To start a coffee shop in Egypt, secure a commercially zoned lease with landlord consent for food service (and shisha, if planned), then sequence permits to avoid costly delays. Form an LLC via GAFI’s one‑stop shop, obtain your Commercial Registry extract and Tax Card, register for VAT if you’ll exceed the threshold, and enroll in the Egyptian Tax Authority e‑receipt system so your POS issues compliant digital receipts. Apply to the National Food Safety Authority for a café license: submit layout drawings, HACCP plan, potable water tests, pest‑control contract, equipment list, and staff health certificates; expect a pre‑opening inspection. Obtain Civil Defense fire approval, municipal trade and signage licenses, outdoor seating permit (if any), and a specific shisha/tobacco permit with health‑ventilation specs. Engineer utilities early: three‑phase power for 5–8 kW espresso load, dedicated circuits, water filtration targeting 50–100 ppm hardness, floor drains, and grease trap if you run a hot kitchen. If importing beans, get a GOEIC Importer Card and register on NAFEZA; otherwise lock supplier contracts locally. Register employees with Social Insurance, formalize schedules and tip/service‑charge distribution, and train to NFSA hygiene. Aim for beverage COGS 25–30%, negotiate Talabat/elmenus terms, and accept cards/Meeza QR. Track waste and dial recipes.
