Applying for a Hospitality Permit in Amsterdam: All Conditions Listed

Dreaming of your own café on the canals or a restaurant in De Pijp? Applying for a hospitality permit in Amsterdam is a process with strict conditions. In this article, we clearly list the most important requirements and steps, based on the current regulations of the Municipality of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam maintains a strict but fair policy to monitor the quality of life in the city and combat undermining. Before you can open your doors, you will face various checks. These are the main pillars.

1. The Exploitation Permit

The basis of every hospitality business is the exploitation permit. This is mandatory if you sell food or drinks for consumption on the premises. The municipality checks three main points:

• Public order and safety: Does your business pose a danger to the environment?
• Living environment: Does your business cause too much nuisance for residents?
• Integrity (Bibob Act): Is there no evidence of criminal money or criminal ties?

2. The Bibob Act: Strict Supervision

Amsterdam is known for its strict Bibob assessment. This is often the most intrusive part of the application. You must demonstrate in detail where your investment money comes from.

3. Location and Zoning Plan

Not every building is suitable for hospitality. The municipality's zoning plan is leading. Even if 'Hospitality' is on the facade, this does not automatically mean you can just start. Always check the destination first on Ruimtelijkeplannen.nl or at the district.

4. Checklist Required Documents

A complete application speeds up the process significantly. Ensure you have the following documents ready digitally:

5. Alcohol and Terrace

Do you want to serve alcohol? Then, in addition to the exploitation permit, you also need an Alcohol Law Permit. Extra requirements apply to your building (such as ventilation and toilets) and to your staff (Social Hygiene). A separate Terrace Permit is required for a terrace on the public road.

Need help with your application?

Applying for a hospitality permit in Amsterdam can be overwhelming due to the amount of rules and forms. A small mistake can lead to weeks of delay. HorecaVergunning.com is happy to help you submit your file completely and correctly.