License Application Services
for Opening Massage Shops, Spas
and Health Businesses

Launch your wellness business with confidence and an understanding of licensing requirements.

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the types of licenses

Checking the premises and
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Preparing documents
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What Licenses Do You Need to Open a Massage Shop?

Operating a spa or a massage shop, whether for health massage or beauty massage, is considered a business that qualifies as a health establishment under the “Health Establishments Act”, for which business operators must apply for a license before opening the business. Initially, the following licenses are required:

In Bangkok, apply at the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) · in other provinces, apply at the Provincial Public Health Office, or apply online

If the building is modified for use as the establishment

At the local Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) or municipality

At the Department of Business Development (DBD)

Licenses for spa businesses come in many forms, depending on the type of business and its operations, such as a license for a health massage business or licenses for various types of spa businesses. Each form of license has different conditions and requirements according to the nature of the business and the relevant standards.

Health care businesses have become increasingly popular, whether spas, relaxation massage, traditional massage or onsen, so many business operators have become interested in opening this type of business. However, before opening for service, you must apply for a license to open a massage shop and spa as required by law. Otherwise, you may face a large fine or, at worst, be ordered to close.

Greenpro KSP offers a one-stop service for obtaining licenses to open spas, massage shops and health services, with a professional team that has over 30 years of experience. We help you register your spa or massage shop worry-free, legally and quickly, while reducing costs in the long run.

If you are interested in our services, you can sign up and fill in your details in the online form or through the channels specified by the company, so that our team can contact you back and handle your spa license application conveniently and quickly.

Why Is Obtaining a License to Open a Massage Shop and Spa Important?

Spa and health care businesses must be licensed by a government agency to certify that they comply with the prescribed standards, covering the premises, hygiene and the qualifications of service providers. Operating without a license is punishable by imprisonment of up to 6 months, a fine of up to 50,000 baht, or both.

Consequences of Not Having a License to Open a Massage Shop and Spa

Being ordered to close the shop if a relevant agency inspects and finds that you do not have a legally valid license
Being fined and prosecuted under the law
Losing business credibility – you may not gain customers’ trust to use your services

Greenpro KSP provides business operators with application services for spa licenses and licenses for Thai massage, relaxation massage and other health services. We are ready to advise you from the start of document preparation until the process is complete – fast and time-saving, with no need to spend your own time handling it.

See the other types of licenses Greenpro KSP can apply for at Business License Services for All Types of Businesses

Greenpro KSP

Steps to Obtain a Spa and Massage Shop License

Greenpro KSP is ready to take care of every step so that your application for a license to open a massage shop and spa is legally compliant and as smooth as possible, through the following simple steps:

1. Consultation and License Application Planning

In the first step, our experts will advise you on the types of licenses required for the business and services you want to open. They will then check the premises and the shop’s structure to make sure they comply with legal requirements, and plan a license application suited to your business, including organizing the steps and preparing documents systematically, so that the spa license process runs efficiently and smoothly.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Greenpro KSP will help you gather the documents required to apply for a spa and massage shop license, which initially are as follows:

The complete list of documents required by the DHSS is in the section “What Documents Do You Need to Open a Massage Shop?” below.

3. Greenpro KSP Files the License Application with Government Agencies

Opening a massage and spa business involves the following agencies, from which permits must be obtained:

Health establishment operating license: shops in Bangkok apply at the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS); shops in other provinces apply at the Provincial Public Health Office, or apply online
Juristic person registration with the Department of Business Development (if opening as a company or limited partnership)
Value added tax (VAT) registration (Form P.P.01, VAT registration application) with the Revenue Department, within 30 days from the date service revenue exceeds 1.8 million baht per year. Shops whose revenue has not yet reached the threshold do not need to register.

4. Government Officials Schedule a Site Inspection

Officials from the Department of Health Service Support (for shops in Bangkok) or the Provincial Public Health Office (for shops in other provinces) will inspect the shop’s safety standards, cleanliness and structure to make sure they meet the requirements, or will review photos and videos of the shop instead if you chose this option when applying. At every step, our staff will advise you so that the inspection process is as smooth and fast as possible.

5. Receive Your License and Open Your Shop Legally

After the inspection, the Greenpro KSP team will follow up on the result and collect the spa and massage shop license to hand over to you, so you can open for business with confidence.

Processing Time

“The time to obtain a license to open a spa and massage shop is approximately 2–3 months, depending on the government agencies (according to the DHSS citizen’s manual, about 65 days after the documents are complete).”

