To start a coffee shop in Cyprus, lock down premises and compliance in parallel: secure a lease with extraction rights, three‑phase power, water softening, and a grease trap, then apply for municipal operating licence, outdoor seating/pavement permit, signage approval, and fire‑safety certificate. Register a private Ltd with the Registrar of Companies, obtain a Tax Identification Number, VAT register if turnover will exceed €15,600 in 12 months, and open employer accounts with Social Insurance; budget roughly 18–20% on-top employer contributions plus the national minimum wage (€885–€940/month). Notify Public Health Services as a food business, implement HACCP, keep food‑handler training and pest‑control records, and pass sanitary inspection. Restaurant/catering services are typically 9% VAT; alcohol and some items stay at 19%. Accept cards (mandatory in F&B) via a local acquirer; use a POS with recipe-level cost control and serialised receipts. If importing beans/equipment from non‑EU, obtain an EORI. For music, obtain rights licences and, if operating late, local noise/extended‑hours permits. Fit-out realistically costs €300–€800/m²; espresso kit €15k–€30k; carry 3–6 months working capital. Target COGS 25–30%, labour 25–30%, and waste under 3%; calibrate grinders daily and use water at 50–100 ppm hardness. Launch with Google Business Profile, delivery apps (Wolt/Bolt/Foody), and bilingual signage. Promotions.
