To set up a coffee shop in Romania quickly and compliantly, register an SRL with the Trade Register (ONRC), choose the right CAEN codes—5630 (bars/coffee shops) as core, add 5610 (restaurant) if you plate food, 1083 if roasting on-site—and obtain fiscal registration with ANAF including RO e-Factura; apply VAT correctly (generally 9% for non‑alcoholic drinks/food, 19% for alcohol). Secure operating permits before opening: City Hall operating license, DSVSA food-safety authorization supported by a HACCP plan, DSP sanitary notice, ISU fire permit where thresholds are met, and environmental notification/permit (APM) if you install a hood/roaster; add signage and terrace permits if applicable. Choose premises with sufficient utilities (ideally 3‑phase power 380V, 5–7 kW for a 2–3 group espresso setup), dedicated ventilation/chimney above roofline, grease trap, and water filtration targeting 50–150 ppm TDS to prevent scale. Implement contracts for waste, pest control, and oil/grease collection; open a business bank account, fiscalize the cash register, enable POS, and keep daily Z‑reports. Hire and register staff in Revisal, ensure medical checks and HACCP/SSM/PSI training. Commercially, target rent ≤10–12% of net sales, beverage COGS 25–30%, and locations with sustained office/university foot traffic; plan 6–10 weeks for fit‑out and permits and budget roughly €30k–€80k depending on city (Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara) and equipment.
