To set up a coffee shop in Luxembourg, secure the autorisation d’établissement from the Ministry of the Economy first—this validates your professional integrity/management capacity and is prerequisite to leasing, hiring, and opening. Choose a vehicle early: Sàrl (min. €12,000 capital) or Sàrl-S (€1–12,000), deposit capital, execute a deed (usually before a notary), then register with the RCS and obtain a VAT number (opt out only if turnover will stay under the €35,000 franchise). Open a dedicated business bank account. Lock in the premises only after confirming communal zoning, extract/ventilation feasibility, and fit-out constraints; obtain any building/fit-out permit, fire safety sign-off, and accessibility compliance. Register food operations with ALVA and implement a documented HACCP plan; train staff, set cleaning logs, and validate potable water/ice. Affiliate the company and employees with CCSS, choose an occupational health service, and align contracts and schedules with HORECA rules; notify ITM for workplace safety. If serving alcohol, add a débit de boissons licence via Customs and Excise; get terrace and signage permits from the commune, music rights via SACEM, and waste contracts (incl. recyclables). Use a reliable POS with tamper-proof logs, accept meal vouchers, and insure RC exploitation, fire, and business interruption. Typical timeline: 6–10 weeks.
