Opening a barbershop in France is a realistic way to run your own business, but you need a clear picture of upfront and ongoing costs. Rents and costs vary by city—Paris is generally more expensive than Lyon, Marseille or Toulouse—and by the size and fit-out of your shop. Everything in this guide is in euros (EUR). For licensing and legal steps, see our full walkthrough: How to start a barbershop.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in France: quick answer
Small barbershop (1–2 chairs): €25,000 – €75,000. Medium (3–4 chairs): €75,000 – €160,000. Premium (Paris): €200,000+. These figures include equipment, rent (deposit plus first months), fit-out, licences and working capital.
Rent and premises: what to expect in France
Rent is one of the biggest fixed costs. Prime high streets and city centres cost more; suburbs and smaller cities are cheaper. Below are indicative monthly rents so you can plan your barbershop budget by area.
- Paris (centre, Marais, Châtelet, Saint-Germain): €1,800 – €6,500+ per month.
- Paris (arrondissements périphériques, banlieue proche): €1,000 – €3,500 per month.
- Lyon (centre, Presqu’île, Part-Dieu): €1,200 – €4,200 per month.
- Marseille, Toulouse, Nice (city centre): €900 – €3,500 per month.
- Other cities and towns: €500 – €2,000 per month.
Landlords often ask for a deposit (e.g. 1–2 months’ rent) and advance rent. Factor in at least 2–3 months’ rent for deposit and first payments when working out your startup costs.
Equipment and licences
For a 1–2 chair setup, expect to spend roughly €8,000 – €25,000 on chairs, mirrors, clippers, scissors, wash basins and basic furniture. Licences and registrations (Chambre des Métiers, CAP Coiffure, health compliance) can add €1,000 – €4,000 depending on your structure. More detail: how to start a barbershop.
Management software
Barbería Club helps you manage appointments and clients from day one. You can try Barbería Club for free.
Cost breakdown by shop size (EUR)
| Item | Small | Medium | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | €8,000 – €25,000 | €22,000 – €55,000 | €55,000 – €110,000 |
| Rent (deposit + 2 months) | €3,500 – €13,000 | €7,000 – €21,000 | €12,000 – €39,000 |
| Fit-out, licences, marketing | €3,000 – €9,500 | €6,000 – €18,000 | €10,000 – €28,000 |
| Working capital | €4,000 – €12,000 | €8,000 – €24,000 | €16,000 – €35,000 |
| Total (EUR) | €25,000 – €75,000 | €75,000 – €160,000 | €160,000 – €200,000+ |
Profitability and ways to save
Typical gross margin for a well-run barbershop in France is 60–70%. Break-even often occurs within 6–12 months if location and pricing are right. To keep costs down: consider second-hand or refurbished equipment, negotiate rent or incentives with the landlord, use low-cost marketing (Google Business Profile, Instagram) and run the shop with efficient booking software.
Local SEO and visibility in France
Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile (name, address, phone, opening hours, photos and services). Use keywords like “barbier [ville]” or “coiffeur homme [quartier]” on your site and listings. Encourage Google reviews—they are a major local ranking factor in France.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need?
A small barbershop usually needs €25,000–€75,000; a medium one €75,000–€160,000. A premium shop in Paris can exceed €200,000.
Is it profitable?
Yes. With a good location and operations, many barbershops hit break-even within 6–12 months.
What licences do I need?
You need to register your business, hold or employ staff with CAP Coiffure (or equivalent), register with the Chambre des Métiers, and comply with health and safety rules. Full steps: how to start a barbershop.
How much does the owner make?
An owner who also cuts might earn €2,500–€6,500 per month in a small shop. With 3–4 barbers, owner income often reaches €5,000–€9,000 or more per month.
Opening a barbershop in France step by step
For licensing, qualifications and legal requirements, see our full guide: How to start a barbershop.