To start a coffee business in Uzbekistan, lock in compliance, supply, and unit economics before signing a lease. Register an MChJ or sole proprietor via the Single Portal/public service centers, then secure a sanitary-epidemiological conclusion (SES), fire safety sign-off, and an online fiscal cash register connected to Soliq (with Uzcard/Humo POS and QR acceptance via Click/Payme). Choose your tax model pragmatically: turnover tax simplifies bookkeeping for retail-heavy cafes, while VAT registration (12% VAT) suits B2B or higher-turnover concepts needing input tax credit. If importing beans, classify under HS 0901; arrange a bank-registered foreign trade contract, supplier certificates, and (for green coffee) a phytosanitary certificate; expect customs plus 12% VAT. New operators can de-risk by partnering with a local roaster to bypass customs and reduce working capital. Site due diligence should confirm 380V three-phase, 15–25 kW power, drainage, ventilation, and a signage permit from the hokimiyat; negotiate rent below 12–15% of projected sales. Specify equipment and water first: two-group machine, 2 grinders, and RO with blend to 50–100 mg/L hardness to prevent scale and maintain extraction. Standardize recipes (e.g., 18 g in/36 g out, 25–30 s), implement HACCP-style SOPs, staff training, daily calibration, Telegram/2GIS/Google listings, and delivery via Express24 plus loyalty.
