To start a coffee shop in Lithuania, secure a compliant site and your VMVT food-business approval, then form the entity and fiscalize your POS—these are the gates that determine launch timing. Pick a high-footfall location (Vilnius Old Town, Kaunas centre, or near campuses) with 3‑phase power (≥10 kW), ventilation, floor drains, hand‑wash sinks, and washable surfaces. Incorporate as MB or UAB via Registrų centras (Smart‑ID/Mobile‑ID works), open a business account, and register with VMI; register for VAT voluntarily or when turnover nears the €45,000 threshold. File your VMVT notification with a HACCP plan, premises layout, equipment list, supplier traceability, pest control, and staff health checks/training. Choose a 2–3 group espresso machine, two grinders (espresso/decaf or filter), water filtration matched to local hardness, and set preventive maintenance intervals. Fiscalize and register your cash register/POS with VMI; take contactless via Paysera, Revolut, or SumUp. If serving alcohol, obtain the municipal retail permit; for terraces, apply for the city’s seasonal outdoor seating permit. Hire baristas formally (Sodra registration before first shift), standardize recipes, and build QC (dial‑in logs, TDS checks). Launch with Google Business Profile, Wolt/Bolt Food pickup, and an SMS‑based loyalty program. Budget: espresso kit €8–15k; contingency 10–15% for approvals and delays.
