Setting up a coffee shop in Chile requires sequencing five essentials: location/zoning, company, tax, sanitary, and municipal licensing. Verify commercial use and food activity allowed at the address (PRC/uso de suelo) before signing the lease; add clauses for hood ducting, grease trap, and utility load. Incorporate as a SpA via Empresa en un Día (fast, investor-friendly) or EIRL/Ltda, obtain RUT, and file Inicio de Actividades with SII using a commercial address. Enable boleta electrónica (SII or certified POS) and open a business bank account. Secure Resolución Sanitaria from SEREMI de Salud with floor plan, materials spec, potable water certificate, pest contract, grease trap sizing, handler training certificates, and SEC declarations (TE1 electricity, authorized gas). If serving alcohol, apply for a municipal patente de alcoholes (quota/neighbor consent applies). After the sanitary approval, request the Patente Comercial; fee is ~0.25% of declared capital (min 1 UTM). Register as employer: DT portal contracts, Previred for social security, and a mutual de seguridad; comply with minimum wage and shifts. Tax: charge 19% IVA, file Formulario 29 monthly, choose Régimen Pro Pyme (General or Transparente). Optional: sidewalk seating permit and waste oil collection. Typical timeline: 4–8 weeks; avoid delays by pre-clearing plans with SEREMI early.
