Are you planning to start or take over a hospitality business in Amsterdam, or is your current permit about to expire? Then it’s essential to be well prepared. Applying for or renewing a hospitality permit is a complex and time-consuming process. Start early by gathering the necessary documents.
When applying for a permit or renewal, you must also provide information about the past five years. The municipality will check whether you or other involved parties (such as co-owners or managers) have been involved in:
If any of these apply to you or your business partners, you must include copies of the relevant decisions. You don’t need to report traffic offenses unless they involved injury, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence. Fines under € 250 do not need to be declared.
This information is mandatory. Providing incorrect or incomplete information may lead to delays or rejection of your permit. The municipality always performs a check. Proof of good conduct is also required for foreign applicants.
For a new application, you must submit the following information and documents:
All of the above documents are always requested. Make sure to submit them completely and correctly the first time to avoid delays. Based on the submitted documents, the municipality may request additional information or evidence.
Are you taking over an existing business? You may temporarily operate under the previous owner’s valid permit, but only if it is still active at the time of the takeover and you submit a complete application, including the Bibob form, within four weeks.
Applications can be submitted via:
Existing hospitality business owners can renew their permit. The initial permit is granted for three years. If your business has operated properly and without administrative sanctions, it may be extended to five years upon renewal.
For a renewal, you must submit
The official processing time for renewals is six weeks, but in practice it often takes longer. Actively monitor the progress yourself and avoid operating without a valid permit.
More information: www.amsterdam.nl/ondernemen/horeca/horecavergunning-verlengen.
If your business is financed from abroad, you must take extra care:
The hospitality permit application process is complex and not always clear or consistent. Technical issues can also occur in the online system. The regional managers of Koninklijke Horeca Nederland are highly experienced with the process and assist hospitality entrepreneurs in Amsterdam every week with successful applications.
They will review your situation in advance and check whether all documents and information are complete. If needed, they will schedule an appointment to walk through the process with you. This way, your application can be completed and submitted correctly within one and a half to two hours, helping to avoid errors and delays.
Good preparation is essential. Make sure all required information is submitted in full and on time. Contact your KHN regional manager if you have any questions or need support.
For more information
• Nathalie ter Heide: +31 6 12 25 54 79 / n.terheide@khn.nl
• Eveline Doornhegge: +31 6 51 49 07 09 / e.doornhegge@khn.nl