Applying for a Massage Shop and Spa License Online via the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) System

Health massage shops, beauty massage shops and spas can now apply for a health establishment operating license online, through the DHSS’s Spa Directory Thailand system (esta2.hss.moph.go.th) or through the government’s Biz Portal (bizportal.go.th), without having to submit documents in person. For the shop standards assessment, applicants can choose when applying whether to have officials inspect the shop or to send photos and videos of the shop for officials to review instead (shops in other provinces can also apply at the Provincial Public Health Office).

Steps to Apply Online for a License to Open a Massage Shop

Register as a member on esta2.hss.moph.go.th with your national ID card number, then log in
Select the establishment registration menu and fill in the applicant’s details (for a company, enter the juristic person’s name and the authorized person), the shop name, location and service area in square meters, then select the business type: spa, health massage or beauty massage
Enter the list of massage therapists (service providers) and the operator (spas only) using their national ID card numbers. The system will retrieve the data of people who are already registered or licensed. Anyone not yet in the system must complete this first.
Attach the documents and photos listed in the next section (PDF, JPG, JPEG and PNG files accepted), then submit the application. You can track the status and the officials’ comments in the application status tracking menu.
Officials check the documents, then assess the shop’s standards using the method you selected (an on-site inspection, or a review of photos and videos). If any points do not yet pass, you will be asked to make improvements within a set period of no more than 60 days.
Once approved, download the payment notice from the system and pay the license fee together with the first year’s annual fee by barcode or QR Code via a banking app or at a bank, within 60 days of receiving the notification letter. Then download the license from the system.

According to the DHSS citizen’s manual, officials check the documents within 1 day and complete the review, including the shop assessment, within 50 days after the documents are complete (extendable no more than 2 times, 30 days each). The whole process takes approximately 65 days. Applying online cuts travel time, and you can choose to have officials review photos and videos instead of inspecting the shop in person.

Don’t want to fill in the system yourself? Let the Greenpro KSP team prepare the documents, photos and videos, file online and coordinate the assessment for you.

What Documents Do You Need to Open a Massage Shop?

The same set of documents can be used both for online applications and for applications filed at the agency, according to the DHSS list.

Document	Individual	Company / Limited Partnership
Copy of the business operator’s national ID card (for a company, the authorized director’s)	✓	✓
Full company affidavit (company certificate) with objectives covering health services or health establishments	–	✓
Power of attorney to act on behalf of the juristic person (original)	–	✓
Medical certificate of the business operator (original)	✓	✓
Copy of the house registration for the shop location (if the applicant is not the head of household, a letter of consent from the head of household is required)	✓	✓
Lease agreement or letter of consent to use the premises, and a copy of the lessor’s national ID card (if rented)	✓	✓
List of service providers (massage therapists) and operators	✓	✓
Layout plan of the service areas in the shop	✓	✓
Map showing the shop’s location	✓	✓
Other supporting documents, if any, such as a name/surname change certificate or marriage certificate	✓	✓

The shop layout plan should show the reception area, beds, mats or massage chairs, restrooms, hand-washing sinks, fire extinguishers, equipment preparation area and the total service area in square meters, because the license fee is based on the size of the service area.

Renewing a Massage Shop and Spa License and Paying the Annual Fee Online

Submit a renewal application (Form S.P.S.3) within 90 days before the license expiry date, through the same online system or at the DHSS (Bangkok) or the Provincial Public Health Office (other provinces). Once you have applied, you may keep the shop open while awaiting the result, until you are notified that the renewal is not approved. The required documents are as follows:

The original operating license
Proof of payment of the annual fee for the most recent year
The licensee’s national ID card
Self-assessment form on health establishment standards
Notification of a change in the size of the service area (if any)

You can pay the license fee and the annual fee together with the renewal application. After renewal, officials may inspect the shop’s standards again. Annual fees for other years can also be paid through the payment notice in the system.

What Types of Spa or Massage Businesses Require a License by Law?

For spa and massage shop operators under the “Health Establishments Act”, the details are as follows:

In addition, having a manager or operator with the knowledge, competence and relevant professional certificates is a key factor in managing a spa business to meet the standards required by law and to build customer confidence.

