How to open a café or restaurant in Kosovo

Kosovo has one of the highest densities of cafés in Europe. That means two things: coffee culture is strong, and competition is fierce. Before you sign a lease, it's worth knowing exactly what's required and how much you need to sell.

1. The idea and the premises#

The premises decide everything: footfall, the chance of a terrace, rent and renovation costs. Before you sign:

• check how many cafés are on the street and in the neighbourhood. On Kerko you can browse hospitality businesses by municipality;
• check that the premises are zoned for business and allow hospitality use;
• check ventilation, drainage, toilets and accessibility for people with disabilities;
• negotiate a long enough lease. See Renting business premises.

Work out your break-even point before investing. The café example in How to write a business plan shows how many coffees a day you need just to cover costs.

2. Registering the business#

Register the business with ARBK, as an Individual Business or LLC (see Individual business or LLC?), with the right activities:

• 56.30 beverage serving (cafés, bars);
• 56.10 restaurants and food service;
• 56.21 catering, if you offer it.

See NACE codes.

3. The Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA)#

Any business serving food or drink is a food business operator and must be registered or licensed with the FVA (locally AUV). Inspectors check:

• the condition of the premises and kitchen;
• food storage and temperatures;
• suppliers and traceability of products;
• the food safety system (HACCP principles), especially for restaurants.

4. Municipal permits#

Depending on the municipality, you may need:

• a permit or consent to operate in those premises;
• a terrace permit for public space, with a fee by area;
• a permit for your sign and outdoor advertising;
• to respect opening hours and noise rules.

Ask the municipal business office before opening, because rules vary between municipalities.

5. Fire safety#

Premises with customers need fire extinguishers, marked emergency exits and safe electrical installations. Larger venues may need approval from the emergency services.

6. Fiscal till and payments#

Every café must issue a fiscal receipt for every sale. ATK checks this often. See Fiscalisation in Kosovo. Many customers pay by card, so a POS terminal increases sales. See Card payments.

7. Staff#

• A written employment contract for every employee, before day one. See The employment contract.
• Health certificates for staff who handle food.
• The minimum wage and supplements for night, weekend and holiday work. See Minimum wage and Overtime pay.

Hospitality is the sector where the Labour Inspectorate and ATK most often find undeclared work. Fines can close a new venue.

8. Music#

If you play music on the premises, even from the radio or online platforms, you must pay a copyright fee to the collective management organisations. This is checked more and more.

Main costs#

Cost	Note
Renovation and furniture	The biggest part of the investment
Coffee machine and grinder	Can also be rented from the coffee supplier
Fridges, dishwasher, tableware	Much more for restaurants
Rent deposit	Usually 1 to 3 months
First stock	Coffee, drinks, food
Reserve	At least 3 months of fixed costs

After opening#

New customers search on Google and on Kerko before they come. Verify your business on Kerko to add opening hours, photos, a description and contact details, and keep them up to date.