To start a coffee shop in Monaco, obtain ministerial authorization (autorisation d’exercer) via the Monaco Welcome & Business Office, then incorporate an SARL with at least €15,000 capital and register with the Répertoire du Commerce et de l’Industrie. Secure a commercial lease early—bail commercial with potential droit au bail/key money is typical—then apply to the Mairie for any terrace or signage on the public domain. Fit-out must meet ERP safety rules (fire egress, ventilation, extraction), grease-trap and food-grade surfaces, with HACCP in place and inspections by the Direction de l’Action Sanitaire; plan for SACEM if you play music. Register for Monaco/French VAT, obtain a compliant POS (NF525 or attestation), open a local bank account, and enroll staff with the Caisses Sociales de Monaco; employment contracts should be in French. Budget realistically: €10k–€25k+ monthly rent for 40–80 m², €100k–€500k key money, and €1,500–€3,000/m² fit-out, plus working capital. Expect 8–12 weeks for authorization and 3–6 months to opening. Design for breakfast-through-late-afternoon traffic, AMEX/contactless payments, strict delivery windows, and a waste contract with SMA; avoid single-use plastics. Offer specialty espresso, premium water, and pâtisserie; price espresso-based drinks €4–€8 to match the market and terrace value. Secure Riviera suppliers; document traceability from day one.
