To get a coffee shop license in Brazil, start with a Consulta Prévia de Viabilidade (zoning/use approval) on RedeSim for your city—don’t sign a lease until the address is approved for CNAE 5611-2/03 (lanchonetes, casas de chá e similares). Form the company (Ltda or EI) at Junta Comercial, get a CNPJ at Receita Federal, opt for Simples Nacional (most efficient for cafés), and request municipal Inscrição and Alvará de Funcionamento. Secure the Sanitary License from Vigilância Sanitária: submit floor plan, finishes that are washable, dedicated handwash sinks, hot water, potable water report, pest control contract, cold-chain layout, Good Practices/POPs per Anvisa RDC 216, and food-handler training proofs. Obtain the Fire Department certificate (AVCB/CLCB) with a stamped fire-safety plan (extinguishers, lights, signage), ART/RRT, and occupancy load. Typical timeline is 30–90 days; budget R$3k–R$15k for fees, projects, and adjustments. Practical extras that prevent fines: SAT/NFC-e or fiscal printer per state, ECAD if you play music, signboard permit, TPU for sidewalk seating, grease trap and used-oil collection receipts, accessibility per NBR 9050, and exhaust/odor control. For small teams, MEI is rarely viable (R$81k/year cap, one employee). Ask the city for an alvará provisório after fire and sanitary inspections to open sooner and legally.
