Licenses and permits to open a coffee shop in New York 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 10 filings, in the order they're made.
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.
Articles of Organization (New York LLC)
New York Department of State, Division of CorporationsNew York State
Filed online with the Department of State, or mailed.
- Fee
- $200
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- A few business days online; expedite is extra.
- Renews
- Biennial statement every two years ($9).
LLC publication within 120 days
New York Department of State, Division of CorporationsNew York State
Publish a notice in two newspapers chosen by the county clerk for six weeks, then file the certificate with the affidavits.
- Fee
- $50
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Takes
- No standard time published; paid expedited processing within 24 hours ($25).
Certificate of Occupancy for the use
NYC Department of BuildingsNew York City
Check the space's existing CO allows your use; a change of use needs an alteration filing and an amended CO.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- DOB doesn't publish a processing time for a Certificate of Occupancy; staff review the request in DOB NOW: Build and issue the CO once every sign-off and requirement is in.
Application for Registration as a Sales Tax Vendor (Certificate of Authority)
New York State Department of Taxation and FinanceNew York State
Apply online through New York Business Express at least 20 days before your first sale. Display the certificate at each location.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Usually about two weeks.
New employer registration for unemployment insurance and withholding
New York State Department of LaborNew York State
Register online once you pay wages in New York.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- The Department of Labor doesn't publish how long registration takes; it assigns each liable employer an eight-digit employer registration number after you register.
Proof of workers' comp and disability/paid family leave insurance
New York State Workers' Compensation BoardNew York State
Buy the policies from an insurer; the insurer reports coverage to the Board. Agencies ask for the certificates.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Through your insurer
- Takes
- The Board doesn't publish a processing time because coverage is bought from an insurer, but DB/PFL coverage must be in place within four weeks after a new employee's 30th day of work.
Food Protection Certificate (course and exam)
NYC Department of Health and Mental HygieneNew York City
Free online course, then an in-person exam. A certified supervisor must be on site whenever you are open.
- Fee
- $24.60
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Certificate arrives 2 to 6 weeks after the exam.
- Renews
- Does not expire.
Food Service Establishment Permit
NYC Department of Health and Mental HygieneNew York City
Apply on NYC Business. The Health Department inspects before issuing; letter grades follow.
- Fee
- $280
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- You may open 22 days after applying, even before the pre-permit inspection.
- Renews
- Every year.
Sign permit
NYC Department of BuildingsNew York City
Filed in DOB NOW by a registered design professional or licensed sign hanger.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- DOB doesn't publish a review time for sign permits; the sign permit is filed in DOB NOW: Build, with a separate electrical permit if the sign is lit.
More on opening in New York City
Questions people ask
- How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
- How long does it take to get an EIN?
- Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
- How do I become an importer of record in the US?
- Who needs a Food Protection Certificate in New York City?
- When do I need a sales tax Certificate of Authority in New York?
Other businesses in New York City
Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.
Was this page helpful?
Get the plan for your coffee shop in New York 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