To start a coffee business in Albania, secure your entity, permits, and fiscal setup before signing a lease. Register a sh.p.k. at the National Business Center (QKB) via e-Albania, obtain a NIPT tax number, contract certified fiscalization software, and register your POS with the tax authority; open a bank account early. Do lease due diligence: verify cadastral records, utility capacity (three‑phase power, ventilation, water pressure), and exclusive use for food service. Obtain municipality permits for signage and outdoor seating, AKU food-business registration with a documented HACCP plan, and fire-safety approval; register employment contracts and social/health contributions via e‑Albania. Assess VAT registration early, if importing coffee. Choose a concept that fits footfall and rent (espresso bar, takeaway, or specialty), and target university corridors, boulevards, or tourist zones in Tirana, Durrës, Shkodër, or Sarandë. Negotiate 3–6 months’ deposit and a fit‑out grace period. Specify equipment: 2‑group 20A espresso machine, water filtration targeting 70–120 ppm hardness, on‑demand grinder, ice maker, refrigeration, and a backup pump. Lock supply with local roasters or an importer; use a customs broker for imports. Price in ALL with beverage COGS near 20–25%. Implement SOPs (18g in/36g out/25–30s), a QR‑receipt fiscal POS, Google/Instagram marketing, Glovo/Baboon delivery, and smoke‑free compliance.
