To start a coffee business in Shanghai, lock in the operating model first—café only, café + roasting, or kiosk—and pick your entity (WFOE or local company) to register with the Shanghai AMR with a business scope that includes beverage and catering. Secure a commercial lease before licensing; districts require a floor plan, sufficient power (≥25–40 kW for 2‑group machines + grinders), ventilation/hood, water filtration, and waste-sorting stations. Fit-out to code, then apply for the Food Business License (食品经营许可证) via AMR; you’ll submit the lease, site photos, equipment list, staff health certificates (健康证), and appoint a food-safety manager. Fire acceptance, signage approval, and, if roasting, environmental filings and noise/emission controls are mandatory. Decide taxpayer status early: small-scale suits low turnover; general taxpayer enables input-VAT deduction on equipment. Source beans through licensed domestic roasters to avoid import paperwork, or record as an importer with Customs if bringing in green beans. Standardize SOPs, water spec (~70–100 ppm hardness), and grinder calibration to manage consistency across shifts. Open payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and delivery/listings (Meituan, Dianping, Xiaohongshu). Negotiate a 30–60 day rent-free fit-out, hours, and rent clauses. Target office clusters or metro exits for traffic; test prices with limited-time cups before full menu rollout.
