To start a coffee business in Montenegro, choose your legal form (preduzetnik/sole trader for speed; DOO for liability and investors) and register at the Central Registry of Business Entities (CRPS/CRBE); open a bank account, obtain a company stamp if required by your bank, and register employees. Apply for hospitality activity approval (ugostiteljska djelatnost) with your municipality, secure sanitary clearance (HACCP plan + staff health booklets), fire-safety sign-off, a fiscalization certificate, and a sidewalk/terrace permit if you place tables outdoors. If annual turnover will exceed €30,000, register for VAT (21% standard); install certified fiscal devices linked to the Tax Administration. Pick a location with tourist footfall (Kotor Old Town, Budva promenade, Podgorica center), ensure three‑phase power (6–7 kW for a 2‑group machine), good drainage, ventilation, and water filtration. Source beans from a local roaster or import green/roasted coffee under HS 0901 via a customs broker; negotiate 30–45 day terms and aim for COGS below 25% of retail. Equip with a 2‑group espresso machine, two grinders, scales, a water meter, and a backup kettle for Turkish coffee. Standardize recipes (18 g in, 36 g out, 25–30 s), train staff, price menus VAT‑inclusive, accept cards (CKB/Erste/Hipotekarna acquiring), and track seasonality when staffing levels.
