You don't need to formally register a business to do lashes from home in Australia, but you do need an Australian Business Number (ABN) once you start charging clients. Getting an ABN is free, takes about 10 minutes, and makes running your home lash business much simpler. You only need to register a business name or company if you want to trade under a name that isn't your own legal name.
What Does "Registering a Business" Actually Mean?
People often use "registering a business" to mean a few different things, so it's worth separating them:
- ABN (Australian Business Number): A free identifier that lets you legally invoice clients and operate as a self-employed person. Most home lash techs need this.
- Business name registration: Required only if you trade under a name that isn't your own legal name (e.g., "Lash Luxe by Sarah" rather than just "Sarah Jones"). Costs around $39 per year through ASIC.
- Company registration: Creates a separate legal entity (Pty Ltd). Not necessary for most home-based lash techs starting out.
For the majority of home lash technicians, the only step required is obtaining an ABN as a sole trader. That's it.
Do I Need an ABN to Do Lashes From Home?
Once you start charging clients — even friends and family paying a reduced rate — you are operating a business in Australia and are entitled to an ABN. You're not legally compelled to have one, but without it:
- You can't issue professional invoices
- Business clients may withhold 47% of your payment for tax purposes if you can't provide an ABN
- You may struggle to get insurance or open a business bank account
Applying for an ABN through the Australian Business Register (abr.gov.au) is free and straightforward. Most applications are approved on the spot.
Are There Any Council or Planning Permits Required?
Operating a beauty service from your home may require a home-based business permit or development approval from your local council, depending on your state and the nature of your business. This varies significantly by location.
Generally, if you're seeing a small number of clients per day, operating in a quiet residential area, and not displaying signage or generating noise, most councils treat this as a permitted home occupation that doesn't require additional permits. However, it's always worth checking with your local council before you start, particularly if you're in a strata property or body corporate where additional rules may apply.
Do I Need a Health or Beauty Licence?
Australia does not have a national licensing requirement for lash technicians. There is no government-issued beauty licence you need to obtain before doing lashes from home. What you do need is:
- Proper training in lash application and safety
- An understanding of contra-indications and hygiene requirements
- Appropriate insurance (public liability and professional indemnity)
Some states have specific hygiene regulations for beauty premises, including home salons. In Victoria, for example, skin penetration and beauty premises must meet public health standards under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act. Check your state's health department guidelines for current requirements.
What Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance is not legally mandatory for most beauty services, but it's strongly recommended before you see your first client. At minimum, a combined public liability and professional indemnity policy protects you if a client has an adverse reaction, claims injury, or disputes the outcome of a service.
Beauty industry insurers typically require evidence of training — your lash certificate from a reputable college is usually sufficient. Insurance for home-based lash techs generally costs between $300 and $600 per year.
Start Your Lash Business on the Right Foot
The practical steps to launch a home lash business are: complete your training, get your ABN, arrange insurance, and set up your booking system. The paperwork is genuinely simple — most new lash techs sort it in an afternoon.
If you're still working on your training, Bela Beauty College's Lash Business Bundle covers classic lashes, volume lashes, and lash lifts in one online course — everything you need to offer a full lash service menu from your home studio. You can also explore individual lash courses to start with one service and expand over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register a company to do lashes from home?
No. Most home lash technicians operate as sole traders, which requires only an ABN. You don't need to register a company (Pty Ltd) unless your business grows significantly and an accountant advises it for tax or liability reasons.
Can I do lashes from home without an ABN?
Technically yes, but it's not practical. Without an ABN, you can't issue proper invoices, and business clients may withhold tax from payments. Applying for an ABN is free and takes about 10 minutes at abr.gov.au.
Do I need council approval to run a lash business from home?
It depends on your local council and state. Many councils permit small-scale home-based beauty businesses without specific approval, but it's worth checking with your local council before you start, especially if you live in a strata or body corporate property.
Do I need a licence to do lash extensions in Australia?
No. There is no government licence required for lash technicians in Australia. Quality training and appropriate insurance are what matter most when starting out.
When do I need to register a business name?
Only if you want to trade under a name other than your legal name. If you operate as "Jane Smith Lash Studio" rather than just "Jane Smith," you'll need to register that name through ASIC for around $39 per year.
Can I claim business expenses as a home lash tech?
Yes. As a sole trader with an ABN, you can claim business-related expenses against your income — including lash supplies, insurance, training costs, and a portion of your home expenses if you use a dedicated room for your salon. Speak with an accountant to ensure your claims are set up correctly.
