Applying for/renewing a massage and special treatments licence
In order to offer special treatments:
- a business must have a special treatment licence
- each therapist must be registered with us
Special treatments
Special treatments include:
- acupuncture
- cosmetic piercing
- electrolysis
- laser/IPL
- manicure
- massage
- sauna
- sunbeds
- tattooing
Please see the:
You will need a licence if you offer these treatments from your business premises or home.
Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021
It is a criminal offence to:
- give Botox or fillers by injection for cosmetic reasons to a person under 18 in England, even if they have permission of someone over 18
- make arrangements or book an appointment to provide these treatments to anyone under the age of 18 in England
Please see:
New licence
Before applying, please make sure to read the:
Documents to provide
New applications must provide the following documents:
- electrical installation report
- PAT certificate
- public liability insurance
- plan of the premises
- treatment list with prices
- confirmation that you’ve displayed a public notice
If you want to offer laser/IPL treatments, you must also provide:
- laser machine manual
- client guidance pre/post treatment
- complaints procedure
- client record card
- local rules
- risk assessment
- Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) certificate
Apply
Please complete and return the:
After applying
Your application will go through a 28-day consultation process.
During that time you must advertise your application by displaying a notice in the window of your premises.
To do this please see the:
You must confirm that you have done this by completing the confirmation of notice display form and returning it with your application:
Paying for the application
You must pay a fee for the application on the GOV.UK website.
Make a fee payment in connection with a permit or licence application
Processing your application
At the end of the 28-day consultation period, you will be given the licence if:
- there are no outstanding objections
- all requirements are met
You cannot operate until we confirm you've been given a licence.
Licence renewal
All licences are renewed in September. You will be sent a reminder in August.
You must provide the following documents:
- electrical installation report
- PAT certificate
- public liability insurance
If you are offering Laser/IPL treatments, you must also provide:
- local rules
- risk assessment
- Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) certificate
Apply for a renewal
We will send you an application form in August to renew. Or you can download and return the application form:
Occasional licence
You need an occasional licence if you want to offer treatments at a one-off event, such as a health exhibition.
Please complete and return the:
Make changes to your licence
You can make changes (variations) to your licence such as:
- add a treatment
- add or remove a therapist
- transfer the licence to someone else
To make changes to your licence, please complete the:
Please see our list of special treatment licence fees.
We will contact you to take payment over the phone once your licence has been approved.
Fee exemptions
You may be able to pay a reduced fee if you, or any therapists working for your business, are members of an exempt professional body.
Please see the:
Request a copy of your licence
If you need a copy of your licence, please email us.