To open a coffee shop in Andorra, secure a municipal opening license (llicència d’obertura) from the Comú where the premises sit, backed by a technical project and health-and-safety compliance; plan backwards from this. First, pick the parish and confirm the locale’s permitted use with Urbanisme; get a lease subject to license. Incorporate an SL/SLU (min. €3,000 capital); non‑residents need prior foreign‑investment authorization; open a bank account and register the trade name and activity. File the opening license with: stamped technical plans by a local architect/engineer (layout, aforament, accessibility, HVAC/extraction), electrical and gas conformity certificates, fire plan (extinguishers, emergency lighting, signage), liability insurance, and landlord authorization. In parallel, obtain health clearance: HACCP/self‑control plan, potable‑water test, pest‑control contract, staff food‑handler certificates, grease trap and extraction hood if any cooking, allergen management, and cleaning logs. Register for IGI (VAT, 4.5%), municipal commercial taxes, and with CASS as employer; set up payroll and contracts (work‑permit quotas apply). Extras: terrace permit, signage permit, and alcohol authorization if serving spirits/beer. Typical timelines: incorporation 2–4 weeks; fit‑out 2–6 weeks; license/inspections 1–4 weeks post‑works. Budget: €3k share capital, €1–3k notary/gestor/architect, €300–€2k municipal fees (area‑based), plus fit‑out. Keep all forms in Catalan. Use a local gestor to accelerate approvals.
