To get a coffee shop license in Nepal, complete these in order: register the business (private limited at the Office of the Company Registrar, or proprietorship/partnership as allowed by your municipality), obtain a PAN from the Inland Revenue Office, and register VAT if your annual turnover will exceed NPR 5 million or if your buyers require VAT bills. Apply for the municipal trade permit (Byabasay Darta/Operating License) at your Municipality/Rural Municipality ward with lease deed, landlord’s NOC, location map, PAN, and entity papers. Secure food business approval from the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) with a floor/layout plan, potable water test report, staff medicals, sanitation SOPs, pest-control contract, waste disposal agreement, and handwashing/toilet facilities; expect inspection before approval. Get fire-safety clearance (extinguishers, exit plan) and a signage permit from the municipality. If you will serve alcohol, obtain a liquor license from the District Administration Office with police and ward recommendations. Timeframe in Kathmandu Valley is typically 2–4 weeks if documents are complete; start PAN and municipal filings in parallel to compress time. Compliance that gets checked: price display and VAT/PAN invoices, food hygiene, waste segregation, and SSF/staff contracts. Keep approvals onsite; renew municipal and DFTQC licenses annually.
