To start a coffee shop in Bahrain, secure a Commercial Registration (CR) on the Sijilat portal, selecting an SPC or WLL and adding the “Coffee Shop/Café” activity, then lock a commercial-zoned lease (mall units speed approvals; street-front offers lower rents but requires more fit-out coordination). Submit stamped shop drawings for Municipality and Civil Defence approvals (kitchen hood and fire suppression if cooking, emergency signage, compliant exits), obtain Food Control clearance, and arrange health cards/medical checks for all food handlers. Ensure EWA electrical load (plan 10–15 kW for espresso, grinders, HVAC), install water filtration to manage local TDS, and a grease trap if preparing food. If importing beans, register as an importer with Customs Affairs; for on-site roasting, add the relevant industrial activity/permit. Hire via LMRA work permits, enroll staff with GOSI, and run payroll through the Wages Protection System. Register for VAT with the National Bureau for Revenue when turnover meets the BD 37,500 threshold and issue compliant VAT invoices; onboard BenefitPay and card POS. Finalize SOPs (HACCP-based temperature, cleaning, allergen and pest logs), secure a waste management contract, and obtain signage permits. For revenue, launch with Talabat and office-delivery offers; choose locations with morning footfall, parking, and chimney options. Plan 6–12 weeks for licensing and fit-out.
