To start a coffee shop in China, secure three essentials fast: the right entity, a licensable site, and non-negotiable permits. Form a WFOE or partner locally; set business scope to catering/coffee beverage service (餐饮/饮品), lock a lease with a license-contingency clause, then obtain: Business License (营业执照) from AMR, Food Business License (食品经营许可证) tied to your exact layout and address, staff Health Certificates (健康证), and fire safety acceptance/filing (消防验收/备案); add environmental filing (环评) if roasting on-site. Design for compliance: separate hand/ware sinks, washable walls, pest control, compliant exhaust, water filtration, and mall fit-out permits (施工许可). Go live with WeChat Pay/Alipay, a fiscal device for e-fapiao (金税开票), and delivery via Meituan/Ele.me; claim and optimize your Dianping listing and launch a WeChat Official Account/Mini Program. Start as a small-scale taxpayer (3% VAT) to simplify, then upgrade when input VAT matters; run payroll with social insurance from day one. Source imported beans through domestic distributors to avoid CIQ/import filings; specify a 2-group machine, 2 grinders, ice machine, fridge, and a quarterly maintenance SLA. Localize the menu (ice/sugar levels, seasonal SKUs), and design for takeout (leak-proof, heat-seal). Comply with PIPL (privacy notice, CN data storage), waste sorting, and music licensing. Target rent-to-sales <15%, drink COGS 25–30%, and 120–180 cups/day breakeven at RMB 22–28 margin; prioritize sites with >8,000 daily footfall near offices or transit. Timeline: 6–10 weeks post-lease.
