For coffee shop business setup in San Marino, secure a “licenza d’esercizio” from the Ufficio Attività Economiche, register with the Camera di Commercio/Registro delle Imprese, and choose a vehicle (impresa individuale or S.r.l.) based on liability and capital needs. Prioritize premises with an existing food-use certificate and agibilità to accelerate approvals; your fit-out must meet HACCP standards, include hand-wash sinks, washable surfaces, ventilation, grease and wastewater compliance, and a certified fiscal cash register. Obtain health clearance and HACCP training, register staff with the Istituto per la Sicurezza Sociale and the Ufficio del Lavoro, and plan roaster installations or flues to satisfy fire and neighborhood rules. San Marino applies a single‑phase “Monofase” tax on imports rather than VAT, so set up as an importer or source from San Marino wholesalers; configure till software for fiscal receipts and monofase documentation. For signage and outdoor seating in the historic center, request permits from the relevant Castello authority; utilities and waste contracts run through the AASS. Location: tourist-heavy Città and Borgo Maggiore for higher spend, Serravalle/Dogana for commuter volume. Require 3‑phase power and water treatment for espresso machines, negotiate extraction, noise, and delivery windows in lease, and hire bilingual staff to serve cross‑border traffic.
