To get a coffee shop license in Luxembourg, secure an autorisation d’établissement (business permit) for HORECA from the Ministry of the Economy, then complete food-safety and commune permits before opening. Apply via guichet.lu with ID and clean criminal record, proof of professional capacity (diploma or relevant management experience), a fixed establishment (lease/title), and compliant plans of the premises. After permit issuance, register the entity with the RCS, obtain a VAT number with the AED, affiliate staff with the CCSS, and declare workplaces to the ITM. Register your food business with the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) under EU Reg. 852/2004, implement HACCP, staff hygiene training, potable-water and pest-control contracts, allergen and traceability logs. If serving alcohol, obtain a débit de boissons licence from your commune and apply correct age checks and service hours; outdoor seating needs a terrace authorisation, and signage or change-of-use may trigger building permits and fire-safety clearance. Display prices and VAT; apply proper rates for on-premise, takeaway, and alcoholic beverages. Align contracts and pay with the Horesca collective agreement. Typical timelines: 2–6 weeks for the business permit if the dossier is complete; delays arise from missing manager credentials, noncompliant layouts, or absent commune approvals and inspections.