Spa Businesses

These are services related to health care and health promotion mainly through water therapy and body massage, combined with at least three of the following other services, which are considered other services in a spa business:
Body scrub
Facial scrub
Hot blanket wrap
Body cleansing
Facial cleansing
Meditation
Facial massage
Healthy food or beverage service
Body skin nourishing
Facial skin nourishing
Cold compress
Hot stone compress
Facial skin conditioning
Skin brushing
Body mask
Facial mask
Body wrap
Hot wrap
Sauna
Steam bath
Hot sand bath
Chi Ball
Tai Kek
Tai Chi
Pilates
Fitball
Yoga
Ruesi Dat Ton (Thai hermit self-stretching exercises)
Aerobics

To register a spa, the business must be a service business that cares for customers’ health mainly through water therapy or body massage, combined with 3 other services as mentioned above. Spas are divided into 7 types:

Destination Spa – a spa dedicated to providing this type of service, with accommodation and facilities for customers, such as mental health programs, meditation and stress relief
Hotel Spa – spa services located within a hotel, resort or holiday accommodation, catering to tourists staying at that accommodation
Day Spa – a place offering quick spa services; most are located in town centers, offering services such as beauty massage and aromatherapy oils to relieve stress
Medical Spa – a spa offering therapy combined with medical care; this type of spa is located within a medical facility
Mineral Spring Spa – a spa in the form of springs or hot springs for soaking for health; the springs and hot springs occur naturally
Club Spa – a spa facility that also provides exercise equipment or exercise activities for customers
Cruise Ship Spa – a spa located on a ship, with exercise activities and healthy food; guests can feel relaxed while traveling

Health Massage or Beauty Massage Businesses

Health massage aims to help customers relax from stress and muscle fatigue through various methods, such as Thai massage, squeezing, pressing and kneading. However, this type of massage shop must not have bathing facilities for customers.
Beauty massage is located in beauty salons or hair salons for beauty purposes, and must not have bathing facilities.

Applying for a spa operating license or a license to open a massage shop

The license applicant may be either an individual or a juristic person

The license applicant, or the person authorized to act on behalf of the juristic person (in the case of a juristic person), operating a spa or massage shop, which is considered a health establishment, must have the following qualifications:
2.1 Must be at least twenty years of age
2.2 Must not be bankrupt
2.3 Must not be of unsound mind, incompetent, or quasi-incompetent
2.4 Must never have been finally convicted of a sexual offense under the Criminal Code, an offense under narcotics law, an offense under the law on the prevention and suppression of human trafficking, or an offense under the law on the prevention and suppression of prostitution
2.5 Must not be suffering from a socially repugnant contagious disease, chronic alcoholism, or drug addiction
2.6 Must not be under suspension of a health establishment operating license
2.7 Must not have had a health establishment operating license revoked, unless two years have passed by the date of applying for a health establishment operating license

For a spa business, there must be a licensed operator, whose qualifications are as follows:
3.1 At least twenty years of age
3.2 Holds a diploma or certificate in health services accredited by the Department of Health Service Support
3.3 Has passed the knowledge and competence test and assessment by the Department of Health Service Support
3.4 Must not have prohibited characteristics, i.e., being of unsound mind, incompetent or quasi-incompetent
3.5 Must never have been finally convicted of a sexual offense or an offense against property under the Criminal Code, an offense under drug laws, an offense under the law on the prevention and suppression of human trafficking, or an offense under the law on the prevention and suppression of prostitution; must not be suffering from a socially repugnant communicable disease, chronic alcoholism or drug addiction
3.6 Must not currently be under a suspension of an operator license
3.7 Must not have had an operator license revoked where one year has not yet passed up to the date of applying for an operator license

There must be service providers at the health establishment who are registered with the licensing authority, namely the Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health. The qualifications of service providers are as follows:
4.1 At least eighteen years of age
4.2 Holds a diploma or certificate in health services accredited by the Department of Health Service Support
4.3 Must not have prohibited characteristics, namely being of unsound mind, incompetent or quasi-incompetent, or having been finally convicted of a sexual offense or an offense against property under the Criminal Code, an offense under drug laws, or an offense under the law on the prevention and suppression of prostitution, unless at least one year has passed since completing the sentence before the date of applying for registration
4.4 Must not be suffering from a socially repugnant communicable disease, chronic alcoholism or drug addiction

Where to Apply

In Bangkok, apply at the Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health. In other provinces, apply at the Provincial Public Health Office.

