A beverage and hospitality license in the Netherlands costs between €1,500 and €4,000 in fees and advisory costs. Most starting entrepreneurs underestimate these costs and the processing time. You'll discover exactly what expenses to expect and proven methods to reduce them.
What exactly does a beverage license cost?
The costs for a beverage license include multiple components that stack up fast.
💡 Example costs bistro Amsterdam:
- Beverage license fees: €1,247
- Hospitality license fees: €623
- Advisory bureau: €800
- Drawings and documents: €300
Total: €2,970
Fees per municipality (official costs)
Every municipality determines its own license fees. Major cities typically charge more than smaller towns.
- Amsterdam: €1,247 (beverage license) + €623 (hospitality license)
- Rotterdam: €1,180 (beverage license) + €590 (hospitality license)
- Utrecht: €1,156 (beverage license) + €578 (hospitality license)
- Small municipalities: €800-1,200 (beverage license) + €400-600 (hospitality license)
⚠️ Note:
You pay these fees regardless of approval or denial. Always verify current rates on your municipality's official website.
Additional costs that surface
Beyond official fees, you'll encounter extra expenses that many entrepreneurs overlook in their budgets.
- Advisory bureau: €600-1,500 (worth considering if you're inexperienced)
- Floor plan drawings: €200-500
- Fire safety report: €300-800
- Acoustic survey: €800-1,500 (required if noise complaints are likely)
- Notary costs for lease: €200-400
💡 Example total picture restaurant:
- Municipality fees: €1,800
- Advisory bureau: €1,200
- Drawings: €400
- Fire safety: €600
Total: €4,000
How can you save costs?
Smart planning and the right strategy can cut hundreds of euros from your license expenses.
- Handle it yourself: Save €600-1,500 on advisory fees, but expect 40-60 hours of paperwork
- Pick a cheaper municipality: Price differences exceed €500 between major cities
- Reuse existing drawings: Especially if the previous tenant operated hospitality
- Submit combined applications: Request all licenses simultaneously
⚠️ Note:
DIY applications save money, but errors can delay approval for months. From years of working in professional kitchens, I've seen single mistakes cost more than advisory fees through lost opening time.
Processing time and planning
Budget at least 3-6 months for your license application process. Delays mean paying rent and setup costs without generating revenue.
- Preparation: 2-4 weeks (document collection)
- Official processing: 8-16 weeks
- Potential objections: +4-8 weeks additional
💡 Calculation example delay:
Monthly rent: €3,500
2 months delay from incorrect paperwork:
Additional costs: €7,000 (exceeds advisory bureau fees)
How do you calculate the total license costs? (step by step)
Check the fees of your municipality
Go to your municipality's website and look up the current rates for beverage and hospitality licenses. These can change every year. Add both amounts together for the base costs.
Inventory your additional requirements
Make a list of what you need: floor plan drawings, fire safety report, acoustic survey. Check with the municipality which reports are mandatory for your location and type of business.
Decide on doing it yourself or hiring an advisory bureau
Calculate the costs of an advisory bureau (€600-1,500) against the risk of delay. With 3 months extra rent of €3,000/month, delay costs you €9,000 - then an advisory bureau is cheaper.
✨ Pro tip
Submit your license application exactly 4 months before your target opening date. This timeline accounts for the standard 12-16 week processing period plus a 4-week buffer for unexpected delays or document requests.
Calculate this yourself?
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
Can I deduct the license costs from my taxes?
Yes, all license-related expenses qualify as deductible business costs. Store all receipts and invoices properly for your tax filing.
What happens if my license gets denied?
The municipality keeps your fees, but you can file an objection within 6 weeks. Most advisory bureaus help with objections at no extra charge if they handled your original application.
Do I need to apply for both licenses simultaneously?
It's not mandatory, but it's the smart move. You'll save processing time and sometimes qualify for fee discounts. Plus, you need both licenses to actually open your doors.
Are the costs identical across all municipalities?
No, every municipality sets its own pricing structure. The gap can exceed €500 between expensive cities like Amsterdam and smaller towns.
Can I start renovating before getting the license?
You can, but it's a gamble. If your application gets rejected, you've already invested in setup costs while being prohibited from opening.
What documents do I need for the acoustic survey requirement?
You'll need floor plans, neighbor proximity maps, and intended operating hours. The survey becomes mandatory if your location sits near residential buildings or has a history of noise complaints.
📚 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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