To start a coffee business in Zurich, lock in compliance and unit economics before you sign a lease. Form a GmbH for liability protection (CHF 20,000 capital), register in the Handelsregister, obtain a UID, register with SVA Zürich (AHV/AVS) and SUVA (accident insurance), and opt into VAT (MWST) if turnover exceeds CHF 100,000—or earlier to recover input tax (8.1% standard, 2.6% reduced for takeaway food; beverages remain 8.1%). Apply for a gastgewerbliche Betriebsbewilligung with the City of Zurich, register your food operation with the Kantonales Labor Zürich, implement a written HACCP plan, and set up allergen disclosure. If serving alcohol or using outdoor seating, include alcohol service and Aussenbestuhlung in your permit package (Sondernutzung via Tiefbauamt); plan quiet hours 22:00–07:00. For fit-out, confirm 3‑phase 400V power and water filtration for your espresso machine; coordinate waste and recycling (ERZ, PET Recycling) and verify whether a grease separator is required. Use a POS configured for Swiss VAT and TWINT/cards. Location should deliver 200–300 cups/day near HB, Bahnhofstrasse, Kreis 1/4/5 or ETH/UZH; target COGS <30% and labor 30–35% to break even. Hire under the generally binding L‑GAV. Timeline: 8–12 weeks from lease to opening; secure key suppliers and a roaster early in Zurich.
