Renting a coffee shop offers you a unique opportunity to create a charming atmosphere that invites guests to linger. With large windows and excellent visibility, you can attract walk-in customers and benefit from a location surrounded by numerous shopping options. Strong transportation connections and ample parking make it easy for guests to reach your location.

However, running a coffee shop also comes with its own set of challenges. Careful location selection is crucial to attract foot traffic and make the investment profitable. Additionally, it’s important to design the interior in a way that is both appealing and practical for everyday operations. All in all, a coffee shop is the perfect choice for creative entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts who enjoy interacting with people of all ages.

Renting a café in Switzerland

As rentals, cafés comprise catering spaces such as espresso bars, bistros, takeaways and pop-up locations. They are suitable for start-ups, existing businesses, franchises and concepts that only require small or moderate amounts of space. Demand is being driven by the strong domestic economy: Switzerland's population has changed to 9’051’029 (+3.57%) over the last three years, and the unemployment rate stands at 1.47% – both of which fuel consumption and footfall in good locations.

At a glance: cafés to let

• For entrepreneurs, business operators and franchises with a clear concept requiring high foot traffic

• Advantage: no capital investment for property purchase, quick market entry

• Please note that permits are required in accordance with hospitality, alcohol and food legislation (cantonal/municipal)

• Technical requirements: extractor fans, grease separators, fire protection in accordance with the specifications of the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers (VKF)

Market overview: cafés in Switzerland

Highly visible, compact spaces are scarce in city centres. The overall vacancy rate for flats is 1.01%; while this figure refers to residential space, it illustrates the general shortage of space in sought-after locations. The average monthly rent for rental properties is CHF 1640; this figure refers to rental properties as a whole, not specifically to commercial space. New builds are generally focused on smaller units, fuelling densification in urban areas – an advantage for café concepts requiring high foot traffic. Trends include temporary pop-ups, delivery-friendly floor plans and energy-efficient technology.

Costs associated with renting a café

In addition to the rent, there are utility costs (e.g. heating, communal electricity, water), which are billed as either provisional advance payments or a flat rate. In the case of commercial leases, VAT may also be payable if the landlord opts for it. Other standard expenses include a security deposit/bank guarantee, possible compensation for any existing inventory, and funds to cover potential tenant-specific renovations, permits and the initial fit-out. The average tax burden of 12.38% refers to the residential population and is calculated on an individual basis; cantonal corporate taxes apply to businesses. Make sure to budget some financial reserves for restoring the property to its original state in accordance with the lease agreement.

A step-by-step guide to deciding whether renting a café is right for you

1. Assess the location: footfall, visibility, public transport, competition in the neighbourhood.

2. Evaluate the space: exhaust ducts, grease traps, electricity/water, delivery access, outdoor seating.

3. Clarify permits: hospitality, alcohol, any required planning applications/conversions, food inspections.

4. Draw up a budget: net rent, utilities, security deposit, refurbishment, inventory, operating costs.

5. Review the tenancy agreement (Swiss Code of Obligations, OR): term, notice periods, index-linking, subletting, protection from competition, restoring the property to its original state.

6. View the property and check for issues: reports and documentation, sound and fire protection, official requirements, neighbourhood.

Next steps

Start your search with precise filters for location, floor space and extraction systems. Arrange viewings and have your documents ready: business plan, credit report, copy of commercial registry entry, proof of financial standing/bank guarantee. Have the tenancy agreement checked by a solicitor – this will ensure that your café gets off to a smooth start.