To start a coffee business in Portugal, lock down legal setup and premises first: obtain a NIF, incorporate (Lda via Empresa na Hora), choose CAE codes (e.g., 56301 Cafés/56302 Bares, 10831 Torrefação, 46370 grossista), open the bank account, and register for VAT (or Article 53 small‑exemption if eligible). Verify the space’s Alvará de Utilização allows restauração e bebidas; then file the Mera Comunicação Prévia on Balcão do Empreendedor (Licenciamento Zero) with a Termo de Responsabilidade (fire, sanitation, noise), layout, and pay municipal fees; add an esplanada/terrace license if needed. Implement HACCP per Reg. 852/2004, register as a food business with ASAE, train staff in food safety, and disclose allergens per Reg. 1169/2011. For roasting, obtain SIR industrial licensing with the municipality, plan odor/noise extraction, and label packs in Portuguese (name, net weight, lot, best‑before, origin, operator/CAE, contacts). Operate with certified POS/invoicing (SAF‑T PT, QR/ATCUD; register series in e‑Fatura), accept Multibanco/MB WAY, display the physical and electronic Livro de Reclamações, secure PassMúsica for background music, and contracts for waste/packaging compliance. Hire and register staff with Segurança Social; carry civil liability and workers’ comp. Prioritize locations with footfall, venting options, and terrace yield; expect 4–8 weeks from lease to opening with permits.
