Opening a barbershop in Turkey 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 Turkey: from legal requirements and trade registry (Ticaret Sicili), to tax (Vergi Dairesi), municipality permit (işyeri açma ruhsatı), initial investment in Turkish Lira (TRY), strategic location, equipment, and management tools that will help you succeed from day one.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Turkey
Research and Business Plan
Before opening your barbershop in Turkey, 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 100–300 TRY 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 Turkey, barbershops often serve professionals, students, and families—tailor your offer to your city and neighbourhood.
- Average market prices: Research what other barbershops charge. Prices vary by city: Istanbul and Ankara tend to be higher; smaller cities may be lower. Typical range: 100–350 TRY for a basic cut, 150–500 TRY for cut + beard.
- Service demand: Evaluate if there's sufficient demand. Consider population density, nearby offices or universities, and foot traffic in areas like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, or Bursa.
- Peak hours: One common issue in Turkey is not matching operating hours to when people actually come—observe local patterns and consider evening and weekend 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 metro; 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:
Istanbul
Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Beyoğlu, Fatih—high rent but high traffic. Good for premium or mid-range barbershops.
Ankara
Çankaya, Kızılay, Tunalı—strong market with good foot traffic.
Izmir
Konak, Karşıyaka, Bornova—vibrant market with local clientele.
Other cities
Bursa, Antalya, Adana, Konya, and Gaziantep offer strong markets with varying rent levels.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Turkey
To legally operate a barbershop in Turkey, you need to comply with the following. One common issue in Turkey is operating without the municipality business permit—this can lead to fines.
Trade Registry (Ticaret Sicili)
Register your business in the Trade Registry (Ticaret Sicili) at the Chamber of Commerce (Ticaret Odası) in your city. You can register as a sole proprietor (şahıs şirketi), partnership, or company (limited şirket). The chamber will issue your trade registry certificate.
Where: Local Ticaret Odası (Chamber of Commerce)
Estimated time: A few days to a week
Cost: Registration fees vary; check with your chamber
TOBB →Tax Registration (Vergi Dairesi)
Register for tax at the Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi) in your district. You will receive a tax number (vergi numarası) and must register for VAT (KDV) if applicable. Businesses must file periodic tax returns. You can register in person or via the e-Devlet portal where available.
Where: Local Vergi Dairesi (Tax Office)
Estimated time: A few days
Cost: No registration fee
GİB (Tax Authority) →Municipality Business Permit (İşyeri Açma Ruhsatı)
You need a business opening permit (işyeri açma ruhsatı) from the municipality (belediye) where your barbershop is located. The municipality will check that the premises meet hygiene and safety requirements. One common issue in Turkey is starting before obtaining this permit—do it before opening.
Where: Your local belediye (municipality)
Cost: Permit fees vary by municipality
Hygiene and Premises
Barbershops and hairdressing salons in Turkey must comply with hygiene and premises standards set by the municipality and health regulations. This includes clean tools, disinfection, and a clean premises. The municipality may carry out inspections. Many barbershops we see struggle with incomplete hygiene documentation—get clear on requirements from the start.
Cost: No separate permit fee, but you must invest in disinfection and hygiene measures
Ministry of Health (Sağlık Bakanlığı) →If You Hire Employees: SGK and Contracts
If you employ staff, you must register as an employer with SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu – Social Security Institution) and comply with Turkish employment law (contracts, minimum wage, etc.). Consider using a payroll service or accountant to avoid errors.
Resources:
Estimated Initial Investment
The initial investment to open a barbershop in Turkey can vary significantly. Here's an approximate breakdown in Turkish Lira (TRY):
Note: A small barbershop with basic equipment can start around 150,000–400,000 TRY. A larger or more premium setup in Istanbul or Ankara may require 500,000–1,000,000 TRY 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 Turkey, you need to invest in quality equipment. Here is a guide to the essentials with approximate prices in TRY 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 – 45,000 TRY per unit
Basic chairs from 8,000 TRY. Premium chairs 35,000 TRY 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 – 12,000 TRY per unit
Basic mirrors from 1,500 TRY. Mirrors with LED from 8,000 TRY.
Professional Scissors
Invest in professional-grade scissors. Each barber needs at least one pair of cutting scissors and one texturising pair.
Estimated price: 500 – 8,000 TRY per pair
Basic from 500 TRY. Japanese or German professional from 4,000 TRY.
Hair Clippers
Professional clippers are essential. Look for recognised brands like Wahl, Andis or Philips. Each barber needs at least one main clipper.
Estimated price: 400 – 12,000 TRY per unit
Basic from 400 TRY. Professional from 6,000 TRY.
Razors and Shaving Tools
For precise shaves and finishes. Include straight razors, disposable blades and spare blades.
Estimated price: 200 – 4,000 TRY
Disposable blades from 200 TRY. Professional razors from 2,000 TRY.
Professional Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for precise work. LED professional lamps, mirror lighting and adequate general light.
Estimated price: 1,500 – 12,000 TRY
Basic LED from 1,500 TRY. Full lighting setup from 8,000 TRY.
Hair and Beard Products
Initial stock: gels, pomades, waxes, beard oils, aftershave lotions, etc.
Estimated price: 5,000 – 30,000 TRY (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 Turkey:
- Registration with SGK: You must register as an employer and pay social security contributions.
- Written employment contracts: All employees must have a written contract.
- Minimum wage: Comply with the national minimum wage (asli ücret).
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 Turkish clients increasingly expect.
Marketing and Promotion
Effective marketing is crucial to attract clients. In Turkey, 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 Turkey?
You need trade registry (Ticaret Sicili) at the Chamber of Commerce and a business opening permit (işyeri açma ruhsatı) from your municipality. You also need to register for tax at the Vergi Dairesi. There is no specific barber license for basic operation. Compliance with hygiene and premises standards is required. If you hire employees, you must register with SGK and comply with employment law.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Turkey?
The initial investment can range from 150,000 to 1,000,000 TRY depending on size, location, and equipment. A small barbershop can start around 150,000–400,000 TRY; a larger or premium setup in Istanbul or Ankara may require 500,000–1,000,000 TRY or more.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Turkey?
Register your business in the Trade Registry (Ticaret Sicili) at your local Chamber of Commerce (Ticaret Odası). Then obtain the business opening permit (işyeri açma ruhsatı) from your municipality and register for tax at the Vergi Dairesi. Doing market research and a simple business plan first will help you choose location and pricing.