Accountant for Beauty and Wellness
Hair salons, barbers, beauty institutes, nail bars, wellness massage, spas: you sell time and products, often with a small team. A Viseeon network accountant tracks your VAT, your margins and everyone's status in the salon.
- First 20-minute video call free
What makes running a salon or beauty institute complicated?
The announced end of the flat-rate scheme
Some small salons still file their VAT under a flat rate. This scheme is set to end by 1 January 2028 at the latest. You will have to record every service and every real sale, at the right rate.
Chair or booth rental
Renting a workstation to a self-employed hairdresser or beautician is common. But if she works to your hours, with your clients and your prices, the relationship can be reclassified as an employment contract. The rent itself raises VAT questions.
Services and products mixed together
Cuts, treatments and manicures on one side, shampoos, creams and accessories on the other: the margin differs and product stock must be tracked. Products used in treatments are not products sold.
A schedule that drives all your profitability
An empty chair or booth costs as much as an occupied one. Without tracking occupancy and turnover per hour worked, you cannot see where profitability leaks.
What your accountant does for your salon
VAT and till
Analysis of your current VAT scheme, preparing the exit from the flat rate, separating services from product sales, setting up your till and your booking software.
Statuses in the salon
Comparing employee, self-employed workstation renter and partner, a secure chair rental contract, coordination with your social secretariat for payroll.
Margin and occupancy
Turnover per hour and per workstation, occupancy rate, share of product resale, cost of products used in treatments. A simple dashboard, every month.
Which rules should you know when opening a salon in Belgium?
VAT scheme. Three situations coexist in the sector:
- the small business exemption, if your annual turnover does not exceed €25,000: no VAT charged, no VAT deducted;
- the flat-rate scheme, still used by some salons, which will end by 1 January 2028 at the latest;
- the normal scheme, with periodic VAT returns.
Hairdressing and beauty treatments are subject to the standard 21% rate. [A_VERIFIER: existence of a still-active hairdressing flat rate and end date of the flat-rate scheme]
Access to the profession. Depending on the region where you set up, hairdressing or beauty work may require proof of management knowledge and professional skills. Basic management knowledge is no longer required in any region (in Wallonia since 1 October 2025). In Flanders, hairdressing and beauty have not been regulated since 1 January 2018. In Wallonia, hairdressing still requires proof of professional skills. For beauty, massage and nails in Brussels and Wallonia, your business counter (guichet d'entreprises) checks whether a skill is required.
Medical-purpose treatments. Some cosmetic procedures fall under health professions and follow other rules. They cannot be performed by a beauty institute.
Social contributions. As a main-activity self-employed person, in 2026 you pay 20.50% of your income up to €75,024.54, with a minimum of €890.42 per quarter, reduced to €459.82 during your first four quarters if you are a first-time starter.
Tax calendar for beauty salons
VAT, social and tax deadlines for a hair salon or beauty institute, with the steps to prepare for the end of the flat-rate scheme.
Get the guideMy salon is on the flat-rate VAT scheme. What will happen?
The flat-rate scheme will end by 1 January 2028 at the latest. You will then move to the normal scheme or, if your turnover allows, to the exemption. It pays to plan ahead: till, software and organisation of your returns.
Can I use the VAT exemption?
Yes, if your annual turnover does not exceed €25,000. You charge no VAT and deduct none. This is often attractive at the start, less so if you invest heavily in fitting out the salon.
What VAT rate applies to a haircut or treatment?
Hairdressing and beauty treatments are subject to the standard 21% rate. Resold products follow their own rate. Your accountant checks your till settings.
Is renting a chair to a self-employed hairdresser risky?
It can be. If she works to your hours, with your clients and prices, and under your authority, the relationship can be reclassified as an employment contract, with contributions to settle. A clear contract and real autonomy limit the risk.
Do I have to issue electronic invoices?
Not for your private customers. Since 1 January 2026, however, you must be able to receive electronic invoices from your Belgian suppliers, and issue them to business clients, for example for a chair rental invoiced to a VAT-liable self-employed person.
How much social contribution will I pay when I open my institute?
In 2026, a first-time main-activity starter pays at least €459.82 per quarter during the first four quarters. After that the general rule applies: 20.50% of income, with a minimum of €890.42 per quarter.
How do I track my salon's profitability?
With three figures: turnover per hour worked, the occupancy rate of each workstation and the share of product resale. Compared with your fixed costs, they give your break-even point.
Can I deduct products used during treatments?
Yes, they are business expenses. They must be separated from products intended for resale, which go into your stock and are counted at year-end.
Run the salon as a sole trader or in an SRL/BV?
The SRL (BV) in principle protects your private assets and can reduce tax as profit grows. It requires no minimum capital, but a financial plan and a notarial deed.
Let's talk about your salon
Book a 20-minute video call with an accountant who already works with hair salons and beauty institutes.