To open a coffee shop in the Czech Republic, secure the Hostinská činnost trade license and register your food business with the Regional Hygiene Station (KHS) before serving anything. File the trade at the local Trade Licensing Office (Živnostenský úřad): bring ID, Czech address, lease or title for the premises, and prove professional competence (gastronomy qualification or practice) or appoint a qualified responsible representative; the fee is CZK 1,000 and issuance typically takes 5 business days. Register your operation with KHS prior to launch and be inspection-ready: HACCP plan, flow layout, washable surfaces, handwashing stations, chilled storage with temperature logs, allergen labeling in Czech, water quality proof, pest control, cleaning schedules, and contracts for waste and used oil. Confirm the premises has valid occupancy/fit-out approval for hospitality use, guest/staff sanitary facilities, ventilation, and fire protection (extinguishers, evacuation plan). For alcohol service, ensure age checks and compliance; terrace seating on public space requires a municipal permit. If you play music, obtain OSA/Intergram licenses. Notify the Financial Office within 15 days of starting business; register for VAT once rolling 12‑month turnover exceeds CZK 2,000,000. Typical timeline is 2–6 weeks depending on build-out; avoid delays by locking permits, HACCP, and fit-out in parallel.
