To start a coffee shop in Beijing, lock a compliant site and secure catering licenses before fit-out. Prioritize a commercial property with catering use on the title, landlord consent, and ventilation/fire systems; standard leases require 2–3 months’ deposit. Register a company (local entity or FIE/WFOE) with Beijing AMR, then open bank accounts and choose VAT status; general taxpayer status helps reclaim renovation/equipment input VAT. Apply for the Food Business Permit (scope: catering beverage service), fire safety filing/acceptance, and staff health certificates; design a “bright kitchen” with handwash sinks, zones, pest control, and CCTV if required. Expect 60–120 days. Build to code and file signage permits. Equip with espresso gear and water treatment; choose suppliers with Beijing after‑sales. If importing beans, use a customs broker and CIQ‑cleared suppliers; otherwise source domestically to avoid quarantine delays. Deploy Alipay/WeChat Pay merchant accounts, e‑fapiao POS, and list on Dianping, Meituan, and Ele.me; seed Xiaohongshu and geo‑target WeChat 3 km. Hire trained baristas and fully comply with contracts and social insurance/housing fund. Adapt the menu to local palates (balanced acidity, milk drinks, flavors) and price by trade area. Implement waste sorting per Beijing rules and grease/water filters. Budget RMB 500k–1.5m depending on district and size.