The establishment must fully meet every standard required by law, namely:
5.1 Establishment name
5.1.1 The establishment name must be in Thai script; if there is an English name, it must be smaller
5.1.2 The licensed business type must be stated on the same sign
5.1.3 The name must not be exaggerated or give the impression of medical treatment
5.1.4 The name must not convey an obscene meaning or refer to the King
5.1.5 Within the same province, names must not be duplicated unless they belong to the same operator
5.1.6 The name sign must be displayed at the front of the building or on the building where it is clearly visible

5.2 General characteristics of the establishment
5.2.1 If there are other businesses in the same building, the areas must be clearly separated, and it must not be a service establishment that is a bathhouse or body massage parlor
5.2.2 If several types of services are offered, they must be clearly separated into sections and meet the standards of each service
5.2.3 There must be no passage through which service providers or customers can go back and forth to a service establishment
5.2.4 If water is used in the service, surfaces must be made of non-slip material
5.2.5 Service areas must have adequate lighting and ventilation, with no stale odors
5.2.6 Individual service areas must not be too enclosed or hidden from view
5.2.7 Proper management of solid waste, sewage and wastewater
5.2.8 A disease vector control system in line with sanitation principles
5.2.9 The decoration of the premises must not be immoral or contrary to good culture and traditions
5.2.10 The premises must be smoke-free
5.2.11 Toilets, hand-washing sinks, changing rooms and clothes lockers must be provided that are clean, hygienic, safe and sufficient, and separated for men and women; shower rooms may also be provided

5.3 Safety
5.3.1 First aid equipment ready for use
5.3.2 Signs or messages warning customers to beware of hazards in risk areas
5.3.3 All equipment and tools are cleaned hygienically after use
5.3.4 For services close to the customer’s face, service providers must wear a face mask
5.3.5 A hygienic system for storing solid waste and preventing infection from it, with control of infection or the spread of germs
5.3.6 A fire alarm system and at least 1 fire extinguisher installed at the main entrance/exit
5.3.7 Services involving steam baths, saunas, whirlpools, hot or cold pools, and any other equipment or services using heat or cold must have service providers with the knowledge, understanding and expertise to supervise the use of the equipment; a clock positioned where customers can clearly see and read the time; an emergency system that can stop the equipment; and a thermometer, automatic temperature controller or timer
5.3.8 In the case of massage shops, care must be taken to prevent customers at risk due to age or underlying conditions from using services that may be hazardous to their health; in the case of spas, there must be a system for screening customers who may be at risk in certain cases, prohibiting pregnant women, users of certain medications that may cause problems, people who have consumed alcohol or intoxicants, and patients with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease from using equipment or services that pose risks for those conditions

5.4 Services
5.4.1 Services must not violate the law on the practice of the healing arts, laws on the practice of medical and public health professions, the law on service establishments or the law on medical facilities
5.4.2 The list of services and service rates must be displayed openly where they can easily be seen or checked, and no other services unrelated to health establishment services may be offered
5.4.3 Clean, polite and neat uniforms for service providers, with a service provider name tag worn on the chest
5.4.4 Opening and closing hours of the health establishment set as required by law
5.4.5 Customer history records

License Fees

Health establishment business fees are as follows:

Health establishment operating license for spa businesses – service area not exceeding 100 square meters: 1,000 baht per license – service area over 100 square meters but not exceeding 200 square meters: 3,000 baht per license – service area over 200 square meters but not exceeding 400 square meters: 6,000 baht per license – service area over 400 square meters: 10,000 baht per license
Health establishment operating license for health massage or beauty massage businesses – service area not exceeding 100 square meters: 500 baht per license – service area over 100 square meters but not exceeding 200 square meters: 1,500 baht per license – service area over 200 square meters but not exceeding 400 square meters: 3,000 baht per license – service area over 400 square meters: 5,000 baht per license
Annual health establishment operating fee for spa-type health establishments: 1,000 baht per year. Annual health establishment operating fee for health massage or beauty massage-type health establishments: 500 baht per year
Business operators must pay the annual health establishment operating fee for the first year together with the license fee, with the payment date deemed the due date of the operating fee, and pay it annually in subsequent years for as long as the business continues to operate.

License Validity

Health establishment operating licenses for spas and massage shops are valid for 5 years.

