When do you need a permit or licence?
In many cases, you will need a permit. For instance, when you open a café or when you want to build or extend a business location. You may also need a permit to put up advertising.
Permits to work and stay in the Netherlands
Are you from outside the European Economic Area? Then you may need a residence permit and a work permit to live and work in the Netherlands. Make sure you know which residence documents you need before you start your business in the Netherlands. Use our Coming to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur tool.
If you hire foreign personnel, you may need to apply for a work permit for them. Or perhaps you want to hire a highly skilled migrant. Not sure what to do? Contact the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service IND for help.
Permits for your sector
The checklists on this website will help you identify the permits and licences you need to apply for in your business sector. For instance, if you want to establish a taxi company.
All-in-one permit for physical aspects
Do you want to expand or renovate your factory or offices? Or put up a neon sign? You will need an all-in-one permit for physical aspects. You can apply for this collective permit for a number of activities relating to your business premises and environment: building, cutting down trees, putting up advertisements, and environmental impact. To apply for an all-in-one permit for physical aspects, go to the (Dutch) online Omgevingsloket.
Get a native speaker to help you
If you are not a native speaker of Dutch, you may find the online Omgevingsloket hard to navigate. You will need to answer many detailed questions about the activity you need the permit for. So, find someone who is a native speaker of Dutch to help you.
Contact your municipality
In many cases, you will need to apply for permits at the town or village where your business is located: your municipality. Many municipalities only offer information about permits in Dutch. If you are unsure of the permits and licences you need, contact your municipality and explain your situation.
