Licence Checklist for Salons & Personal Services - Montréal

Business and Consumer Protection Quebec 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Quebec

This guide helps applicants understand municipal licence requirements for salons and personal services in Montréal, Quebec. It summarizes what most new and existing businesses must check before opening or renewing: municipal licences, inspections, common bylaws, fees and the offices that issue and enforce licences. Use this checklist to prepare applications, gather required documents and plan inspections so you meet city rules and start serving clients legally in Montréal.

What this checklist covers

Topics covered include the types of licences commonly required for hair, beauty, spa and personal-care services, municipal application steps, inspection and public-health connections, recordkeeping and common compliance issues to avoid.

Before you apply

  • Confirm the licence class required for your activity with the City of Montréal permits and licences page [1].
  • Prepare a list of premises details: address, floor plan, ventilation and waste disposal plan.
  • Check zoning and land-use rules for your address on municipal regulations and bylaw pages [2].
  • Budget for licence fees, inspection fees and any required alterations.
Start early: municipal checks and inspections can take several weeks.

Required documents commonly requested

  • Completed licence application form (see Applications & Forms below).
  • Proof of business registration and owner identification.
  • Premises floor plan, plumbing and ventilation specs if relevant.
  • Payment for application and inspection fees.

Inspections and public health

Salons and personal-service establishments are subject to municipal inspections for bylaw compliance and may be inspected by regional public-health authorities for hygiene and infection-prevention standards. Be ready to demonstrate cleaning protocols, sterilization procedures and staff training records.

Keep client records and cleaning logs on site for inspections.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of salon and personal-service rules is carried out by municipal by-law enforcement and inspection services. Exact fines and sanctions are set out in applicable municipal bylaw texts and consolidated regulations; where an amount or procedure is not listed on the cited page below, the information is noted as not specified on the cited page.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for every licence type; see the city bylaw listings for specific amounts [2].
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence regimes are referenced in bylaw texts; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page [2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, licence suspension or revocation, closure orders and seizure of equipment may be imposed under municipal powers.
  • Appeals and reviews: where available, municipal procedures require appeals to be filed within statutory time limits set in the bylaw or municipal code; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page [2].
  • Enforcer and complaints: by-law enforcement and inspection services of the City of Montréal handle complaints and inspections; contact details are on the city site [1].

Applications & Forms

Application forms and the list of required documents are published on municipal permits and licences pages. Some licence classes require a site inspection before final issuance; fees and submission methods are listed on the licence page when available. If a specific form number or fee is not shown on the municipal page, it is not specified on the cited page [1].

If a required form or fee is not published, contact the city licensing office before submitting work or opening.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Operating without a valid municipal licence — possible fines, stop-work or closure orders.
  • Poor hygiene or sterilization practices — inspections, orders, or public-health referrals.
  • Failure to display licence or post required notices — administrative penalties.

How-To

  1. Identify the correct licence class for your salon or service on the City of Montréal permits and licences page.
  2. Gather required documents: business registration, owner ID, premises plan and protocol documents.
  3. Complete and submit the municipal application form online or at the designated service counter.
  4. Arrange any required inspections and address any orders to comply issued by inspectors.
  5. Pay fees and obtain final licence certificate; display the licence as required.

FAQ

Do I need a municipal licence to operate a hair salon in Montréal?
Yes. Most salons and personal-service businesses require a municipal licence; confirm the class on the City of Montréal permits and licences page [1].
How long does licence processing take?
Processing times vary by licence class and inspection scheduling; specific timelines are not specified on the cited page [1].
Who inspects hygiene and sanitation?
Municipal inspectors enforce bylaw standards and regional public-health authorities may inspect for health regulations; contact details are on city pages [1].

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm licence class and zoning before signing a lease.
  • Allow time for inspections and municipal processing.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Montréal - Permits and licences
  2. [2] City of Montréal - Bylaws and regulations

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