To get a coffee shop license in Argentina, secure the municipal habilitación comercial for rubro “cafetería/bar” and align the site with permitted use (zoning) before signing a lease. Verify Uso del Suelo, then file the habilitation online (e.g., Habilitaciones BA in CABA) with: CUIT, AFIP registration (Monotributo or Responsable Inscripto), provincial Gross Income (AGIP/ARBA), floor plan signed by a matriculated professional, gas/electrical certificates, fire plan and extinguishers approved by Bomberos, and sanitary compliance from Bromatología. Equip the premises with non‑slip surfaces, mechanical ventilation, a grease trap if preparing food, accessible restroom per code, potable hot/cold water, pest control contract, and signage (capacity, no smoking, emergency exits). All staff must hold the national Carnet de Manipulador de Alimentos; keep a BPM manual and temperature logs. Expect an inspection; timelines run 30–90 days and fees scale by square meters. If you roast on‑site, add environmental ventilation, chimney, and an expanded use category. For patios or sidewalk seating, request a permiso de uso del espacio público. Criteria for landlords and locations: corner visibility, gas availability, exhaust route, and compliant egress. Keep used oil collection receipts from an authorized operator. Typical pitfalls: missing Uso del Suelo, inadequate ventilation, and unsigned plans or outdated extinguishers.
