To start a coffee shop in North Macedonia, lock down compliance and a location before you buy equipment. Choose DOOEL (single-member LLC) for liability protection or sole proprietor (TP) for simplicity, then register the business at the Central Register, open a business bank account, obtain a tax number with the Public Revenue Office, and activate a certified fiscal device for receipts from day one. If you expect to exceed the VAT threshold, register for VAT early. Secure a municipal activity license, terrace/seating permit if using outdoor space, fire-safety clearance, and sanitary approval with an HACCP plan; staff need sanitary booklets. If you play music, arrange performance rights with ZAMP. Location drives revenue: in Skopje target high-footfall boulevards and office clusters; in Ohrid plan for seasonal tourism and takeaway flow. Fit out with a reliable 2-group espresso machine, commercial grinder, water filtration (hard water is common), power, ventilation, and a kitchen for pastries or simple food. Build supplier redundancy: one primary roaster and a backup, plus a bakery partner; negotiate delivery and consignment for packaged goods. Fiscalize, accept cards/QR, and standardize recipes, dialing-in protocols, and waste. Recruit baristas, register them for social contributions, and train on Macedonian, espresso, and filter styles.
