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Applying for an event licence

This information is provided by:Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVONetherlands Enterprise Agency, RVOLast updated on Nederlandse versie

If you want to organise an event at a public location in the Netherlands, you probably need an event licence from your local municipality. Find our more.

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Do you want to organise an event at a public location? You may need an event licence from your local municipality. In some cases, you just need to notify the municipality of your event.

Events

The need for a permit or notification applies to any activities taking place in a publicly accessible spot. This includes squares, streets and parks. Examples of events are:

However, in some cases a notification will suffice. Obviously, for your event you may need additional licences, such as a licence to serve alcohol, play music or place stalls or children's rides.

Waterway event licence

If you plan to organise an event along a provincial waterway, you will need a waterway event licence (evenementenvergunning vaarweg) from the provincial authority. The provincial authority will only grant a waterway event licence for short events. The event may not jeopardise the safety and progress of shipping traffic.

Dispensation from the prohibition of noise-exceeding bike engines

If you want bike engines to exceed the permitted noise level at an event or on a sports field, you have to apply for dispensation from the provincial authorities.

Online application procedure via Message Box

You can also submit your event licence applications online via Message Box. Message Box is a secure email system that enables entrepreneurs to exchange digital messages with Dutch government agencies.

At the province of Noord-Brabant you can use Message Box to apply for dispensation from the prohibition of noise-exceeding bike engines.

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