Opening a barbershop in Denmark 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 Denmark: from legal requirements and CVR (Central Business Register) registration, to VAT (moms), initial investment in Danish Kroner (DKK), strategic location, equipment, and management tools that will help you succeed from day one.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Denmark
Research and Business Plan
Before opening your barbershop in Denmark, 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 150–400 DKK 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 Denmark, 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: Copenhagen tends to be higher; smaller cities may be lower. Typical range: 150–350 DKK for a basic cut, 250–500 DKK for cut + beard.
- Service demand: Evaluate if there's sufficient demand. Consider population density, nearby offices or universities, and foot traffic in areas like Copenhagen Centrum, Aarhus, Odense, or Aalborg.
- Peak hours: One common issue in Denmark 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 free business plan templates and startup guidance 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 available: Many clients arrive by car; parking 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:
Copenhagen (København)
Indre By, Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Frederiksberg—high rent but high traffic. Good for premium or mid-range barbershops.
Aarhus
Centrum, Latinerkvarteret—strong market with good foot traffic and slightly lower rents than Copenhagen.
Odense
Centrum—vibrant city with student and local clientele.
Other cities
Aalborg, Esbjerg, and Randers offer strong markets with varying rent levels.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Denmark
To legally operate a barbershop in Denmark, you need to comply with the following. One common issue in Denmark is operating without proper CVR registration—this can lead to fines.
CVR Registration (Central Virksomhedsregister)
Register your business in the Central Business Register (CVR) via virk.dk (Erhvervsstyrelsen – Danish Business Authority). This is mandatory for anyone running a business in Denmark. You will receive a CVR number (CVR-nummer), which you need for contracts, banks, and tax. You can register as a sole proprietor (enkeltmandsvirksomhed) or set up a company (e.g. ApS).
Where: virk.dk (online)
Estimated time: Same day to a few days
Cost: Registration is free
virk.dk →VAT Registration (moms) – SKAT
Register for VAT (moms) with SKAT (Danish Tax Agency) if your turnover exceeds 50,000 DKK per year (check current threshold). As a barbershop you will typically charge 25% moms on services. You can register when you set up your business via virk.dk. If turnover is below the threshold, you may not need to register for moms.
Where: SKAT / virk.dk
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Cost: No registration fee (but you charge and remit moms)
SKAT →Hygiene Regulations
Barbershops and hairdressing salons in Denmark must comply with hygiene regulations (e.g. Fødevarestyrelsen rules, local municipal requirements). 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
Fødevarestyrelsen (Danish Veterinary and Food Administration) →Liability Insurance (Ansvarsforsikring)
Business liability insurance (erhvervsansvarsforsikring) 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 1,500–4,000 DKK per year depending on coverage and insurer
If You Hire Employees: Payroll, Holiday Pay (feriepenge), and ATP
If you employ staff, you must register as an employer with SKAT, deduct tax and social contributions, pay holiday pay (feriepenge), and contribute to ATP (Arbejdsmarkedets Tillægspension). Comply with Danish employment law (contracts, minimum wage, etc.). Consider using a payroll service (lønservice) or accountant to avoid errors.
Resources:
Estimated Initial Investment
The initial investment to open a barbershop in Denmark can vary significantly. Here's an approximate breakdown in Danish Kroner (DKK):
Note: A small barbershop with basic equipment can start around 100,000–200,000 DKK. A larger or more premium setup in Copenhagen may require 300,000–500,000 DKK 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 Denmark, you need to invest in quality equipment. Here is a guide to the essentials with approximate prices in DKK 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: 6,000 – 18,000 DKK per unit
Basic chairs from 6,000 DKK. Premium chairs 15,000 DKK or more.
Barbershop Mirrors
Large, good-quality mirrors are essential. We recommend mirrors of at least 60x90 cm, ideally with integrated lighting.
Estimated price: 1,000 – 6,000 DKK per unit
Basic mirrors from 1,000 DKK. Mirrors with LED from 4,000 DKK.
Professional Scissors
Invest in professional-grade scissors. Each barber needs at least one pair of cutting scissors and one texturising pair.
Estimated price: 600 – 3,500 DKK per pair
Basic from 600 DKK. Japanese or German professional from 2,000 DKK.
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: 500 – 6,000 DKK per unit
Basic from 500 DKK. Professional from 3,000 DKK.
Razors and Shaving Tools
For precise shaves and finishes. Include straight razors, disposable blades and spare blades.
Estimated price: 300 – 2,500 DKK
Disposable blades from 100 DKK. Professional razors from 1,000 DKK.
Professional Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for precise work. LED professional lamps, mirror lighting and adequate general light.
Estimated price: 1,000 – 6,000 DKK
Basic LED from 1,000 DKK. Full lighting setup from 4,000 DKK.
Hair and Beard Products
Initial stock: gels, pomades, waxes, beard oils, aftershave lotions, etc.
Estimated price: 3,000 – 12,000 DKK (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 Denmark:
- Registration with SKAT: You must register as an employer and deduct tax and social contributions.
- Written employment contracts: All employees must have a written contract.
- Holiday pay (feriepenge): Pay and administer holiday pay according to Danish rules.
- ATP (pension): Contribute to ATP and any agreed pension scheme.
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 Danish clients increasingly expect.
Marketing and Promotion
Effective marketing is crucial to attract clients. In Denmark, 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 Denmark?
You need CVR registration (Central Business Register) via virk.dk, VAT registration (moms) with SKAT if turnover exceeds the threshold, and compliance with hygiene regulations. There is no specific barber license for basic operation. Liability insurance (ansvarsforsikring) is strongly recommended. If you hire employees, you must register as an employer and comply with payroll, holiday pay (feriepenge), and ATP.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Denmark?
The initial investment can range from 100,000 to 500,000 DKK depending on size, location, and equipment. A small barbershop can start around 100,000–200,000 DKK; a larger or premium setup in Copenhagen may require 300,000–500,000 DKK or more.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Denmark?
Register your business in the CVR (Central Business Register) via virk.dk. Then complete VAT (moms) registration with SKAT if applicable. Doing market research and a simple business plan first will help you choose location and pricing.