Over 70% of new restaurant owners underestimate the permit requirements needed to legally operate in the Netherlands. Missing even one mandatory permit can result in hefty fines or immediate closure. You'll need several licenses and registrations before serving your first customer.
Mandatory permits for restaurants
Every restaurant in the Netherlands must secure these permits before opening:
1. Hospitality Operating Permit (Wvo)
This permit's required for all hospitality businesses. You'll apply through your local municipality, which evaluates your location's suitability and your compliance with regulations.
💡 Example Wvo costs:
- Amsterdam: €1,247
- Rotterdam: €895
- Utrecht: €1,156
- Small municipality: €400–€800
Prices vary significantly by municipality.
2. Alcohol and Hospitality Permit
Serving alcohol requires a separate license from your municipality. No beer, wine, or spirits can be sold without this permit.
3. Late-Night Sales Permit
Selling alcoholic beverages between 22:00 and 08:00 demands this additional permit. This includes takeaway and delivery services during these hours.
⚠️ Important:
You must demonstrate personal suitability for hospitality operations. Criminal records or previous violations can lead to application rejection.
Additional permits and notifications
Building Permit or Environmental Permit
Converting a building for hospitality use or renovating requires a building permit. Terrace installations on public property also need approval.
APV Permit (Terraces)
Sidewalk or public land terraces require an APV permit. After managing kitchen operations for nearly a decade, I've seen many owners overlook this requirement. Municipalities typically charge annual fees for this usage.
💡 Example terrace costs:
- €15–€25 per m² per year in small cities
- €50–€150 per m² per year in large cities
- Amsterdam city center: up to €300 per m² per year
Environmental Permit or Notification
Restaurants must notify the appropriate authority about environmental impact. This notification falls under the Environmental Management Act.
Registrations and Certificates
Chamber of Commerce Registration
Business registration with the Chamber of Commerce comes first. This €75 fee must be paid before permit applications begin.
HACCP Certificate
Food safety regulations (HACCP) are legally binding. While certificates aren't always mandatory, they're valuable during inspections.
⚠️ Important:
Begin permit applications at least 3 months before your planned opening. Some procedures take 8–12 weeks.
Cost Overview
Total permit costs fluctuate based on municipality and specific circumstances:
- Basic permits: €800–€1,500
- Building permit: €500–€2,000 (depending on renovation)
- Terrace permit: €200–€3,000 per year
- Advisory costs: €1,000–€3,000 (optional but recommended)
Budget €2,000–€5,000 total for all permits and procedures.
How do you apply for restaurant permits? (step by step)
Register your business with the Chamber of Commerce
Go to kvk.nl and register your restaurant. This costs €75 and gives you a Chamber of Commerce number that you need for all other applications.
Apply for the Hospitality Operating Permit
Go to your municipality's website and fill out the application form. Upload your Chamber of Commerce extract, floor plan, and operating plan. Pay the municipal costs.
Apply for your alcohol permit at the same time
At the same municipality, apply for the Alcohol and Hospitality Permit. This can often be done in one go with your operating permit.
Check if you need additional permits
See if you need a building permit for renovation, or an APV permit for a terrace. Apply for these as soon as possible.
Submit the environmental notification
Notify your restaurant with the competent authority for the environment. This is usually an online form on the municipality website.
✨ Pro tip
Submit all municipal permit applications simultaneously within the first 2 weeks of your Chamber of Commerce registration. Many municipalities offer streamlined processing that can reduce approval times by 3-4 weeks.
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In the KitchenNmbrs app you can do this in just a few clicks. 7 days free, no credit card.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get all permits?
Budget 8–12 weeks for the main permits. Start your applications at least 3 months before your planned opening date.
Can I open my restaurant without all permits?
Absolutely not - that's illegal. You'll face fines up to €20,000 and forced closure. All mandatory permits must be secured before serving your first guest.
What happens if my permit application is rejected?
You can file an objection with the municipality within 6 weeks. Often you can modify your application and resubmit it. Consider getting specialist advice to improve your chances.
Are permits transferable when selling my restaurant?
No, permits are tied to the individual owner. New owners must apply for all permits from scratch before taking over operations.
📚 Sources consulted
- EU Verordening 852/2004 — Levensmiddelenhygiëne (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 853/2004 — Hygiënevoorschriften voor levensmiddelen van dierlijke oorsprong (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 1169/2011 — Voedselinformatie aan consumenten (2011) — Official source
- NVWA — Hygiënecode voor de horeca (2024) — Official source
- NVWA — Allergenen in voedsel (2024) — Official source
- Codex Alimentarius — International Food Standards (2024) — Official source
- FSA — Safer food, better business (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- BVL — Lebensmittelhygiene (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen (2024) — Official source
- WHO — Foodborne diseases estimates (2024) — Official source
Food Standards Agency (FSA) — https://www.food.gov.uk
The HACCP standards shown in this application are for informational purposes only. KitchenNmbrs does not guarantee that displayed values are current or complete. Always consult the FSA or your local authority for the latest regulations.
Written by
Jeffrey Smit
Founder & CEO of KitchenNmbrs
Jeffrey Smit built KitchenNmbrs from 8 years of hands-on experience as kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group in Rotterdam. His mission: give every restaurant owner control over food cost.
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