To set up a coffee shop in Germany, decide your legal form (Einzelunternehmen, UG, or GmbH) based on liability and funding, then register your trade (Gewerbeanmeldung) and, if forming UG/GmbH, notarize and enter the Handelsregister. Choose premises zoned for gastronomy; secure a change-of-use permit if needed, meet fire safety and accessibility rules under your state’s Bauordnung, and install compliant ventilation. You don’t need a Gaststättenerlaubnis unless you serve alcohol; you always need hygiene compliance (LMHV), a documented HACCP plan, and §43 IfSG health instruction for staff from the Gesundheitsamt. Register with the food authority, BGN (accident insurance), tax office (Steuernummer), and health insurance. Set up a POS that meets GoBD/KassenSichV with TSE; program VAT correctly (19% on beverages; on-premise food 19%; some takeaway food 7%). If offering to-go, comply with VerpackG: register in LUCID, join a dual system for service packaging, and—if ≥5 employees or ≥80 m²—offer reusable options and clear signage. Handle music licensing via GEMA. Hire with proper contracts, minimum wage, social security registration, and document allergen info (EU 1169/2011). Insure for public/product liability and contents. For onsite roasting, check local emissions permits. Validate footfall and water quality (for espresso equipment), and negotiate a gastronomy-appropriate lease, break clauses.
