To start a coffee business in Qatar, secure the right license, premises, and food-safety approvals before you sign supplier contracts. Reserve a trade name and obtain your Commercial Registration (CR) with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), then apply for a Commercial (Trade) License tied to a leased shop; most malls require proof of CR and landlord NOC. Get Civil Defense approval for fire safety, Municipality shop layout approval, and food-permit clearance from the Ministry of Public Health (Food Safety Department); baristas need health cards and you must keep a pest-control contract on file. Set up your Establishment (Computer) Card with the Ministry of Interior to hire staff and open a corporate bank account, register with Qatar Chamber, and activate WPS payroll. Choose fit-for-purpose power, water filtration (target 70–150 ppm TDS), and ventilation; add a grease trap and compliant hood if you heat food or roast. If roasting or importing beans, register with Customs for an importer code and check MECC environmental requirements for exhaust and emissions. Display prices in QAR and Arabic, integrate POS with delivery platforms (Talabat, Snoonu), and design a lean menu that fits throughput. Typical timelines: 2–6 weeks for CR, 4–8 weeks for site licensing.
