Skip to content

Acupuncture, tattooists, piercing and electrolysis registration

Date updated: 23/09/2025

Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1981

Any premises and person wishing to carry on the practice of acupuncture, tattooing and cosmetic piercing in the City of London must register with the licensing authority first. This is a separate registration to a special treatments licence.

Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982

Any premises wishing to carry on the practice of electrolysis in the City of London must register with the licensing authority first. This is a separate registration to special treatments licence.

If you would like more advice or assistance with an application or licence please contact the licensing team by email.

Further information

Further advice and information may be available from the British Institute and Association of Electrolysis.

Fees for both registrations can be found in the MST fees document below.

Application for registration of premises offering piercing PDF (150KB)
Application for registration of premises offering acupuncture, cosmetic piercing and tattooing
Date submitted: 2/03/20
Application form for person offering electrolysis PDF (141KB)
Date submitted: 2/03/20
MST Fees PDF (103KB)
Date submitted: 25/03/26