Do you want to advertise on a building in the Netherlands, for example by displaying a billboard or an illuminated sign? Or do you want to display large, detached outdoor adverts? In most cases you will need an all-in-one permit for physical aspects.
Check whether you need an all-in-one permit
The municipal authority is in charge of ensuring road safety and safeguarding the townscape. For this reason you need permission to attach advertising to your business location. Use this online tool to check whether you need an all-in-one permit (in Dutch). If you place a large advertising billboard or other object, you will need an all-in-one permit for building.
Check with your municipal authority which other advertising rules apply (in Dutch).
Applying for an all-in-one permit
You can apply for an all-in-one permit from your local council or online via the online service counter all-in-one permit for physical aspects (in Dutch). Costs differ for various different dimensions per municipality. When you apply, you need to state:
- why you are placing the advertising
- what kind of advertising object you are placing
- how large the advertising object is
- where you are placing the advertising.
Costs for an all-in-one permit
You need to pay municipal administrative charges (leges) when you apply for an all-in-one permit. The amount you have to pay may differ between municipalities.
How long does it take?
The municipal authority will decide whether or not to give issue a permit within 8 weeks. If your business is located in a monumental building, then the monuments committee will assess your application.
Object to the decision?
If your application for an all-in-one-permit for advertising on a business premise is refused, you have 6 weeks to object to the decision. If you disagree with the final decision, you have 6 weeks to launch an appeal against it in court.
Taxes on advertising
In some municipalities you will also need to pay tax on advertising:
- advertising tax is paid on advertising that is visible in public places, such as billboards or illuminated signs;
- tax on encroachments on or above public land (precario) is paid on advertising above municipal property. Some local councils include this tax in the all-in-on permit costs.
