Opening a barbershop in Norway 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 Norway: from legal requirements and business registration (Brønnøysundregistrene), to VAT (mva), initial investment in Norwegian Kroner (NOK), strategic location, equipment, and management tools that will help you succeed from day one.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Norway
Research and Business Plan
Before opening your barbershop in Norway, 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 200–500 NOK 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 Norway, 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: Oslo tends to be higher; smaller cities may be lower. Typical range: 200–450 NOK for a basic cut, 350–650 NOK for cut + beard.
- Service demand: Evaluate if there's sufficient demand. Consider population density, nearby offices or universities, and foot traffic in areas like Oslo Sentrum, Bergen, Trondheim, or Stavanger.
- Peak hours: One common issue in Norway 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:
Oslo
Sentrum, Grünerløkka, Majorstuen, Frogner—high rent but high traffic. Good for premium or mid-range barbershops.
Bergen
Sentrum, Nygård—strong market with good foot traffic.
Trondheim
Sentrum—vibrant city with student and local clientele.
Other cities
Stavanger, Kristiansand, and Tromsø offer strong markets with varying rent levels.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Norway
To legally operate a barbershop in Norway, you need to comply with the following. One common issue in Norway is operating without proper business registration—this can lead to fines.
Business Registration (Brønnøysundregistrene)
Register your business with Brønnøysundregistrene (the Brønnøysund Register Centre). You will receive an organisation number (organisasjonsnummer), which you need for contracts, banks, and tax. For a sole proprietorship (enkeltpersonforetak) you register via Altinn; for a company (e.g. AS) you register with Brønnøysundregistrene.
Where: Altinn (altinn.no) or Brønnøysundregistrene (brreg.no)
Estimated time: Same day to a few days
Cost: Registration fee may apply for certain entity types; check current rates
Brønnøysundregistrene →VAT Registration (mva) – Skatteetaten
Register for VAT (mva – merverdiavgift) with Skatteetaten (Norwegian Tax Administration) if your turnover exceeds 50,000 NOK per year (check current threshold). As a barbershop you will typically charge 25% mva on services. You can register via Altinn when setting up your business.
Where: Skatteetaten / Altinn
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Cost: No registration fee (but you charge and remit mva)
Skatteetaten →Hygiene Regulations
Barbershops and hairdressing salons in Norway must comply with hygiene regulations (e.g. Mattilsynet, 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
Mattilsynet (Norwegian Food Safety Authority) →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 2,000–6,000 NOK per year depending on coverage and insurer
If You Hire Employees: Payroll, Holiday Pay (feriepenger), and Pension
If you employ staff, you must register as an employer with Skatteetaten, deduct tax and social contributions, pay holiday pay (feriepenger), and contribute to pension (e.g. obligatorisk tjenestepensjon). Comply with Norwegian employment law (contracts, minimum wage, etc.). Consider using a payroll service (lønn) or accountant to avoid errors.
Resources:
Estimated Initial Investment
The initial investment to open a barbershop in Norway can vary significantly. Here's an approximate breakdown in Norwegian Kroner (NOK):
Note: A small barbershop with basic equipment can start around 150,000–300,000 NOK. A larger or more premium setup in Oslo may require 400,000–700,000 NOK 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 Norway, you need to invest in quality equipment. Here is a guide to the essentials with approximate prices in NOK 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: 8,000 – 22,000 NOK per unit
Basic from 8,000 NOK. Premium 18,000 NOK or more.
Barbershop Mirrors
Large, good-quality mirrors are essential. We recommend mirrors of at least 60x90 cm, ideally with integrated lighting.
Estimated price: 1,500 – 7,000 NOK per unit
Professional Scissors and Clippers
Invest in professional scissors and clippers. Brands like Wahl, Andis or Oster are widely used. Each barber needs at least one main clipper and a pair of scissors.
Estimated price: Scissors 800–4,000 NOK; clippers 600–6,000 NOK
Razors, Combs and Hair Products
Razors and shaving tools, combs, and initial stock of hair and beard products (gels, pomades, oils, aftershave).
Estimated price: 5,000 – 25,000 NOK (initial stock)
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.
- Pay structure: Be clear on commissions, base salary and bonuses.
Employer obligations in Norway:
- Registration with Skatteetaten: You must register as an employer and deduct tax and social contributions.
- Written employment contracts: All employees must have a written contract.
- Holiday pay (feriepenger): Pay and administer holiday pay according to Norwegian rules.
- Pension (tjenestepensjon): Contribute to mandatory occupational pension where applicable.
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 Norwegian clients increasingly expect.
Marketing and Promotion
Effective marketing is crucial to attract clients. In Norway, 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 Norway?
You need business registration (organisasjonsnummer) via Brønnøysundregistrene/Altinn, VAT registration (mva) with Skatteetaten 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 (feriepenger), and pension.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Norway?
The initial investment can range from 150,000 to 700,000 NOK depending on size, location, and equipment. A small barbershop can start around 150,000–300,000 NOK; a larger or premium setup in Oslo may require 400,000–700,000 NOK or more.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Norway?
Register your business with Brønnøysundregistrene (or via Altinn for a sole proprietorship) to get your organisation number (organisasjonsnummer). Then complete VAT (mva) registration with Skatteetaten if applicable. Doing market research and a simple business plan first will help you choose location and pricing.