To start a coffee shop in Iraq, lock down permits, power, and supply before decor; those three decide speed to opening and profit. Choose a high-footfall site (university strips, malls, intersections) with generator access and parking; negotiate a notarized lease you can use for licensing. Register an LLC or sole proprietorship with the Ministry of Trade (or KRG counterpart), reserve a trade name, then obtain a municipal shop license, signage permit, and Civil Defense fire clearance. Register with the General Commission for Taxes and social security, and get staff food-handler health cards after medical checks. Design your bar around water treatment and stable electricity: install a filtration system targeting 50-150 ppm TDS, a voltage stabilizer, and backup power sized for espresso machines and HVAC. Source beans via local roasters or import through a licensed importer; ensure Arabic labeling and compliant invoices. Build a menu that fits local demand (Arabic/Turkish coffee, espresso drinks, iced options) and price to FX and customs exposure. Accept cash, bank POS, and mobile wallets like ZainCash and AsiaHawala. Document SOPs for dialing in espresso, milk texture, cleaning, and daily COGS; audit wastage weekly. Launch with Google Maps, Instagram, and targeted campus partnerships and TikTok ads, too.
