Are you planning to start a professional permanent makeup tattoo business and need to know which license for permanent makeup you would utilise? Based on what you will be doing with the lip blush, eyeliner tattoo, or microblading, a current permanent makeup license would need to be utilised to do it legally and safely.
With more and more individuals seeking semi-permanent beauty procedures, business is booming, as is the law. In this book here we will guide you through the very licenses that you will require, certification, and what compliance will be required to run a permanent makeup business within India and internationally.
What Is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup is a range of cosmetic treatments involving pigment being inserted into the skin to enhance facial features. These are:
- Microblading eyebrows
- Lip tinting or lip blushing
- Eyeliner tattooing
- Scalp micropigmentation
- Areola restoration
As these treatments involve penetrating the skin and implanting pigment, they are treated similarly to tattoos in most nations, and so licensing and compliance with hygiene standards becomes a requirement.
Why Is A License For Permanent Makeup Important?
A permanent makeup license is not only the law, it’s an essential component of safety, hygiene, and client confidence. Licensed PMU artists:
- Exhibit skin anatomy knowledge, hygiene standards, and pigmentation methods.
- Follow local health laws to prevent legal consequences.
- They are legally allowed to operate and promote their services.
- Enhance customer trust and professional reputation.
Not getting the proper license can lead to fines, business shutdown, or even lawsuits, depending on local law.
Who Regulates Permanent Makeup In India?
Permanent makeup in India is licensed by a mix of city governments, state health administrations, and partly the CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) when the colours are imported or controlled.
Though there is no centralised PMU licensing act in India, state and local governments can license under tattoo parlour rules or body art establishment regulations. In major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, one has to acquire a health trade license from the local municipal corporation.
Types Of Licenses Required For Permanent Makeup In India
Here is a breakdown of the common licenses and cosmetic regulatory compliance you may need to legally perform permanent makeup services:
1. Trade License / Health Trade License
A health trade license is required to run a beauty studio, salon, or cosmetic tattoo facility. It ensures your premises comply with hygiene, sanitation, and structural standards. The Local Municipal Corporation issues this License
2. Shop and Establishment License
This license registers your business for legal operation and is mandatory for all commercial establishments. This license is issued by the Labour Department of the State
3. GST Registration
If your annual turnover exceeds the threshold, you must register for GST to file tax returns. The GST registration certificate is issued by the Goods and Services Tax Department
4. Training or Certification in Permanent Makeup
Although not a government-issued license, certification from a recognised PMU training institute is essential. It validates your skills in microblading, tattoo hygiene, pigment selection, and client consultation.
5. Tattoo License (Where Applicable)
Some states in India treat permanent makeup as a form of tattooing. Hence, you may need a tattoo license under local body art rules. Requirements vary by state.
How to Get a License For Permanent Makeup In India
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get a license for permanent makeup services:
Step 1: Choose A Recognised PMU Training Program
Enrol in a certified permanent makeup training course that covers:
1) Skin structure and healing
2) Sanitation and sterilisation
3) Pigment theory and colour correction
4) Needle selection and depth control
5) Hands-on practice under supervision
Choose a program accredited by recognised aesthetic associations or international organisations.
Step 2: Register Your Studio or Salon
Apply for a shop and establishment license and a health trade license from your local municipal authority. This often involves a premise inspection, submission of hygiene and layout plans, business and ID proof, and fire safety compliance (if applicable).
Step 3: Apply for GST and PAN Registration
If you are operating commercially, you’ll need a GST number and a business PAN card. These are mandatory for invoicing, taxation, and digital payments.
Step 4: Maintain Hygiene and Equipment Standards
Your studio must have sterilised needles and single-use items, waste disposal systems, clean water and disinfected surfaces, proper lighting, and ventilation. These factors will be evaluated during health inspections.
Step 5: Display Certification and Licenses
Keep all your licenses and certificates visible at your place of business to build credibility and pass compliance checks.
Documents Required For Permanent Makeup License In India
Here is the list of documents needed to obtain a license for permanent makeup:
- Business Registration Certificate (e.g., GST, Shop & Establishment)
- Owner/Technician ID Proof (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)
- Address Proof of Premises (rent agreement or property documents)
- Training Certificate in permanent makeup from a recognised institute
- Consent Forms & SOPs for client safety and hygiene
- Waste Disposal Agreement (for bio-medical waste, if applicable)
- NOC from Local Authority (Municipal Corporation or Panchayat)
- Photographs of the Clinic/Studio Setup
- Fire Safety Certificate (if required by the local body)
- Medical Fitness Certificate (for technician, if required)
What License Is Needed for Permanent Makeup Abroad?
The license for permanent makeup varies by country, but most places treat it like tattooing and require proper training and hygiene standards.
- USA: Tattoo/body art license, bloodborne pathogen certification, and state-approved PMU training.
- UK: Register with the local council, get a Level 4 PMU certificate, and have insurance.
- Canada: Local health permit, infection control training, and studio approval.
- Australia: Skin penetration license, hygiene training, and council inspection.
- EU: PMU training, local health registration, and use of REACH-compliant pigments.
Is A License Required For Permanent Makeup In India?
Yes, especially for procedures involving needles or pigments like microblading or lip tinting.
Who Issues The License For Permanent Makeup?
Local Municipal Corporation, State Drug Control Department, or under the Clinical Establishment Act, depending on the procedure type.