Duties After Obtaining a Spa or Massage Shop Operating License

The business must be operated according to its licensed type
Display the license and proof of payment of the annual health establishment operating fee openly and clearly visible at the health establishment
Have an operator stationed on site, with their name displayed openly
Keep history records of operators and service providers
Maintain standards
Employ only registered service providers
Do not advertise using false or exaggerated statements claiming to treat or prevent disease, or advertising that is misleading or obscene
Prevent nuisance to the surrounding area
Do not display service providers for customers to choose from
Prevent prostitution or any services that are against the law
Do not allow the sale or consumption of alcohol or tobacco products
Do not allow drug offenses
Do not allow persons who are not in control of themselves to enter the establishment
Do not allow weapons to be brought into the establishment

Penalties for business operators who use the name of a health establishment, namely a spa business or a health or beauty massage business, without a license: a fine of up to 40,000 baht. Operating a business without a license is punishable by imprisonment of up to 6 months, a fine of up to 50,000 baht, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions About Massage Shop and Spa Licenses

Can I apply for a massage shop license online? Which website do I use?

Yes. Apply through the Department of Health Service Support’s Spa Directory Thailand system (esta2.hss.moph.go.th) or through Biz Portal (bizportal.go.th) by registering as a member with your national ID card number, filling in your shop details, attaching documents and tracking the status in the system. It can be used for health massage shops, beauty massage shops and spas.

If I apply online, do officials still need to inspect my shop?

You must pass the standards assessment, but you can choose when applying whether to have officials inspect the shop or to send photos and videos of the shop for review instead. The assessment covers the premises, safety and services. If you do not pass yet, you will be asked to make corrections within a set period of no more than 60 days. If you do not make the corrections or are not ready for inspection within the deadline, the application will be removed from the system and you must reapply.

I applied to renew my massage shop license, but the old license expires before I get the new one. Can I keep the shop open?

Yes, you can keep it open if you submitted the renewal application before the original license expired. The law allows you to continue operating until you are notified that the renewal is not approved. However, if you let the license expire without applying, the shop will be unlicensed, which is punishable by imprisonment of up to 6 months, a fine of up to 50,000 baht, or both.

What happens if I don't pay the annual fee for my massage shop or spa?

The licensing authority will suspend the license until you pay, and if you still do not pay within 6 months of the suspension order, the license will be revoked. The annual fee is 500 baht per year for health or beauty massage shops and 1,000 baht per year for spas, and can be paid through the payment notice in the online system.

What is the difference between a shop license, an operator license and massage therapist registration?

They are documents for different people. The business operating license belongs to the shop owner or company and is valid for 5 years. The operator license applies only to spa businesses; the operator must be 20 years of age or older, have completed a DHSS-accredited course and passed the DHSS test. All massage therapists must be registered as service providers, be 18 years of age or older and have completed an accredited course. Shops may employ only people who are already registered.

If I open a massage shop or spa under a company name, what else do I need to prepare?

In addition to the shop documents, you need the full company affidavit with objectives covering health services or health establishments, a power of attorney, and a copy of the authorized director’s national ID card. The authorized director must have the qualifications and no prohibited characteristics, the same as an applicant who is an individual. If the company does not yet have this objective, it should register an additional objective before applying.

If I sell my massage shop or change owners, can the license be transferred?

Yes, but permission must be obtained first, and the transferee must have the qualifications and no prohibited characteristics, the same as a new license applicant. The original licensee submits a license transfer application (Form S.P.S.4), the licensing authority notifies the result within 30 days, and the transferee then pays the amendment fee of 300 baht within 60 days. The license obtained will have the same validity and conditions as the original. (If the licensee dies, the estate administrator or heir submits an application to receive the transfer using Form S.P.S.5 within 90 days.) To expand or reduce the service area or change other details in the license, submit an application to amend the license details (Form S.P.S.7).

Do I need to register for VAT or get a license from the Revenue Department to open a massage shop?

There is no Revenue Department license for massage shops. What you must do is register for value added tax (Form P.P.01) within 30 days from the date service revenue exceeds 1.8 million baht per year. If your revenue has not yet reached the threshold, you do not need to register, but you must still file income tax as usual.

Does a small massage shop or a home-based massage business need a license?

Yes. The law does not grant exemptions based on shop size. Premises set up to provide health massage or beauty massage services must have a license before opening. The only exceptions are massage in medical facilities or government public health service units, and massage in bathing, massage or steam bath establishments under the service establishments law. If you use your home to open a shop, you need a copy of the house registration, plus a letter of consent from the head of household if the applicant is not the head of household.

Consult Us About Massage Shop and Spa Licenses

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LINE Official Account: @greenproksp

Phone: 094 864 9799

License Application Servicesfor Opening Massage Shops, Spasand Health Businesses