Opening a tattoo studio in Zambia (or its close cousin, the professional piercing studio) is an exciting business move—but it sits at the crossroads of public‑health law, company registration rules, and strict hygiene standards. This guide walks you through every major checkpoint, from the first name‑search at PACRA to keeping your autoclave logs up to date. Follow the steps below and you’ll minimise red tape, protect your clients, and build a studio that can grow with Zambia’s expanding creative economy.
1. Register Your Business Correctly
1.1 Reserve and Register Your Name (PACRA)
- Name clearance: File up to three preferred names online or in person.
- Name reservation: Pay the small reservation fee to secure the cleared name for 30 days (extendable to 90).
- Choose a structure:
- Business name – quick, inexpensive, but owners carry unlimited liability.
- Private limited company – higher filing effort, but shields personal assets.
- Business name – quick, inexpensive, but owners carry unlimited liability.
- Submit documents & pay fees:
- Form 3 for a business name, or full Articles of Association plus director/shareholder details for a company.
- 2025 fees: K111.20 (business name), K120 (local company), K266.67 (foreign company).
- Form 3 for a business name, or full Articles of Association plus director/shareholder details for a company.
- Collect the certificate: You need it to open a bank account and apply for local licences.
1.2 Secure Your Taxpayer Identification Number (ZRA)
New registrations automatically receive a TPIN.
If your entity predates 2020, visit ZRA with your PACRA certificate, ID, and director details to activate your account. Always display the TPIN on invoices.
2. Obtain Mandatory Health & Safety Permits
2.1 Municipal Health Permit
Your local council (e.g., Lusaka City Council) inspects for:
- Proper layout, non‑porous floors, and separate sterilisation area.
- Adequate ventilation, lighting, and drainage.
- Reliable water supply and a sharps‑disposal plan.
Cost: ~K20 application + annual licence (varies by council). Display the permit at reception.
2.2 Certificate of Compliance (Public Health Act)
Although the 2019 Food Safety Act focuses on food premises, councils apply identical hygiene benchmarks to body‑art facilities. After passing inspection you’ll receive a certificate confirming compliance with Sections 55–59 of the Public Health Act (Cap 295). Renew annually.
2.3 Trades Licence (Where Required)
Some municipalities still apply the legacy Trades Licensing Act to personal‑service businesses. Check local bylaws and, if necessary, file a retail trades licence application before you open.
3. Design a Studio That Meets International Hygiene Standards
3.1 Safety & Sterilisation Protocols
- Autoclave: Class B preferred; run spore tests weekly.
- Single‑use needles & ink caps: Never re‑sterilise needles.
- Medical‑grade disinfectant: Wipe down every surface before and after each session.
- Personal protective equipment: Gloves (change between tasks), face masks, and disposable aprons.
- Sharps & bio‑hazard disposal: Contract a licensed medical‑waste handler or use council‑approved containers.
3.2 Client Documentation
- Informed consent form: Explain procedure, risks, and aftercare.
- Age verification: Zambia lacks a specific statute, but adopt the global 18+ tattoo, 16+ piercing (with guardian) standard. Keep copies of NRC/passport.
- Aftercare sheets: Provide printed instructions and keep signed acknowledgment.
- Health‑condition screening: Ask about allergies, blood disorders, or pregnancy.
4. Choose the Right Location, Insurance & Interior Layout
| Factor | Why It Matters | Quick Tip |
| Zoning | Councils restrict “personal service” businesses in some residential zones. | Ask the planning unit for written confirmation before signing a lease. |
| Foot traffic & parking | Tattoo clients value privacy but still need easy access. | A first‑floor unit on a mixed‑use street balances both. |
| Room flow | Separate reception, procedure rooms, hand‑wash area, and sterilisation corner reduce cross‑contamination. | Glass partitions give visibility while controlling germs. |
| Liability insurance | Not yet compulsory, but courts award damages for infections. | Look for a medical malpractice rider in your business policy. |
5. Staffing, Training & Immigration
- Resident‑director rule: At least 50 % of company directors must be Zambian residents.
- Employment permits: Foreign artists require Employment or Self‑Employment permits. Apply 60 days before arrival via Immigration HQ.
- Bloodborne‑pathogen (BBP) training: International BBP certifications take one day online and satisfy most insurers. Refresher every 12 months.
- First‑aid & CPR: At least one staff member on each shift should hold valid certificates.
6. Cost & Timeline Snapshot
| Item | Typical Cost (ZMW) | Timeline |
| PACRA registration | 111–267 | 2–5 days |
| TPIN activation | Free | Same day |
| Municipal health inspection & licence | 300–1 000 (varies) | 7–21 days |
| Studio fit‑out (20 m²) | 60 000–120 000 | 30–45 days |
| Autoclave & consumables | 20 000–35 000 | Immediate |
| Liability insurance (annual) | 8 000–15 000 | Quote in 48 h |
Total launch window: 6–10 weeks if paperwork and fit‑out run in parallel.
7. Staying Compliant Year After Year
- Annual council renewal: Submit fees and fresh inspection report before the expiry date.
- Health‑records log: Keep autoclave cycle printouts and spore‑test results for five years.
- Tax filings: Quarterly VAT (if turnover > K800 000) and annual corporate returns.
- Training refreshers: Schedule BBP and first‑aid updates every 12 months.
Conclusion
Opening a piercing studio in Zambia or a tattoo space is more than an artistic venture; it is a public‑health commitment. Register the company, lock in your TPIN, and secure local health licences first. Then invest in medical‑grade equipment, written protocols, and continuous staff training. Combining strong compliance with stellar artistry will set you apart—and turn first‑time walk‑ins into loyal brand ambassadors
