To start a coffee business in Slovakia, secure the right licence and compliant premises before you buy a machine. Choose your structure—sole trader (živnosť) or s.r.o.—and register the regulated trade “Hostinská činnosť”; if you lack hospitality qualifications, appoint an “odborný zástupca.” Register at the Trade Licensing Office, obtain a tax ID, and connect an eKasa online cash register with Finančná správa. Register your food business with the Regional Public Health Authority (RÚVZ), implement a written HACCP plan, and ensure staff hold valid health certificates. Use only premises with a kolaudácia (occupancy) for café use; if needed, process a change-of-use, fire-safety plan, BOZP documentation, and a waste contract. Fit a potable water point and filtration for espresso equipment, provide separate cleaning zones, pest control, and restroom standards per RÚVZ. If selling alcohol, obtain the local permit and, for bottled spirits, notify the Customs Office; observe smoking restrictions. For VAT, compulsory registration triggers at €49,790 in 12 months. Arrange music licences (SOZA/SLOVGRAM), outdoor terrace permits with the municipality, signage fees, and grease trap where required. Negotiate a lease with extraction rights and noise limits, line up suppliers and meal‑voucher acceptance, and price using COGS targets of 20–30% with a 10–12% waste buffer.
