Getting started in the wellbeing and personal care sector: what rules apply?

The wellbeing and personal care sector is attracting an increasing number of project initiators. Relaxation activities, beauty treatments, massage, nail services… the range of possibilities is broad. However, some activities require specific qualifications or authorisations. This practical guide will help you navigate the rules.

Access to the profession: what has changed?

The Brussels-Capital Region has significantly simplified the conditions for accessing certain professions since 15 January 2024.

• Basic business management skills: good news: in Brussels, you no longer need to prove basic business management skills to register with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE).
• Deregulated professions: the professions of pedicurist and massage therapist are no longer regulated. You may carry out these activities without having to present a specific diploma at an enterprise counter.
• Regulated profession (beautician): the profession of beautician (body care, hair removal, semi-permanent make-up) remains regulated. You must still be able to demonstrate your professional skills to practise.

Activities with no specific access requirements

No diploma or formal access to the profession is required for the following activities (exceptions apply):

• nail styling (decoration, extensions, application of artificial nails);
• relaxation massage (non-therapeutic; therapeutic massage is reserved for physiotherapists);
• make-up (face painting);
• the application, modification or removal of permanent piercings and tattoos (please note: a specific hygiene training course is required);
• hair care;
• dental technical activities (free access to set up a manufacturing business, but a strict prohibition on treating patients – otherwise this constitutes illegal practice of dentistry);
• foot care, i.e. non-medical pedicures.

Premises-related procedures

You have two options :

• you acquire your own premises (purchase or rental);
• you provide your services within a salon that already holds all the required authorisations (urban planning designation, fire safety certificate/SIAMU, waste collection contract, Sabam licence and equitable remuneration for music).

A third option exists, but only for pedicurists considered part of the paramedical sector: you may also operate within a medical practice or medical centre.

The designation of the premises: a key issue

Expert advice: never sign a commercial lease or make a purchase offer without first checking the urban planning designation of the premises with your local municipal planning department. Signing a lease for premises whose designation does not match your activity may result in financial loss, as you would still be required to pay rent even if you are unable to open your business.

• If your (future) premises are located in a commercial zone, the designation must be ‘service trade’. Any other designation, including ‘material services establishment (goods trade)’, requires an urban planning permit.
  To find out if your (future) premises are located in a commercial zone, you can use the following tool: Brugis (Layers > Brussels Planning and Heritage > Shop signs > Commercial centre strips. Commercial zones are indicated in blue)
• If the premises are located outside a commercial zone, you may operate in premises designated either as ‘service trade’ or ‘material services establishment’. In the latter case, no urban planning permit is required.

If the premises are currently designated for residential use, a change of use with an urban planning permit will be required. This process may take several months. Refusals are rare, but caution is advised.

⚠️ Please note: this is first-line information. Before making any decision, you should consult the municipal planning department where your (future) premises are located to confirm your specific situation.

Can I work from home?

Unlike liberal professions and purely intellectual services, home-based activity in the beauty sector is not automatically permitted in Brussels.  Working from home in this sector is strictly regulated from an urban planning perspective and generally requires an urban planning permit for change of use, even if you own the property.

Each case is assessed individually by the municipality, particularly in relation to the impact on the residential function and the neighbourhood. It is therefore essential to consult your municipality before starting your activity.

An exception may apply: pedicurists holding a paramedical qualification (podiatrists) generally benefit from greater flexibility, although municipal verification remains essential.

Support and resources

Are there additional steps to consider? Yes. Several procedures apply to all entrepreneurs, regardless of sector, such as:

• choosing between self-employed status as a natural person or setting up a company;
• registration formalities;
• applying for a loan or subsidy, if needed;
• setting prices that cover costs and allow for a profit;
• and more.

For this reason, we strongly recommend contacting a business support organisation. Such organisations support you throughout the development of your project, with your advisor acting as a key point of reference at every stage. You can identify these organisations using our ‘Who can help me?’ wizard.
One example is RCOOP, a cooperative of entrepreneurs specialising in hairdressing, beauty, care and personal services. They support candidates wishing to launch projects in these sectors.

If you need help finding your way among the many available support structures, do not hesitate to seek advice from hub.info.