To get a coffee shop license in Bosnia and Herzegovina, register your business (d.o.o. or obrt) under KD BiH/NACE 56.30 Beverage Serving Activities, then obtain the hospitality permit based on entity jurisdiction: court registry in FBiH/Brčko or APIF in Republika Srpska, followed by tax registration with the relevant Tax Administration and, when turnover exceeds BAM 100,000 in 12 months, VAT registration with the Indirect Taxation Authority. Secure the Decision on Minimal Technical Conditions (MTC) from the municipal/cantonal department for hospitality, proving compliant layout, sanitary facilities, ventilation, water quality, and accessibility; obtain fire safety approval (extinguishers, evacuation plan) and register as a food business operator with the competent sanitary/veterinary authority, implementing a documented HACCP system. Before opening, pass sanitary inspection, equip and fiscalize a cash register, file the opening notice, and display mandatory signage (prices, complaints, no-smoking or designated-area rules per entity tobacco laws). If serving alcohol, add an on-premise retail license; if playing music, conclude CMO licenses for authors’ and phonogram rights. For a terrace, secure public-area use and noise-compliance permits; for signage, obtain a facade/advertising permit. Typical extras include a working-hours decision, staff health booklets and training, and appointment of a qualified responsible person where required by entity rulebooks. Administrative fees and sequencing vary by municipality/canton; plan 3–6 weeks without construction.
