How to Start a Salon in Bahrain?

By Suhail

April 25, 2025

Bahrain is a growing hotspot for beauty and wellness businesses. With a modern lifestyle, a fashion-conscious community, and a booming tourism sector, opening a Salon in Bahrain is an opportunity worth considering. Whether you’re passionate about hair styling, skincare, or full beauty treatments, Bahrain offers a welcoming environment for salon entrepreneurs.

This guide covers everything you need to know—step-by-step—from licensing to launching your salon successfully.

Why Bahrain is Perfect for a Salon Business

Bahrain’s economy is diversifying beyond oil, and the services sector is flourishing. Beauty, grooming, and wellness services are in high demand, not only from residents but also from tourists and expats.

Growing Beauty Industry

The beauty and personal care market in Bahrain has been expanding steadily. More people are investing in grooming and self-care, which means a Salon Shop in Bahrain can tap into a wide and loyal customer base.

Favorable Business Policies

Bahrain offers 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, simplified licensing procedures, and affordable operational costs compared to neighboring countries. These factors make setting up a Salon Shop Business in Bahrain a practical and profitable idea.

Types of Salon Businesses You Can Start

Before diving into paperwork, decide the type of salon you want to open:

Hair Salon: Haircuts, coloring, styling, treatments
Beauty Salon: Skincare, facials, waxing, makeup
Men’s Grooming Salon: Beard trims, shaves, hairstyling
Full-Service Salon: A combination of all services
Spa and Wellness Center: Massage therapy, spa treatments alongside salon services

Your chosen category will influence your licensing, staffing, and equipment needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Salon in Bahrain

Launching a successful Salon in Bahrain requires careful planning and compliance. Here’s a clear roadmap:

Step 1 – Create a Business Plan

Start with a clear plan that covers:

Services you will offer
Target market (ladies, men, luxury clients, etc.)
Location preferences
Pricing strategy
Marketing ideas
Financial projections (setup costs, monthly expenses, expected income)

A strong business plan helps secure approvals and financing if needed.

Step 2 – Choose a Business Structure

You can register as:

Single Proprietorship (ideal for individual ownership)
With a Partner (local or expat partnership)
WLL Company (With Limited Liability) for broader ownership options

Choosing the right structure affects your licensing and legal obligations.

Step 3 – Reserve Your Trade Name

Choose a unique and appropriate name for your salon. Make sure it:

Reflects your services
Is not offensive
Is available for registration

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) will need to approve it before proceeding.

Step 4 – Apply for a Salon Shop License in Bahrain

To legally operate a Salon Shop in Bahrain, you must apply for a commercial registration (CR) and a specific Salon Shop license in Bahrain.

You’ll typically need:

Approved trade name
Business activity classification (salon services)
Copy of passport and CPR (national ID)
Lease agreement for your salon space
Municipality approvals for the location setup
Layout plan and salon design approvals

The Ministry of Health may also inspect and approve your facilities based on hygiene and safety standards.

Step 5 – Find the Right Location

Location is key to the success of your Salon Shop Business in Bahrain. Look for areas with:

High foot traffic
Access to parking
Proximity to malls, hotels, or residential communities
Visibility to your target market

Be aware that some residential areas have specific restrictions for commercial activities, so double-check with the municipality.

Step 6 – Design and Fit-Out Your Salon

Your salon’s design must meet Bahrain’s health and safety regulations. Essential requirements include:

Separate areas for different services (haircuts, waxing, facials)
Proper ventilation
Fire safety equipment
Clean and hygienic spaces
Designated waiting area

Work with licensed interior designers who understand salon regulations to avoid setup delays.

Step 7 – Hire Qualified Staff

Recruit skilled and licensed professionals such as:

Hair stylists
Beauticians
Massage therapists (if offering spa services)
Reception staff

Make sure to obtain the necessary labor permits and professional licenses for your employees.

Benefits of Starting a Salon in Bahrain

Opening a Salon in Bahrain isn’t just an idea—it’s a smart business move backed by real advantages. Here’s what makes the salon industry in Bahrain so attractive for entrepreneurs:

High Demand for Beauty and Grooming Services

Bahrain has a young, modern, and style-conscious population. Locals, expats, and tourists alike invest regularly in personal care. There’s strong and consistent demand for haircuts, skincare treatments, manicures, and more—giving your salon a steady customer base from day one.

