To start a beauty business in Australia, you need a single Australian Business Number (ABN) — there is no special beauty-specific ABN or separate registration for beauty services. Any sole trader, partnership, or company operating a business in Australia can apply for an ABN through the Australian Business Register for free. Once you have your ABN, you can legally invoice clients, register a business name, and apply for an Australian Company Number (ACN) if you later choose to operate as a company.
Do I Need an ABN to Do Nails or Lashes From Home?
If you're charging clients for beauty services — even from a home salon — you are operating a business in Australia and are entitled to register for an ABN. You're not legally required to have an ABN to provide services, but operating without one makes invoicing difficult, prevents you from registering a business name, and means clients who are businesses themselves may withhold 47% of your payment (the top withholding tax rate) if you can't provide an ABN.
In practice, almost every self-employed beauty technician in Australia holds an ABN. It's free to apply, takes about 10 minutes, and makes running your business much simpler from day one.
How to Apply for an ABN as a Beauty Technician
Applying for an ABN is straightforward:
- Go to the Australian Business Register website (abr.gov.au) and select "Apply for an ABN".
- Choose your business structure — most new beauty techs register as a sole trader, which is the simplest and most common structure for home-based operators.
- Enter your personal details, the nature of your business (beauty services / nail technician / lash technician etc.), and your estimated start date.
- Submit the application. Most ABNs are issued immediately or within a few business days.
There is no cost to apply. You don't need a business plan, a qualification, or a physical premises to register for an ABN.
Sole Trader vs. Company: Which Structure Is Right for You?
Most new beauty technicians start as a sole trader, which means you and your business are the same legal entity. It's the simplest and cheapest structure to set up and manage. You report your business income on your personal tax return, and there's minimal paperwork beyond keeping track of your income and expenses.
As your business grows, you might consider registering a company (Pty Ltd), which creates a separate legal entity and may offer tax advantages at higher income levels. This is worth discussing with an accountant once your business is established — for most people starting out, a sole trader ABN is all you need.
Do I Need to Register a Business Name?
If you operate under your own legal name (e.g., "Jane Smith"), you don't need to register a business name. However, if you want to trade under a different name — like "Gloss Nail Studio" or "Brow Bar by Jane" — you'll need to register that as a business name through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Business name registration costs around $39 per year or $92 for three years.
A registered business name helps with branding and professionalism, but it's a separate step from obtaining your ABN.
Do I Need to Register for GST?
You only need to register for GST (Goods and Services Tax) if your annual turnover reaches or is expected to reach $75,000 or more. Most beauty technicians starting out are below this threshold, so GST registration is not immediately required.
Once you approach or exceed $75,000 in annual revenue, you'll need to register for GST, charge clients 10% GST on top of your prices, and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) quarterly. Many growing beauty businesses reach this point within two to three years of launching.
Build Your Beauty Career on the Right Foundation
Getting your ABN sorted early is one of the simplest steps you can take to launch professionally. Pair it with quality training and you're well on your way. Bela Beauty College's Nail Bundle and Lash Business Bundle give you the skills and confidence to start seeing clients — and the documented training most insurance providers and clients look for.
If you want to cover multiple services in one course package, the Full Beauty Bundle is a popular starting point for new business owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a special ABN for beauty businesses?
No. There is one type of ABN in Australia and it applies to all businesses, including beauty services. You simply apply for a standard ABN through the Australian Business Register and describe your business as beauty services, nail technology, lash technician, or similar.
Can I start doing nails from home before I get my ABN?
You can see clients before having an ABN, but it's not recommended. Without an ABN, you can't issue proper invoices, business clients may withhold tax from your payments, and you may have difficulty obtaining insurance or opening a business bank account. Applying takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
Do I need an accountant to get an ABN?
No. You can apply for an ABN yourself at abr.gov.au at no cost. An accountant is useful once your business is running and you need help with tax returns, GST, and financial planning — but you don't need one just to register.
What is my business structure as a home nail tech?
Most home-based beauty technicians operate as sole traders. This means you run the business in your own name and report income on your personal tax return. It's the simplest structure to set up and the most common choice for people starting out.
When do I need to register for GST?
You must register for GST once your annual turnover reaches $75,000. Below that threshold, GST registration is optional. Most new beauty techs are comfortably below this level when they start out.
Can I have an ABN and still work a regular job?
Yes. Many beauty technicians start their business as a side income while still employed elsewhere. Having an ABN does not affect your employment status. You simply declare your business income on your annual tax return alongside your employment income.
