Non-resident opens small business. HOW? (sales, lease, how much)

[77fidelio]

Hello

I have two small cafes in France. Now I reside in California and would like to start a small business here.

1. I am non-resident of the US (France). I am visitor here, neither citizen of the US nor a GC holder. How could I register my company (small business, for example beauty studio or coffee shop or perfume shop). Should I have an american friend as my co-signer or I can start and register business by myself?

2. How much does it take to open small coffee shop (about 10 tables) here in Northern California? Is it difficult to register this business and to get all necessary approval and licenses?

3. Which authorities I should contact first to get all approvals and in which order?

thank you in advance

any suggestions are welcome)

[ferretkona]

Lease or purchase location
Get a license to sell food.
Get inspected, open for business.

[Curmudgeon]

Lotsa money!

In Mexico it's called bribes, graft and corruption.

In California it's called regulation, fees and taxes.

[77fidelio]

Originally Posted by ferretkona

Lease or purchase location
Get a license to sell food.
Get inspected, open for business.

First I need to find a space for rent? Did I understand correct?

And regarding the question that I non-resident of the US?

[77fidelio]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Lotsa money!

In Mexico it's called bribes, graft and corruption.

In California it's called regulation, fees and taxes.

Sorry, I didn't understand you.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by 77fidelio

Sorry, I didn't understand you.

You will! Tons of red tape and a myriad of costs. Hope you're not in any hurry. Licensure, permits, inspections and approval can seemingly take forever, especially in food service. Welcome to California!

[77fidelio]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

You will! Tons of red tape and a myriad of costs. Hope you're not in any hurry. Licensure, permits, inspections and approval can seemingly take forever, especially in food service. Welcome to California!

Have you ever had an experience in a business opening in France? In Germany? In United Kingdom?
what are you comparing?

[bouncethelight]

Originally Posted by 77fidelio

Have you ever had an experience in a business opening in France? In Germany? In United Kingdom?
what are you comparing?

I think he's comparing opening a business that serves food versus one that does NOT serve food, here in California. There's a lot more red tape, when you're in food service!

Have you considered buying an existing restaurant or cafe? Getting a building where food is prepared to pass inspection can take ages - so if you buy an existing restaurant, you can avoid some or all of that headache.

[KC6ZLV]

You will need a taxpayer identification number from the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board for paying income taxes. You will also have to collect sales taxes and remit them to the Franchise Tax Board.

You will have to get a business license from the city you do business in. If you aren't in a city the county will issue a business license. They will check zoning to determine if that type of business is permitted in the location where you want to open a cafe.

You will have to get a license to serve food from the city or county. The department that does this varies from place to place, but usually it is the county health department. They are the ones that do inspections.

None of the above are going to ask about your resident status.

Cost is going to vary significantly by location.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by 77fidelio

Have you ever had an experience in a business opening in France? In Germany? In United Kingdom?
what are you comparing?

Many, many other places in the U.S. What takes six months to a year in California can take six to eight weeks elsewhere and at far less cost.

And, yes, I did once own a small business in CA.