To execute a coffee shop business setup in Paraguay fast and correctly, map your workflow to three tracks: legal-entity + tax, location + permits, and operations + supply. Form an SRL (typical for cafés; flexible capital, limited liability) or SA (for investors), obtain your RUC at the tax authority (SET), request timbrado for invoices and enroll in SIFEN e-invoicing when required; register employees and payroll with IPS and the Ministry of Labor. Secure a lease only after the municipality confirms zoning/uso de suelo for food service and will issue your Habilitación Municipal; in parallel, obtain the INAN sanitary license for the premises and food-handler cards for staff, plus the fire-safety certificate from the local fire brigade. If roasting or bottling, register processes/products with INAN and implement BPM/SSOP. For imported green coffee, arrange SENAVE phytosanitary clearance and coordinate with Customs (DNA). Fit-out smart: test water hardness and install filtration, confirm 220–240V and sufficient amperage for espresso equipment, isolate grinder circuits, and plan exhaust/ventilation. Deploy a POS that supports Bancard, QR, and delivery platforms (PedidosYa) and configure VAT (IVA 10%) and corporate tax (IRE) correctly. Typical timelines: 30–60 days to incorporate/permitting, 4–8 weeks for build-out. Prioritize barista hiring early for training rehearsals.
