Beauty, hair and body art registration

Get permission to operate your business in the City of Port Phillip.

I want to

If you’re starting a new beauty, hair and body art business, we suggest talking to Council before you choose a site.

We can help you make sense of health rules and regulations and guide you through the permits and approvals process.

Who is it suitable for?

You need to register your business (premises) with Council if you’ll be doing:

Low risk activities:

Hairdressing/ barbering
Applying cosmetics that do not involve skin penetration or tattooing.

Higher risk activities:

Spray tan
Manicure
Facials
Waxing
Threading
IPL/Laser
Microdermabrasion
Eyelash extension

Eyelash/eyebrow tinting
Electrolysis
Dry needling
Piercing - ear (gun only)
Piercing - body
Tattooing
Cosmetic tattooing
Colonic irrigation

Fees

Type of fee	Cost
Application fee	$112
Registration fee	$232

Before you apply

If you’re starting a new business, you’ll need to:

submit an application for plans approval
submit floor plans showing the setup of the treatment rooms including handwash basins, storage and cleaning areas
provide details of all finishes and equipment in the salon.

When you apply

When you submit your application, you’ll receive an invoice from Council. An Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will then assess the plans and provide feedback.

When the build is complete a final inspection is conducted to ensure it is suitable for registration.

After your inspection, complete the Application for Registration of Health Premises form (DOCX 403 KB).

You need to complete this form and pay the fee to get your Public Health and Wellbeing Act registration before operating your business.

After you apply

If your application has been approved by Council, you’ll receive a certificate of registration.

Transfer of registration

You may want to have a business (premises) checked by an Environmental Health Officer if you’re thinking of buying it.

Complete the Application for Transfer Inspection Disclosure form (DOC 67 KB) to arrange an inspection.

The Environmental Health Officer will inspect the premises and write an inspection report.

Before you can access this report, you’ll need written consent from the existing owner.

When you’re ready to continue with the transfer of registration, complete the Application for Transfer of Registration form (DOC 86 KB). You will be sent the invoice for payment when the application is processed.

Will I need more than one?

How many permits, licences, and registrations you need depends on your business.

If you're planning on changes to the premises or your activities, you might need more than one permit. If you think you might need other permits, use our Business Permit Finder to help.

Business permit finder