To get a coffee shop license in Paraguay, secure municipal habilitación comercial for your premises, INAN sanitary authorization, and tax registration (RUC) with the SET—the core trio that lets you open legally. Start with location: confirm zoning/uso de suelo with the municipality, and design a layout that meets food-safety flow (separate prep/serving, handwash sinks with hot water, washable walls/floors, ventilation, grease trap, pest control points, cold storage with thermometers). Form your entity through SUACE or register as a sole proprietor, obtain your RUC, and request a timbrado so you can issue invoices; choose your invoicing path (preprinted/virtual now, and enroll in SIFEN e-invoicing when your phase-in date applies). For the municipal license, file lease/title, plano aprobado, fire-prevention clearance (PCI) with extinguisher coverage and exit signage, waste-collection/oil-disposal contracts, and signboard permit. For INAN, present BPM procedures, potability certificate for water, equipment list, staff food-handler training and valid Carnet de Salud, plus pass an on-site inspection. Register as an employer with IPS before onboarding staff. If serving alcohol, add the municipal alcohol permit and age-restriction signage. Typical timeline in Asunción: 3–6 weeks with complete files; inspections often pass first time when temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and calibration records are ready for inspectors.
