To get a coffee shop license in Germany, first decide if you will serve alcohol: alcohol triggers a Gaststättenerlaubnis; alcohol‑free service requires only a Gewerbeanmeldung plus food‑business registration. File your Gewerbeanmeldung with the local Ordnungsamt, register with the Finanzamt for VAT (or opt for the Kleinunternehmerregelung), and secure a TSE‑compliant POS that meets GoBD/KassenSichV with receipt issuance. If serving alcohol, apply for a Gaststättenerlaubnis with floor plan, lease, hygiene concept (HACCP), proof of reliability (Führungszeugnis, Gewerbezentralregisterauszug), IHK Unterrichtung certificate, and—if needed—change‑of‑use/building and fire safety approvals; expect 4–8 weeks and city fees from ~€300–€1,500. Alcohol‑free cafés still must register the food business with the local Gesundheits-/Veterinäramt, complete IfSG §43 food‑handler instruction, implement HACCP, allergen/LMIV labeling, and pass inspections. Typical add‑ons: GEMA license for music, Sondernutzung permit for outdoor seating on public sidewalks, signage permits, and waste contracts; if takeaway, comply with VerpackG (LUCID registration and system participation or buy pre‑licensed service packaging) and the Mehrwegangebotspflicht for reusables. Practical shortcuts: open alcohol‑free first, apply early for Nutzungsänderung, schedule health instruction before hiring, choose a POS with DSFinV‑K export, and order pre‑licensed packaging to simplify EPR. Budget for deposits, insurance, and staff onboarding time to keep inspections and opening dates aligned from launch.
