Guide · France · General information · English edition · October 2026
Opening a tattoo studio in France.
Before decorating the shop, prepare the professional, practical and financial foundations. Rules vary by location: this guide concerns France.
1. Check hygiene training requirements
Contact your ARS and an authorised training provider to confirm the training and certification required for your activity. Keep the supporting documents.
2. Prepare the activity declaration
Check how to declare the activity and each place where you work with the relevant regional health authority. Guests must also meet the requirements applicable to them.
3. Plan suitable premises
Verify the requirements for the treatment area, washable surfaces, handwashing, clean and contaminated flows and clinical waste before signing a lease.
4. Review the business structure
The right structure depends on your costs, team and investment. Discuss tax, VAT and accounting with a qualified adviser before committing.
5. Check insurance coverage
Review professional liability and premises coverage, exclusions and the position of independent artists and guests. Do not assume the studio’s policy covers every person or activity.
6. Plan equipment and traceability
Use suppliers able to document equipment and ink compliance. Set up hygiene procedures, waste collection and batch traceability.
7. Build a realistic starting budget
Include training, equipment, deposit and works on the premises, insurance, waste collection, accounting and a cash reserve. Actual costs depend on your location and premises.
8. Prepare your client request flow
Build a clear portfolio, one public link and a consistent way to gather project details. TattooDay can organise those requests before you take over to review and quote.
General information, not personalised legal, financial or medical advice. Check the current requirements with your regional health authority (ARS), official sources and qualified advisers before making decisions.
Sources & references
- Regional health authorities (ARS) · official training and activity requirements
- Service-Public.fr and Légifrance · current French rules
- European Chemicals Agency · REACH and tattoo inks
Preparing to open
- Which rules should I follow?
- Use the current French official sources and your ARS for your activity and location. Do not treat a general guide as a compliance checklist.
- How can I organise requests before opening?
- Prepare your portfolio and one clear request link. Gather placement, size, style and references, then review each project yourself.
Open with a clear request flow.
A public portfolio, Lya and organised projects around the way you work.