To get a coffee shop license in Iraq, secure commercial registration and core operating permits before fit-out; municipalities will not allow opening without them. Practical sequence: 1) Reserve a trade name and register the business at the Ministry of Trade (company or sole establishment), then enroll with the General Commission for Taxes and obtain a tax number. 2) Sign a compliant lease and obtain municipal activity approval from the local baladiya for “restaurant/café” use and signage. 3) Obtain a Health Permit from the Directorate of Public Health after a plan review and on-site inspection covering food workflow, washable surfaces, hot and cold holding, potable water tests, pest control, grease trap, and staff medical fitness cards. 4) Obtain Civil Defense clearance for fire safety, including gas line conformity, extinguishers, detectors, emergency lighting, and exit routes. 5) Register employees with Social Security. If you serve shisha, add a specific café/shisha endorsement with ventilation and charcoal handling controls; alcohol service requires a separate license and is restricted or banned in many provinces. Typical file includes CR certificate, lease, site plan, IDs, tax letter, utility statement, and landlord consent. Timelines hinge on inspections; plan 3–6 weeks in Baghdad, Basra, and 2–4 in Erbil typically.
