To set up a coffee shop in Egypt, choose a structure (LLC or One-Person Company) and register at GAFI, reserving the trade name, drafting articles, obtaining the Commercial Registry extract and Tax Card, then registering for VAT if you expect to exceed the threshold. Secure a commercial lease, then apply for a municipal operating license and signage permit from your district, plus a National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) license covering layout, equipment lists, SOPs, and food-handler health certificates; expect site inspections for hygiene, potable water, and waste systems. Install fire safety per Civil Defense (extinguishers, emergency lighting, exits) and meet ventilation and grease-trap requirements if you cook. Enroll employees with Social Insurance and register payroll with the Egyptian Tax Authority; onboard e-invoicing/e-receipt as mandated and integrate a POS that issues compliant receipts. If you’ll import beans, register as an importer with GOEIC or source from licensed local roasters; roasting on-site may trigger additional environmental and industrial activity approvals. Decide early on shisha service, which needs extra local permits and zoning compliance. Open an Egyptian bank account, document capital source, and maintain lease/utilities in the company name. Protect your brand via the Egyptian Trademarks Office. Timeline: 3–6 weeks with complete files.
