To set up a coffee shop in Sweden, start by choosing a structure landlords and banks accept: a private limited company (AB) with SEK 25,000 share capital beats a sole trader for liability and landlord approval. Register the company with Bolagsverket, then apply to Skatteverket for F-tax, VAT (moms at 12% for food/restaurant service), and employer registration. Register the food business with the municipality at least 14 days before opening; submit a HACCP-based self-check, floor plan, ventilation and grease trap details, and expect an inspection. Install a certified cash register with control unit, issue receipts, and run daily Z-reports. If serving wine/strong beer, obtain a serveringstillstånd; for folköl (≤3.5%), file a notification and maintain a self-monitoring program. Fit-out decisions: specify water filtration to protect espresso boilers, three-phase power for grinders/ovens, and compliant extraction; budget for a dishwash pass-through, staff changing space, and cold storage. Commercial lease: negotiate indexation, fit-out contribution, and outdoor seating (uteservering) permit terms. Operations: display allergen info, train staff on Swedish allergen rules, set waste/grease collection contracts, and maintain a fire safety program (SBA). Payments: secure merchant account, Swish Handel, and a PCI-compliant POS. For music, license STIM/SAMI; for hiring, consider a Visita agreement to streamline HR.
