Buying a coffee truck in Luxembourg starts with choosing a compliant vehicle and locking down permits before you spend on branding. Decide new vs. used: a EU-homologated van or trailer ≤3.5t lets you drive on a B licence and simplifies SNCT inspection; above that requires C1 and higher running costs. Budget €35k–€90k for a kitted unit; verify CE-marked electrics, a recent gas certificate, service hatches, wastewater tanks, and a quiet generator (or shore power). For imports, ensure the COC, pass SNCT, then register at SNCA, insure the vehicle, and book periodic contrôle technique. Obtain an autorisation d’établissement and the ambulant commerce licence via Guichet.lu (proof of integrity, ID, address), register for TVA with AED, and notify the food business to the Administration des services vétérinaires; implement HACCP procedures and keep temperature logs. Secure pitches with communes and event organisers (Kirchberg offices, Gare, Esch-Belval), expect daily fees and waste rules; some communes require public liability and fire certificates. Menu decisions affect margins: espresso-based drinks travel well; offer non-dairy milks; price with TVA applied per catering rules. Prioritise cashless payments, bilingual signage (FR/DE/EN), and weekday morning routes. Pre-buy beans from local roasters to shorten lead times. Track KPIs weekly to adjust locations.
