New companies or companies that expand or change fall under the scope of the Environmental Management Act (Wm). This means that an environmental permit must be granted for the ‘environment’ activity or that a notification must be submitted in the context of the Activities Decree.
You usually need an environmental permit for the ‘environment’ activity or a notification in the context of the Activities Decree if you:
- want to set up a company;
- want to expand a business;
- want to change the activities of a company.
Do you have to apply for a permit or is it sufficient to make a notification? If you complete the questions on the ‘Activities Decree Internet Module (AIM)’, you will discover exactly what you need to do.
Find out moreEnvironmental management notification
You must submit the environmental management notification online via the AIM (in Dutch).
All-in-one permit for physical aspects (environmental permit)
If you start, change, or expand a business, you must apply for an environmental permit from the Online environment portal:
1. Go to the online service counter Omgevingsloket online (in Dutch)2. Log in with DigiD (for individuals) or eHerkenning (for businesses).
The lead time for an environmental permit for the ‘environment’ activity is 6 months. This procedure takes longer if the application concerns a very complex or controversial subject.
The lead time for assessing a notification in the context of the Activities Decree is 8 weeks.
You can view the list of permit applications and decisions at.
If you want to object, the following applies.
- For a standard all-in-one permit for physical aspects (8 weeks), you must file an objection within 6 weeks after the decision is published. How to do this is stated in the published decision.
- Does it concern an extended all-in-one permit for physical aspects (26 weeks)? Then it is issued as a draft decision. You can submit your opinion within 6 weeks. After that, a final decision will be made.You can appeal to the district court within 6 weeks. You can send your letter to: [Adres rechtbank].