To start a coffee shop in Qatar, secure approvals in this order: reserve a trade name with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), set up a WLL (confirm 100% foreign ownership eligibility under Law 1/2019 or appoint a Qatari partner), draft Articles, obtain Commercial Registration (CR) and Chamber membership, then the MOI Establishment Card, sign a lease for a zoned unit, and apply for the Municipality Trade License. In parallel, hire a Grade‑A engineer to stamp fit‑out drawings, obtain landlord NOC, and secure Civil Defense approval (hood extraction, LPG/electrical compliance, fire alarm and ANSUL suppression), Kahramaa power load letter, and Baladiya Food Permit. Meet food safety requirements: Person‑in‑Charge training for the manager, health cards for all handlers, grease trap and pest control contracts, washable surfaces, and a ducted exhaust (typically 1,500–2,000 CFM). Specify 3‑phase power; espresso 6–7 kW, hot water, cold storage, waste‑oil collection, and calibrated water filtration. Open a corporate bank account post‑CR/TL; deploy POS with QNB/CBQ acquiring and Talabat/Snoonu. Obtain bilingual signage and (if applicable) outdoor‑seating permits. Operations: WPS payroll, corporate tax 10% on foreign share. Site selection: parking, visibility, morning traffic, mall footfall; negotiate fit‑out periods and turnover‑rent caps. Soft‑open, measure ticket size and brew‑time, scale.
