Launch Your Ottawa Beauty Salon: A Step-by-Step Plan
This page lays out a practical, step-by-step path to opening a beauty salon in Ottawa (NAICS 812112). You’ll find a clear overview of the 15 requirements, from registrations and licenses to health, safety, and zoning permits. It’s designed to turn a big idea into an achievable plan, with transparent costs and a realistic timeline to help you budget and stay on track.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what you need to do: the permits and licenses you’ll apply for, typical fees, renewal costs, and the order of operations. We break down the timeline—when to apply, how long approvals usually take, and where delays commonly happen—so you can set milestones. The guide also highlights practical steps like insurance, tax registrations, waste management, and record-keeping to keep your salon compliant from day one.
Ottawa is a welcoming market for beauty services, with a steady client base and a growing wellness scene. With the right permits and a solid plan, you can launch a successful salon that fits your budget and style while keeping customer safety and regulatory compliance front and center.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a beauty salon in Ottawa is Esthetician Training Certification. This credential is legally required to perform esthetic services, and you cannot legally open or run the salon without it. If you also plan to offer hairstyling or barber services, the Hairstylist Certificate of Qualification (Includes Barbers) is another essential qualification you must obtain, and it is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety and permits. Health and safety come first: you must follow Infection Prevention and Control Standards and comply with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, providing a safe environment and proper worker training. You’ll also need WSIB coverage for your workers and you should carry appropriate professional/general liability insurance. Permits and zoning are next: ensure your chosen location is zoned for a service establishment, obtain a Personal Service Establishment Permit, and secure a City of Ottawa Business License; if you plan signage, apply for a Sign Permit.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, register your business name with ServiceOntario (Ontario Business Name Registration), register for GST/HST, and set up Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These registrations are essential so you can legally bill taxes, hire staff, and stay compliant with tax rules.
Encouragement: Take it step by step and use this as a practical checklist. Start by securing the critical esthetician (and hairstylist, if applicable) credentials, then tackle permits and registrations, and finally set up your business numbers and tax registrations. If you’re unsure, consider a quick consult with a local regulator or business advisor to confirm you’re on the right path. You’ve got this—steady progress wins in the long run.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a beauty salons in Ottawa:
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Infection Prevention and Control Standards RequiredMandatory infection prevention and control practices for personal service establishments, including proper sterilization of equipment, safe disposal of sharps, and sanitation protocols. Compliance requirement under Ontario Reg. 136/18 - no separate permit. Must follow infection prevention and control standards for all personal service settings. Includes proper sterilization, disinfection, hand hygiene, and equipment handling. Ottawa Public Health conducts inspections. View inspection reports at inspections.ottawapublichealth.ca. Contact: 613-580-6744.
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Zoning Compliance RequiredBusinesses must ensure their location and activities comply with Ottawa zoning bylaws. Zoning determines what types of businesses can operate in specific areas and may affect parking, signage, and hours of operation. Check zoning online via Ottawa's Zoning By-law map (geoottawa.ca) or request a Zoning Designation Letter. For compliance verification, request a Report on Compliance through My ServiceOttawa portal. Fee: varies by report type. Contact Building Code Services: 613-580-2424 ext. 25852 or buildingpermits@ottawa.ca.
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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).
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Esthetician Training Certification RequiredWhile not legally mandatory in Ontario, most insurance companies and employers require completion of an accredited esthetician program for liability and competency purposes. Not mandatory licensing, but certification required by most employers. Complete diploma/certificate at approved Private Career College or community college (600-1500 hours). Must meet Esthetician Subject Specific Standard (March 2010). Graduates cannot perform controlled acts (RHPA). Exam after program. 9 VLOs + employability outcomes. Schools: Seneca, George Brown, Conestoga. Contact institution.
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Personal Service Establishment Permit RequiredRequired for barbershops, hair salons, tattoo parlors, nail salons, and other personal service establishments that involve skin contact. Ensures compliance with health and sanitation standards to protect public health. Notify Ottawa Public Health in writing AT LEAST 14 DAYS before opening, adding services, or relocating. Submit online via PSS Notification Form with floor plans. No application fee for notification. Must comply with Ontario Reg. 136/18. Inspections conducted by Public Health Inspector. Contact: 613-580-6744.
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City of Ottawa Business License RequiredAll businesses operating within the City of Ottawa require a business license. License requirements vary by business type. Personal service establishments must comply with health and zoning requirements. License must be renewed annually. Apply IN PERSON at a Client Service Centre (110 Laurier Ave W, 101 Centrepointe Dr, or 255 Centrum Blvd) or Business Licensing Centre (735 Industrial Ave). Fees vary by business type: Food premises ~$255-286/year, Tow truck operator $1,300+$550-607/vehicle, Limousine $1,110+$667/vehicle. Processing typically 6 weeks, some same-day. Annual renewal. Contact: 613-580-2424 ext. 12735 or businesslicensing@ottawa.ca.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Hairstylist Certificate of Qualification (Includes Barbers) RequiredIn Ontario, hairstyling is a COMPULSORY CERTIFIED TRADE. Individuals practicing as hairstylists or barbers must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification or be registered apprentices to legally work in the trade. Ontario does not have a separate barber certification - both hairstylists and barbers fall under the "Hairstylist" trade classification and must meet the same certification requirements. To obtain certification, individuals must complete an apprenticeship program (approximately 1,500 hours of training) or an approved hairstyling program, followed by passing the Certificate of Qualification examination administered by Skilled Trades Ontario. Working as a hairstylist or barber without proper certification is illegal and subject to enforcement. Compulsory trade in Ontario. Register with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO, replaced OCOT April 2025). Need: Grade 12 or equivalent, 1500 hours training (career college) or apprenticeship. Pass certification exam. Red Seal available. Trade Equivalency Assessment for experienced workers. Exam fee: $150+HST. Must be registered apprentice, PCQ or CQ holder to work. Contact STO: 1-855-299-0028.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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.
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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.
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Sign Permit ConditionalRequired for business signage. Most commercial signs in Ottawa require a permit, including storefront signs, awning signs, and window graphics exceeding certain sizes. Requirements vary by zoning area. Apply online through My ServiceOttawa portal. Fees: $150-$400 for basic signs (minimum $110). Check your zoning first - different rules for different zones. Processing: 2-6 weeks. Signs near Provincial Highways need MTO permit first. Heritage/NCC areas have extra requirements. Contact: addressingandsigns@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2424 ext. 41162.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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Professional/General Liability Insurance RecommendedService businesses should maintain liability insurance appropriate to their risk profile. Not provincially mandated but industry standard. CGL minimum $1M for small businesses. Required by contracts, landlords, clients. Covers bodily injury, property damage, personal injury. E&O insurance for professional services. D&O for directors. Cyber insurance increasingly required. WSIB separate requirement. Contact licensed insurance broker (RIBO-regulated).
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