Apply for a special treatments licence
Special treatments could include:
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massage
-
manicure
-
acupuncture
-
tattooing
-
cosmetic piercing
-
chiropody
-
light treatments, for example sunbeds
-
electric treatments, for example electrolysis
-
vapour treatments
- other treatments involving heat, light or vapour, for example sauna or other bath treatments.
The licence will be granted subject to our regulations prescribing standard conditions for annual special treatment licences.
Premises purely operating as a hairdressers no longer need to be registered, although there are a number of regulations under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. These regulations apply whether you are self-employed or an employee. They also apply to mobile businesses or businesses based at a salon.
Special treatment licences fees from 1 April 2026
| Full licence - class 1, 2 and 3 | £403 |
| Class 1 only | £311 |
| Class 2 only | £242 |
| Class 3 only | £208 |
| Classes 1 and 2 or 1 and 3 | £323 |
| Classes 2 and 3 | £265 |
| Body piercing | £219 |
| Tattooing | £219 |
| IPL | £553 |
| Renewal | Is the same as the application fee |
| Transfer and/or variation | 25% of the application fee |
Classification of treatments
| Class 1
| Class 2
|
| Class 3
| Other classes
|
*Treatments are non-licensable, and no licensing fees apply
How to apply for a special treatments licence
Please read the guidance notes and instructions for submission carefully before completing your application.
Documents
Word, 989KB
Word, 403.5KB
Mobile therapists
If you're a mobile therapist i.e. you visit people in their own homes to carry out treatments, you don't need a licence but you do need to register with us.
Please download and fill in the application form below.
Documents
Pdf, 117.8KB