To set up a coffee shop business in Uruguay, prioritize entity choice and permits: incorporate a SAS or SRL for liability protection and investor flexibility, then obtain your RUT at DGI, employer registration at BPS, and MTSS alta for staff before hiring. Secure a lease explicitly habilitable for gastronomía, and file with the local Intendencia for Habilitación Comercial and Habilitación Bromatológica; submit floor plans signed by an architect, extraction/ventilation specs, grease trap details, potable water certificate, and waste plan. Obtain the Certificado de Bomberos after installing extinguishers and compliant electrical circuits. All food handlers must hold Carné de Salud and Carné de Manipulación de Alimentos. Set up a bank account (UYU/USD), choose an acquirer for POS, and implement electronic invoicing (e-Factura) or register for it as soon as thresholds apply. Build your P&L with Uruguay’s true labor cost: wages under Grupo 12 agreements plus BPS contributions, aguinaldo, vacation, and overtime. Decide SAS/SRL versus Unipersonal by projected revenue, investors, and exit plans; avoid Monotributo if you’ll employ staff or scale. Typical timeline is 45–90 days. If roasting or importing green coffee, register with Aduanas and MGAP. Utilities: contract UTE, OSE, and reliable fiber via Antel. Negotiate signage and outdoor seating permits.
