To start a coffee business in Poland, choose the model (café, kiosk/food truck, e‑commerce, roastery) and register: JDG in CEIDG or sp. z o.o. in KRS with PKD 56.30.Z/56.10.A (café), 56.10.B (mobile), 47.91.Z or 47.29.Z (retail/e‑shop), 10.83.Z (roasting). File sanitary registration and obtain approval from Państwowa Inspekcja Sanitarna; prepare GHP/GMP and HACCP procedures, layout with washable surfaces and separate clean/dirty flows, staff medical clearance for sanitary‑epidemiological purposes, potable water tests, pest‑control and waste contracts. Gastronomy must use an online fiscal cash register from day one; add POS and card terminal. Pick taxation: general scale or 19% flat, or ryczałt (often 3% for gastronomy without alcohol); register for VAT if exceeding 200k PLN or to deduct input VAT (coffee and drinks are 23% VAT). If serving alcohol, secure municipal permits (A/B/C) for on‑premise sales. Ensure utilities: 3‑phase 400V and 10–15 kW, water filtration targeting 50–120 ppm hardness to protect espresso machines; budget 15–40k PLN for a 2‑group machine and 3–10k PLN per grinder. Comply with signage rules (uchwała krajobrazowa). Price using contribution margin (target 70–80%); benchmark footfall, office density, and rent per m². For food trucks, obtain public‑space occupancy consent; for roasteries, register in BDO for packaging and waste reporting obligations.
