中文 Get my plan

Licenses and permits to open a coffee shop in Jersey City

A coffee shop that prepares drinks or food on site is a food service business, licensed and inspected like a restaurant. Here are the 5 filings, in the order they're made.

Updated October 17, 20265 filingsSources: the agencies' own sites

  1. Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

    Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

    Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

    Fee
    Free
    Filed
    Paper form, faxed or mailed
    Takes
    Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  2. Business formation and tax registration

    NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise ServicesNJ

    Form or register the company, then register for state taxes.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed online

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  3. New Jersey tax and employer registration (NJ-REG)

    NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise ServicesNJ

    Everyone doing business in New Jersey registers; NJ-REG is the tax and employer registration, filed online at least 15 business days before opening. A corporation or LLC files its certificate of formation first. A business collecting sales tax gets a Certificate of Authority.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    File at least 15 business days before opening.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  4. Jersey City Certificate of Occupancy

    City of Jersey City, Department of Housing, Economic Development and CommerceJersey City

    Needed to operate legally, and for new construction, major renovations or a change in the building's use. Apply through the Jersey City Permit Portal after any construction permits and inspections; open violations on the property block it.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed on the agency's portal

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  5. Jersey City retail food establishment license

    Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Environmental HealthJersey City

    New licenses are in person by appointment only (201-547-5285 or 201-547-5173) at 1 Jackson Square (364 MLK Drive). Bring the documents for the pre-operational inspection; once they're approved the inspection is booked, and the license follows a satisfactory one. Renewals are online.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed in person

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

Use this checklist on your site

Copy this into your site or article. It credits the source.

More on opening in Jersey City

Questions people ask

Other businesses in Jersey City

Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.

Get the plan for your coffee shop in Jersey City

This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.

  • The full list for your address, in filing order
  • The official forms, filled line by line
  • Renewal and inspection reminders

Free to start, no card needed. We only use your email to reach you.

Get my plan for Jersey City