a barbershop in Germany 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 Germany: from legal requirements and Gewerbeanmeldung (trade registration), to initial investment in Euros, strategic location, equipment, and management tools that will help you succeed from day one.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Germany
Research and Business Plan
Before opening your barbershop in Germany, 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–€40 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 Germany, barbershops often serve professionals, students, and families—tailor your offer to your location.
- Average market prices: Research what other barbershops charge. Prices vary by city: Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg tend to be higher; smaller cities may be lower. Typical range: €15–€35 for a basic cut, €25–€50 for cut + beard.
- Service demand: Evaluate if there's sufficient demand. Consider population density, nearby offices or universities, and foot traffic in areas like Berlin Mitte, Munich Schwabing, Hamburg St. Pauli, or Frankfurt Sachsenhausen.
- Peak hours: One common issue in Germany is not matching operating hours to when people actually come—observe local patterns and consider lunch and evening slots.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Germany
To legally operate a barbershop in Germany, you need to comply with the following. Requirements may vary slightly by federal state (Bundesland) and municipality. One common issue in Germany is operating without Gewerbeanmeldung—this can lead to fines.
Gewerbeanmeldung (Trade Registration)
Register your business (Gewerbe) at your local Ordnungsamt, Gewerbeamt, or Bürgeramt—depending on the city. This is mandatory for anyone running a business in Germany. You will receive a Gewerbeschein (trade license). For a sole proprietor (Einzelunternehmen) this is usually straightforward.
Where: Local Ordnungsamt / Gewerbeamt / Bürgeramt (city or district)
Estimated time: Same day to a few days (often in person)
Cost: Typically €20–€50 depending on the municipality
Finanzamt (Tax Registration)
Register with your local Finanzamt (tax office) and obtain a Steuernummer (tax number). You may also need to register for Umsatzsteuer (VAT) if your turnover exceeds €22,000 per year—or you can opt out of the Kleinunternehmerregelung (small business scheme) and register for VAT voluntarily. The Finanzamt is often notified automatically when you register your Gewerbe, but confirm and complete any forms they send.
Where: Finanzamt responsible for your business address
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks after Gewerbeanmeldung
Cost: No registration fee (but you will pay income tax and possibly VAT on turnover)
Hygiene Regulations (Hygieneverordnung)
Barbershops and hairdressing salons in Germany must comply with hygiene regulations (e.g. Infektionsschutzgesetz and local Hygieneverordnung). This includes clean tools, disinfection, and often a hygiene concept. The Gesundheitsamt (health department) may carry out inspections. Many barbershops we see struggle with incomplete hygiene documentation—get clear on requirements from the start.
Where: Local Gesundheitsamt; information also from IHK or Handwerkskammer
Cost: No permit fee, but you must invest in disinfection and hygiene measures
IHK / Handwerkskammer (Chamber of Commerce / Crafts)
Depending on your federal state, you may be required to register with the Industrie- und Handelskammer (IHK) or, in some cases, the Handwerkskammer (Chamber of Crafts). Friseur/Barber can fall under Handwerk in some regions. Membership fees apply. They also provide startup advice and information on regulations.
Cost: Annual membership fee (varies by chamber and turnover)
Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)
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 €200–€600 per year depending on coverage and insurer
If You Hire Employees: Social Security and Employment Law
If you employ staff, you must register with the social security system (Sozialversicherung), deduct taxes and social contributions, and comply with German employment law (minimum wage, working hours, contracts, etc.). Consider using a payroll service (Lohnbuchhaltung) or a Steuerberater (tax advisor) to avoid errors.
Estimated Initial Investment
The initial investment to open a barbershop in Germany 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 Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg 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 Germany, being near offices, universities, or busy high streets often helps.
Key cities and areas:
Berlin
Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain—high rent but high traffic. Good for premium or mid-range barbershops.
Munich
Schwabing, Maxvorstadt, Glockenbach—strong purchasing power and demand for quality grooming.
Hamburg
St. Pauli, Schanzenviertel, Eimsbüttel—vibrant neighbourhoods with good foot traffic.
Other cities
Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, and Leipzig 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. In Germany, formal qualifications (e.g. Friseur/in or similar) may be expected in some regions. Define clear schedules, wages, and policies. Register employees for social security and comply with 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 German clients increasingly expect.
Marketing and Promotion
Effective marketing is crucial to attract clients. In Germany, 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 Germany?
You need a Gewerbeanmeldung (trade registration) at your local Ordnungsamt/Gewerbeamt, tax registration with the Finanzamt (Steuernummer), and compliance with hygiene regulations. Liability insurance is strongly recommended. If you hire employees, you must comply with social security and employment law. In some states, barbering/hairdressing may involve Handwerkskammer registration—check with your local chamber.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Germany?
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 Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg may require €50,000–€80,000 or more.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Germany?
Register your business (Gewerbeanmeldung) at your local Ordnungsamt or Gewerbeamt. After that, the Finanzamt will typically contact you for tax registration. Doing market research and a simple business plan first will help you choose location and pricing.