Where you get tattooed matters as much as the design. A needle that is not sterile (free of germs) or a badly made consent form is a health problem, not a style problem. This guide turns Andalucía's rules (Decreto 71/2017, changed in 2021) and the advice of Consumo Responde, a service of the regional government, into things you can check yourself. It is not a ranking of studios: we do not rate or guarantee any of them.

The minimum a studio must meet in Andalucía

  • Responsible declaration. Before opening, the owner of a tattoo, micropigmentation or piercing business must send this document to the town hall (arts. 5 and 6). It describes the premises, equipment and how the material is cleaned and sterilised. It also declares the training of each artist.
  • Training of the tattooist. To tattoo, a person needs a vocational training qualification, the "Maquillaje integral" certificate, or a partial accreditation in artistic tattooing (art. 7.1). For piercing there is no such qualification yet, so the piercer declares that they can apply the hygiene rules (art. 7.3). A guest tattooist from outside Andalucía may work for one month at most with the qualification from their home region (art. 7.4, added in 2021).
  • Vaccinations. People who tattoo or pierce must be vaccinated against hepatitis B and tetanus. The vaccination record must be kept at the studio for the health authorities to see (art. 15.1).
  • Poster and complaint forms. The reception must have a poster you can read from five metres away. It must say that you need to be able to give consent, that complaint forms are available, that information about the procedure is available, and which authority inspected the studio and when (art. 21).
  • Inspection. The regional government inspects each new activity within six months after it receives the declaration (art. 9, 2021 version). That does not guarantee how the studio will be on the day of your appointment.

Green flags before you book

  • A portfolio with healed tattoos, not only fresh ones, in the style you want.
  • They inform you in advance, in speech and in writing, about the technique (art. 17.1). That includes the best technique for your case and, if possible, photos of similar work.
  • They give you the quote first, with the total cost (art. 17.2.j). To get an idea of the amounts, see our guide to tattoo prices in Málaga. Some studios publish prices by size. For example, Ink'side Tattoo Studio (Calle Santa María, 13) lists its tattoo prices on its website, with VAT included.
  • They explain clearly that it is permanent. For a permanent tattoo, the form must say "Es para toda la vida" ("it is for life"). It must also mention possible touch-ups and say, clearly and realistically, whether the tattoo can be removed (art. 17.2.g and h).
  • They give you the aftercare instructions in writing (art. 18).

What you should see on the day

  • Sterile, single-use material for everything that goes through the skin: needles, blades, inks and similar items (art. 12.1). It is opened in front of you (art. 17.2.i).
  • Sterile, single-use gloves. They are changed for every person. They are taken out of the pack and put on in front of you (art. 12.2, 2021 version).
  • Inks with details on the package: the maker and their address, an expiry date, instructions, a batch number, the ingredients and a guarantee that the ink is sterile (art. 14.2). You can ask to see it.
  • Shaving with disposable tools. The decree bans traditional razors and "blood-stopping pencils" (art. 12.3 and 12.4).
  • A look at the room and the materials before you start. You have the right to check them (art. 17.2.f). A serious studio will not mind.
  • A consent form in two copies, with no crossings-out. You both sign every page, with place and date, and you get a copy (art. 20.1). It must include the technique, the body area, the materials and the quote (art. 17.2).

Red flags: when to think again (or leave)

  • They give you no consent form, or do not let you keep a copy. The decree says the tattooist must refuse to tattoo you if there is no consent, or if they think you are not in a fit state to give it (art. 22.3).
  • They agree to tattoo someone under 16 without written permission from a parent or legal guardian (art. 22.1).
  • Needles, gloves or inks are already open when you arrive, or they will not let you see the package.
  • There is no poster or complaint form at reception.
  • They give no price, or they rush you to decide on the spot without time to read the form.
  • They will not say who will tattoo you or what training they have, or they will not show you healed tattoos.

Useful questions to ask the studio

  1. Who will tattoo me? Can I see healed tattoos of theirs in my style?
  2. How much is the total, and what does it include (touch-up, cream, cover)?
  3. Can I read the consent form before the day of the appointment?
  4. What aftercare will I need to follow? Will you give it to me in writing?
  5. What happens if the tattoo needs a touch-up?

If you are visiting Málaga, our guide to getting a tattoo on holiday adds tips on booking, language and sun.

If something goes wrong

If you have a reaction or a problem in the days after, the decree says to see a doctor (art. 18). If the problem is with the service or the studio, ask for the complaint form (art. 21.2). Consumo Responde answers questions and complaints on the free phone line 900 21 50 80 and at consumoresponde@juntadeandalucia.es.

Find a studio in Málaga

Our directory lists tattoo and piercing studios in Málaga with their address and phone number. It is an information list: we do not rate or guarantee any studio. Always confirm details with the studio itself and use the checks in this guide.