To open a coffee shop in Cyprus, secure the municipal operating license and health approval first: choose a site that already has “food and beverage” use or obtain a change‑of‑use planning permit, then submit floor plans, ventilation/extraction and grease‑trap specs, and a waste contract to your municipality and the Medical & Public Health Services for inspection. Register the food business (EU Reg. 852/2004), implement a proportional HACCP plan, keep temperature and cleaning logs, and ensure food‑handler health certificates and hygiene training for all staff. Before fit‑out, get Fire Service clearance (occupancy load, extinguishers, emergency lighting), signage permission, and verify accessibility and sanitary ratios under the building code. If serving alcohol or background music, obtain separate on‑premises and rights‑holder licences. Register the business entity, Tax/VAT (threshold ~€15,600), and Social Insurance; budget for a municipal fee (often €200–€800/year, varies by town). Typical sequence and timing: planning/change‑of‑use (2–6 months), fit‑out, health inspection (1–3 weeks), Fire certificate, then municipal operating licence (1–2 weeks). Decision drivers: extraction route, noise limits, outdoor seating consent, parking/loading, refuse storage. Common pitfalls: signing a lease before confirming permitted use, under‑specifying ventilation, skipping a grease trap, or lacking music rights—each can delay licensing and opening. Engage consultants to accelerate approvals.
