To start a coffee business in Estonia, choose the right vehicle—typically an OÜ (private limited company)—and register it in the e‑Business Register, setting share capital (from €1), EMTAK code for food service, and a management board; non‑residents can use e‑Residency. Before serving, file a Notice of Economic Activity for food handling and register your café with the Agriculture and Food Board, prepare an HACCP‑based self‑control plan (omakontrolli plaan), and ensure premises meet ventilation, cold‑chain, and waste‑separation standards; if selling alcohol, obtain a municipal license and define sale hours. Select a location with existing “use permit” for food service to avoid costly change‑of‑use; confirm grease trap capacity, electrical load for espresso equipment, and flue filtration for roasting. Register employees in the Employment Register before their first shift; implement allergen disclosure on menus and maintain temperature logs. Register for VAT when annual turnover approaches €40,000; set up POS that exports VAT reports and Z‑totals; open an account (bank or fintech) and deposit share capital before paying dividends. For roasting or importing green beans, obtain an EORI number and comply with EU labeling in Estonian. Negotiate supplier consignment or buy‑back terms, monitor COGS below 30–35%, and target footfall corridors in Tallinn or Tartu.
