Launch Your Laval Barber Shop: A 10-Step Startup Guide
This page gives a practical, step-by-step path to opening a barber shop in Laval (NAICS 812111). Get a clear overview of the 10 essential requirements, plus what permits you'll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to go from idea to opening day. Whether you’re planning a single-chair shop or a larger barbershop, you’ll find the practical guidance you can act on today.
What you’ll learn: the 10 requirements cover everything from choosing your legal structure and registering the business name with the Registraire des entreprises, to obtaining a Laval municipal business license, zoning and signage approvals, and any necessary premises permits or renovations. You’ll also learn about provincial licensing or certification for barber services, tax registrations (GST/HST, QST), insurance needs, bookkeeping setup, payroll if you hire, and the expected costs and timeline for each step (equipment, leasehold improvements, licenses, and opening-day expenses). Most shops move from start to opening in about 3-5 months, depending on renovations and inspections.
Why Laval? Laval’s growing, family-friendly community, easy access to Montreal, and affordable commercial spaces make a barber shop a smart move. With clear steps, you’ll move fast—from permits to opening—so you can start serving clients quickly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a barber shop in Laval is Business Licence. This license is issued by the city and you cannot legally open or run a barber shop without it. It is non-negotiable and non-deferrable if you want to operate in Laval. Think of it as the official doorway to start and stay in business; without it, you’re not compliant.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety and permits. In addition to the licence, you will need to pass the CISSS de Laval Personal Service Inspection to ensure your space meets health and safety standards for personal care services. This covers sanitation, hygiene, tool hygiene, clean facilities, and client safety. Plan for ongoing compliance and be ready for routine checks from the health authority.
Business Registration & Tax: Beyond licensing, you’ll handle business identifiers and tax registrations. Register your Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and your Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) with Registraire des entreprises, as well as the Quebec Business Registration (REQ). Depending on your structure, you may need Partnership or Quebec Corporation registrations. For taxes, set up GST/HST; if you have employees, arrange Payroll Deductions and CNESST Employer Registration for workers’ compensation.
Encouragement and next steps: Opening a barber shop in Laval is a real opportunity. Start by checking with Laval’s city licensing office for the Business Licence, book the health inspection, and then set up BN, NEQ, and REQ with the right agencies. Consider a short planning session with a business advisor to map out your registrations, taxes, and payroll needs so you can open with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a barber shops in Laval:
-
Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Laval. Apply to Ville de Laval for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact Ville de Laval Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
-
CISSS de Laval Personal Service Inspection RequiredPersonal service establishments must comply with health inspection standards of CISSS de Laval. Register with CISSS de Laval for personal service businesses: 1. Contact your local CISSS de Laval office (Direction de santé publique) 2. Services covered: hairdressing, barbering, tattoo, piercing, esthetics 3. Inspections verify sanitary conditions and hygiene practices 4. Follow Quebec infection prevention guidelines 5. Operators trained in hygiene and disinfection 6. Display any required permits/inspection results Contact CISSS de Laval public health department for specific requirements
-
Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
-
Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration RequiredRegistration of business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar. Register with Registraire des entreprises du Québec: 1. Access quebec.ca/entreprises services 2. Complete declaration of registration online 3. Pay registration fee ($38 sole proprietorship, $367 corporation) 4. Receive NEQ (Numéro d'entreprise du Québec) Annual registration fee: $35 (exempt first 2 years). Annual update declaration required. 30-day deadline for changes.
-
Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) RequiredAll businesses operating in Quebec must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (Quebec Enterprise Registrar). This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Registration provides a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) which is required for all business activities including banking, licensing, and tax purposes. Unlike other provinces, registration is mandatory for ALL businesses in Quebec, not just those with a business name different from the owner. Registration can be completed online. Annual declarations must be filed to keep the registration current. Register with Registraire des entreprises within 60 days of starting business. Required for sole proprietors operating under trade name, partnerships, and corporations. $39 for sole proprietorship, $60 for partnership. Receive NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number).
-
Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired if operating as partnership. Registration of general or limited partnerships in Quebec. Register partnership with Registraire des entreprises: 1. Complete declaration of registration 2. Provide partner information 3. Submit registration 4. Pay registration fee General and limited partnerships. NEQ assigned upon registration. Annual update declaration required.
-
Quebec Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Quebec. Incorporation of a company under Quebec law. Incorporate through Registraire des entreprises: 1. Conduct name search (NUANS) 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through quebec.ca or registry office 4. Pay incorporation fee ($367) Annual reporting required. Must file annual update declaration. Federal incorporation alternative available ($200).
-
GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
-
Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
-
Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Quebec. Employers in Quebec must register with the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) and maintain coverage for workers. CNESST provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under Quebec's workers' compensation system. Most employers are required to register within 60 days of hiring their first worker. Employers pay contributions (premiums) based on their business activity classification and assessable payroll. Register with CNESST within 60 days of hiring first employee. CNESST provides workplace health and safety coverage. Premium rates based on industry classification. Annual declaration of wages required by March 14.
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: