Personal appearance services

Personal appearance services (PAS) include hairdressing, beauty therapy and skin penetration procedures (e.g. tattooing, body piercing and cosmetic injectables). These services have the potential to spread disease and cause infection so they must comply with the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003 and the Infection Control Guidelines for Personal Appearance Services.

You need a licence from us if your business activities are classified as 'higher risk personal appearance services'. Examples of services that require a licence include:

  • body piercing
  • tattooing (including cosmetic tattooing and semi-permanent make-up)
  • implanting a natural or synthetic substance into a person's skin (e.g. hair or beads, cosmetic injectables)
  • scarring or cutting a person's skin using a sharp instrument to make a permanent mark, pattern or design like scarification and branding.
  • tattoo removal using micro needles.

See the Personal appearance services categorisation table on the Queensland Health Personal Appearance Services – Legislation web page for details.

Note: a licence is required only if the service is provided as part of a business transaction.

You do not need a licence from us if your business activities are classified as non-higher risk personal appearance services. Examples of services that do not require a licence include:

  • hairdressing
  • beauty therapy (excluding cosmetic injectables and other skin penetration procedures)
  • closed ear or nose piercing only
  • laser tattoo removal
  • acupuncture
  • massage therapy
  • personal appearance services provided within a health-care facility – you don't need a licence from us but you need to comply with relevant medical legislation.

Licences are valid until 31 August each year and are renewed annually. For options on how to renew your licence visit Permits & licensing renewals.

For more information, contact our City Standards team on 07 5667 5987.

Taking over an existing business

Current higher risk personal appearance services licences can be transferred to a new operator.

We recommend you apply for a health licence search to confirm the higher risk personal appearance service licence is current and to ensure the current licence holder is complying with their licence conditions.

Complying with regulations

You and your staff are responsible for complying with all requirements of the relevant legislation. Refer to Related information.

How to apply

Use one of the options below to apply for a higher risk personal appearance services licence for a:

  • fixed premises
  • mobile premises, or
  • temporary premises.

We recommend you contact us on 1300 465 326 for advice on whether you will need development approval from us. Make sure your site has the appropriate approval before submitting your application.

Depending on the type, size and intended use of any permanent buildings and structures, building approval and certification from a building certifier may also be required.

Online

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • floor plan to scale detailing location, materials and dimensions of work area zones, equipment and fittings
  • cross-section drawings to scale detailing location, materials and dimensions of work are zones, equipment and fittings
  • site plan detailing location of premises in regard to other premises and facilities
  • sterilising and cleaning equipment details
  • statement of attainment for infection control competency standard
  • for mobile or temporary premises only – evidence of nil fee eligibility.

Step 2.Submit our online form 

This online form is currently only available for Fixed premises.

Submit online form

By email

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • floor plan to scale detailing location, materials and dimensions of work area zones, equipment and fittings
  • cross-section drawings to scale detailing location, materials and dimensions of work are zones, equipment and fittings
  • site plan detailing location of premises in regard to other premises and facilities
  • sterilising and cleaning equipment details
  • statement of attainment for infection control competency standard
  • for mobile or temporary premises only – evidence of nil fee eligibility.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete one of the following Higher risk personal appearance services licence forms:

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Email to: mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • floor plan to scale detailing location, materials and dimensions of work area zones, equipment and fittings
  • cross-section drawings to scale detailing location, materials and dimensions of work are zones, equipment and fittings
  • site plan detailing location of premises in regard to other premises and facilities
  • sterilising and cleaning equipment details
  • statement of attainment for infection control competency standard
  • for mobile or temporary premises only – evidence of nil fee eligibility.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete one of the following Higher risk personal appearance services licence forms:

Step 3.Visit one of our customer service centres

Submit your application at one of our customer service centres Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm.

By mail

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • floor plan to scale detailing location, materials and dimensions of work area zones, equipment and fittings
  • cross-section drawings to scale detailing location, materials and dimensions of work are zones, equipment and fittings
  • site plan detailing location of premises in regard to other premises and facilities
  • sterilising and cleaning equipment details
  • statement of attainment for infection control competency standard
  • for mobile or temporary premises only – evidence of nil fee eligibility

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete one of the following Higher risk personal appearance services licence forms:

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Post to:

City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042
GCMC QLD 9726

Request a licence search

If you are looking at buying licensed premises such as an existing personal appearance services business, we recommend you apply for a health licence search to confirm there is a current approval and ensure the exiting owner is complying with licence conditions.

Request a health licence search

Renew a licence/permit

Find out how to renew a licence or permit if there is no renewal fee or if payment of a fee is required.

Amend a licence/permit

Use the below amendment form to apply to:

  • change your business or contact information
  • modify your operation or request a change to conditions of approval.

Amendment application(PDF, 81KB)

Cancel a licence/permit

Use the Cancel a licence/permit form to cancel an existing licence/permit. No fees apply.

Replace approval documentation

Use the Replace approval documentation form to apply for replacement approval documentation for your permit or licence. Fees may apply.

Transfer an existing licence/permit

Use the Transfer of licence/permit form when taking over an existing business that has a current licence.

Related information

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