Which format fits
Salons and studios receive clients on site, so a mainland format with premises and a relevant licence is usually required. Certain services are subject to additional requirements.
What to pay attention to
- Premises, ventilation and sanitary requirements affect the launch timeline.
- Employees and practitioners require visa processing.
- A salon chain is easier to scale through separate companies.
Structure and asset protection
Each location sits in its own company, with the brand and franchise rights in a holding company. This lets you open new locations without putting the others at risk.
The overall logic of the structure is described on the page “Asset protection and ownership structures”.
Bank account
The bank needs the lease agreement, a turnover forecast and a purchasing plan. For small studios, a basic package is enough.
More: bank account opening.
Common mistakes
- The business is set up before the premises are chosen
- The brand stays with the manager rather than the company
Where to start
Tell us about your business. We will review your situation and propose a company format, a jurisdiction and an ownership structure. You can compare the options in the article “Free zone or mainland”, and costs are covered in the article “How much does it cost to open a company in Dubai”.
Regulations and licensing requirements change. Current conditions must be verified before launch. The decision to open an account is made by the bank. Tax consequences depend on your residency.