Setting up at a new business premises

Check the environment plan

You need to know if you are allowed to set up a business at the location. The environment plan tells you what is allowed at a specific site or area. For example, it says if shops or catering establishments are allowed. Visit the local municipality to see the environment plan. Or use the Ruimtelijkeplannen.nl website (in Dutch). Here you can find details of all the spatial plans from local government, provincial government, and national government. For example, plans for the construction of new roads, or a new housing estate.

Deviate from the environment plan

Does your development plan or the proposed use of the site not comply with the environment plan? Then check with the municipality whether you can deviate from or object to the environment plan. Sometimes you can get a temporary exemption. Or you can get your plan approved with an application for an environment and planning permit (omgevingsvergunning). This can cover a variety of factors, such as construction and the environment. Always provide good evidence to support your argument. You must show that your plans will not have a major impact on the surrounding area. You can apply for the omgevingsvergunning via the municipality, or directly via the online service counter Omgevingsloket (in Dutch).

Apply for the right permits

Most building developments and renovation projects require an omgevingsvergunning. Other permits may also be required for activities in certain sectors (in Dutch). For example, when starting a catering business. Some permits are not linked to a sector. Such as a permit to put advertising on the outside of a building. Do the permit check via Omgevingsloket (in Dutch) and then arrange your permit applications.

Check which environmental requirements you need to comply with

You must comply with environmental regulations. For example, your business cannot make too much noise. There are also rules about things like industrial waste. You can submit your applications for environmental permits via the Omgevingsloket (in Dutch).

Consider municipal taxes and water taxes

Check which local taxes you have to pay. Both owners and users of business premises pay property tax. Many municipalities charge cleaning fees if they process your business waste. In certain cases, you also pay waste disposal charges. Do you own business premises with a connection to the municipal sewerage system? Then you must pay sewerage charges. Are you going to advertise your business? You usually pay an advertising tax or a tax for the use of space on or above public areas. Find out what municipal and regional taxes there are.

Make an environmental analysis

A location analysis will tell you if it is wise to locate your business in a certain area. For example:

• Is there a market for your business there? Will you get customers from the area?
• Are there already more companies offering the same thing? Or are you the first?
• What does the environment plan say? Are there any special rules?

Map out your business area

With the KVK Location Scan (in Dutch) and the KVK Company Counter, you can find out a lot about the area around your business location. This includes data on competitors, chances of success, potential customers, and local residents. This data is compared to the Dutch average.

Report a change of address to KVK

As soon as you move into the new location for your company, you must report the change of address within 1 week. Failure to do so may have consequences for your company’s liability.