What is an exploitatievergunning?
The exploitatievergunning is the basic permit that allows you to run a hospitality business. Through it, the gemeente Amsterdam assesses, among other things, public order, the personal conduct of the operator (via the Wet Bibob) and whether your premises are suitable for hospitality use under the bestemmingsplan (zoning plan).
Without a valid exploitatievergunning you may not open or continue to run your hospitality business. The permit is issued in the name of the operator and the premises; a new permit therefore has to be applied for when a business is taken over or relocated.
When do you need an exploitatievergunning?
You need an exploitatievergunning as soon as you start or take over a hospitality business that is open to the public: a café, restaurant, lunchroom, snack bar or hotel with a food and drink operation. A (new) application is also required if the legal form of the company changes, if there is a new owner, or if building work alters the layout.
Not sure whether your situation requires a permit? We assess this free of charge during the intake and tell you straight away exactly which permits you need.
Which documents do you need?
- Valid ID for every manager
- Recent Chamber of Commerce (KvK) extract
- Lease or purchase agreement for the premises
- Floor plan with surface areas and layout
- Completed Bibob questionnaire with supporting evidence
- Business financials (funding, origin of funds)
Wij vertellen u tijdens de gratis intake precies welke stukken in uw situatie nodig zijn.
How the process works
- 1
Free intake
We map out your situation and establish which permits are needed.
- 2
Gathering documents
You supply the paperwork; we check it for completeness and accuracy.
- 3
Filing the application
We submit the complete application to the gemeente Amsterdam.
- 4
Guidance through the Bibob check
We guide you through the integrity screening and answer any additional questions.
- 5
Decision
You receive the permit; we keep track of the deadlines and the correspondence.
What does a operating permit cost?
For handling your exploitatievergunning application in full, we charge a fixed service fee. That way you know exactly where you stand in advance.
Please note: on top of our service fee, the gemeente Amsterdam charges its own leges (municipal fees) for processing the application. These municipal costs are separate from our services.
What the gemeente charges on top
| What the gemeente charges for | Amount | Tariff year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| New operating permit for a hospitality business — without a terrace | €3,010.80 | 2026 | Gemeente Amsterdam |
| New operating permit for a hospitality business — with a terraceA terrace is part of the operating permit; there is no separate terrace permit for a new application. | €3,621.50 | 2026 | Gemeente Amsterdam |
| Changing or adding one managerEach additional manager in the same application: € 41.70. | €404.80 | 2026 | Gemeente Amsterdam |
| Other amendments to the operating permit | €483.40 | 2026 | Gemeente Amsterdam |
| Renewal of the operating permit — without a terraceWith a terrace: € 2,404.20. | €1,909.00 | 2026 | Gemeente Amsterdam |
These are the gemeente's own fees, separate from our service fee, and are payable to Gemeente Amsterdam. Leges are revised on 1 January each year. Last checked by us on 26 July 2026 — always verify the current amount with the gemeente before you budget.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to apply for an exploitatievergunning?
- The gemeente normally has 8 to 13 weeks to reach a decision, depending on the Bibob check. A complete, error-free application speeds this process up considerably — and that is what we take care of.
- Do I need other permits besides the exploitatievergunning?
- Often, yes. Consider an alcoholvergunning (alcohol licence) if you serve alcohol, and a terrasvergunning (terrace permit) if you have a terrace. During the intake we determine the complete package for your business.
- What does an exploitatievergunning cost?
- Our service fee is a fixed price, which you can see at the bottom of this page. The gemeente also charges its own leges. With us you will not face any surprises afterwards.
Related permits
Let us arrange your operating permit
A fixed price, no surprises. We handle the whole application so you can focus on your business.
Request a free intake