Low Entry Barriers for Small Business Owners

Compared to other GCC countries, Bahrain makes it easier and more affordable to start small businesses. You can begin with a basic salon or grooming shop and expand gradually. There’s also flexibility to operate from smaller spaces or shared locations to reduce overhead.

100% Foreign Ownership Opportunities

Thanks to Bahrain’s progressive business policies, many sectors—including beauty and salon services—allow full foreign ownership. That means no need for a local sponsor, more control over your business, and full ownership of profits.

Strategic Location and Diverse Market

Bahrain serves as a gateway to both Saudi Arabia and other GCC markets. Its central location makes it ideal for tapping into a regional customer base. Plus, the mix of locals, expats, and international visitors ensures your salon appeals to a wide range of preferences.

Skilled Talent is Readily Available

The beauty industry in Bahrain benefits from a strong pool of skilled professionals. Whether you’re hiring hair stylists from the region or bringing in specialists from abroad, the talent is accessible—and visa processing for salon staff is relatively smooth.

No Corporate or Personal Income Tax

This is a big one. Bahrain doesn’t impose corporate income tax or personal income tax, which means more profit stays in your pocket. It’s an ideal environment for small businesses looking to grow quickly.

Growing Interest in Premium and Niche Services

From organic facials to Korean skincare, Bahrain’s market is evolving. Customers are willing to pay more for quality treatments and exclusive services, giving you space to build a high-end brand or introduce new trends that aren’t yet mainstream.

Supportive Government Initiatives for SMEs

Bahrain’s government is actively investing in small and medium-sized enterprises. There are business incubators, grants, mentorship programs, and platforms like Tamkeen that support salon startups with financial and training assistance.

Costs Involved in Setting Up a Salon in Bahrain

Setting up costs depend on the salon size, services offered, and location. Here’s a rough estimate:

Item	Estimated Cost (BHD)
Business Registration and Licensing	1,000 – 2,500
Salon Lease Deposit and Rent	6,000 – 12,000 annually
Fit-Out and Furniture	10,000 – 20,000
Staff Salaries (per month)	300 – 800 per employee
Equipment and Supplies	5,000 – 10,000

Plan your budget carefully to cover setup and operational costs for at least the first 6 months.

Key Regulations for Salon Owners

Running a salon involves ongoing compliance. Important regulations include:

Maintaining strict hygiene and sanitization standards
Using only approved beauty products
Conducting regular staff training on safety and customer care
Renewing your salon license annually
Passing health and municipality inspections

Ignoring regulations can lead to penalties or even business closure, so stay proactive.

Marketing Tips for Your New Salon

Attracting your first clients is vital. Use these tips:

Launch promotions (discounts, loyalty programs)
Build a strong social media presence (Instagram, Facebook)
Partner with influencers in Bahrain’s beauty scene
Offer referral bonuses for word-of-mouth marketing
Register your business on Google Maps and local directories

Good service combined with smart marketing ensures repeat customers and a steady flow of new ones.

Conclusion

Starting a Salon in Bahrain is not just about passion for beauty services—it’s about smart planning, legal compliance, and delivering great customer experiences. With the right approach, your Salon Shop in Bahrain can become a go-to brand for locals and visitors alike.

From securing your Salon Shop license in Bahrain to setting up your dream salon space, every step is crucial for long-term success. Bahrain’s welcoming business environment, combined with rising demand for personal grooming, makes now the perfect time to enter the beauty industry.

For a smooth and hassle-free journey, consider partnering with professional Business Setup Services in Bahrain. Experts can handle your licensing, approvals, and paperwork while you focus on building your brand and serving happy clients.

FAQs

Can expats own a salon in Bahrain?

Yes, expatriates can own a salon, especially in Free Zones or through partnerships. Certain licenses allow 100% foreign ownership, but local sponsorship may sometimes be required.

How long does it take to open a salon?

Typically, it takes between 1 to 3 months to complete all licensing, leasing, design, and hiring procedures.

Is a hygiene inspection mandatory?

Absolutely. Before opening and regularly thereafter, authorities will inspect your salon to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.