Opening a barbershop in Vietnam 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—Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are generally more expensive than Da Nang, Can Tho or smaller cities—and by the size and fit-out of your shop. Everything in this guide is in Vietnamese dong (VND). For licensing and legal steps, see How to start a barbershop.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Vietnam: quick answer
Small barbershop (1–2 chairs): 150 – 450 million VND. Medium (3–4 chairs): 450 million – 1.1 billion VND. Premium (HCMC/Hanoi): 1.8 billion+ VND. These figures include equipment, rent (deposit plus first months), fit-out, licences and working capital.
Rent and premises: what to expect in Vietnam
Rent is one of the biggest fixed costs. Prime streets and districts cost more; suburbs and smaller cities are cheaper. Below are indicative monthly rents.
- Ho Chi Minh City (District 1, 3, 7, Bình Thạnh, Phú Nhuận): 25 – 90 million+ VND per month.
- Ho Chi Minh City (other districts): 12 – 45 million VND per month.
- Hanoi (Hoàn Kiếm, Ba Đình, Cầu Giấy, Đống Đa): 20 – 75 million VND per month.
- Da Nang, Can Tho (prime): 10 – 40 million VND per month.
- Hai Phong, Nha Trang (centre): 8 – 35 million VND per month.
- Smaller cities: 5 – 20 million VND per month.
Landlords often ask for 1–3 months’ deposit and advance rent. Factor in at least 2–3 months’ rent for deposit and first payments.
Equipment and licences
For a 1–2 chair setup, expect roughly 60 – 180 million VND on chairs, mirrors, clippers, scissors, wash basins and basic furniture. Licences and registrations can add 5 – 25 million VND. 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 (VND)
| Item | Small | Medium | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 60 – 180M | 165 – 420M | 420M – 840M |
| Rent (deposit + 2 months) | 25 – 100M | 50 – 170M | 85 – 310M |
| Fit-out, licences, marketing | 22 – 75M | 45 – 140M | 75 – 250M |
| Working capital | 25 – 80M | 50 – 155M | 100 – 235M |
| Total (VND) | 150 – 450M | 450M – 1.1B | 1.1B – 1.8B+ |
Profitability and ways to save
Typical gross margin for a well-run barbershop in Vietnam is 55–70%. Break-even often occurs within 6–12 months if location and pricing are right. To keep costs down: consider second-hand equipment, negotiate rent, use low-cost marketing (Google Business Profile, Facebook/Instagram) and efficient booking software.
Local SEO and visibility in Vietnam
Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile (name, address, phone, hours, photos, services). Use keywords like “cắt tóc nam [quận]” or “barbershop [thành phố]” on your site and listings. Encourage Google reviews for local ranking.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need?
A small barbershop usually needs 150–450 million VND; a medium one 450 million–1.1 billion VND. A premium shop in HCMC or Hanoi can exceed 1.8 billion VND.
Is it profitable?
Yes. With a good location and operations, many barbershops hit break-even within 6–12 months.
What licences do I need?
Register your business, obtain a business registration certificate, and comply with district/ward and health regulations. Full steps: how to start a barbershop.
How much does the owner make?
An owner who also cuts might earn 15–45 million VND per month in a small shop. With 3–4 barbers, owner income often reaches 35–90 million VND or more per month.
Opening a barbershop in Vietnam step by step
For licensing and legal requirements, see our guide: How to start a barbershop.