Events & Entertainment

During special occasions, hospitality businesses in the Netherlands may produce more noise than normally allowed. This is regulated through collective and incidental festivities under the General Local Ordinance (APV) of each municipality. The rules allow temporary exemption from standard noise limits without requiring individual exemption applications.Collective festivities are recurring events designated by the municipality, such as King's Day, New Year's Eve, carnival, or local town festivals. Incidental festivities are one-time events at a specific business, such as a grand opening, wedding reception, or anniversary celebration. Most municipalities allow a set number of incidental festivities per year. You must notify the municipality in advance, stating which dates you plan to use.

Issued by: Municipality

If you run a cultural organization or work as an independent artist, you can apply for a cultural subsidy (cultuursubsidie) to fund your activities. Eligible projects include performing arts, visual arts, cultural participation programmes, youth theatre, artist residencies, and venue programming.Subsidies are granted by your municipality or province under their local subsidy regulations. You submit an application with a project plan and budget. Funding can be awarded for a single project or on a multi-year basis. Each municipality sets its own deadlines and criteria, so check your local government website for the current application round.

Issued by: Municipality or Province

An event permit (evenementenvergunning) is required for organizing public events such as festivals, markets, parades, concerts, and sporting events in public spaces. The permit is issued by the municipality where the event takes place and ensures compliance with safety, public order, noise, and traffic regulations.You must submit your application well in advance, typically at least 8 to 16 weeks before the event, depending on the municipality and the scale of the event. The application includes a scenario plan (draaiboek) describing the event layout, expected visitor numbers, security arrangements, first aid provisions, and measures to limit nuisance to residents. Larger events may also require consultation with the fire service and police.

Issued by: Municipality

A noise nuisance exemption for open-air activities is required when you want to organize outdoor events or perform work that exceeds the normal noise standards. This applies to outdoor festivals, concerts, construction work outside regular hours, fairgrounds, or any other open-air activity that may cause significant noise in the surrounding area.You apply for the exemption at the municipality, which assesses each request individually. The application should describe the nature of the activity, expected noise levels, duration, and measures you will take to limit nuisance for nearby residents. The municipality may set conditions on maximum decibel levels, permitted hours, and the requirement to inform residents in advance. Costs and processing times vary by municipality.

Issued by: Municipality

A general noise nuisance exemption is required for activities that cause noise exceeding standard limits but do not fall under specific categories such as loading/unloading or open-air events. This can include noise from hospitality establishments, industrial activities, mechanical installations, or other business operations that exceed the permitted noise levels set in the municipal ordinance.You apply for the exemption at the municipality, which assesses each case individually based on the expected noise impact on the surrounding area. The municipality weighs the interests of your business against the quality of life for nearby residents. Conditions may include maximum noise levels at the property boundary, restricted hours of operation, and requirements for noise-reducing measures such as sound barriers or insulation.

Issued by: Municipality

A presence permit is required for placing certain types of gaming machines in hospitality establishments, amusement arcades, or other public spaces. This permit regulates the placement and operation of gaming machines and is intended to prevent gambling addiction and ensure public order.The permit is issued by the municipality and depends on the type of gaming machine and the location where it is placed. Not all gaming machines require a permit; this depends on the classification of the device according to the Gambling Act (Wet op de kansspelen).

Issued by: Municipality

A permit or notification is required for organizing lotteries and gambling, depending on the nature and scale of the game. For lotteries with prize money up to € 4,500, a lottery permit must be requested from the municipality. For smaller gambling games, a notification is sufficient.The permit is intended to ensure that gambling is organized responsibly and that proceeds are used lawfully. The regulations apply at both municipal and national levels, depending on the scale of the event. Organizers must submit the application to the competent authority before the gambling takes place.

Issued by: Municipality

Local broadcasting subsidy (lokale omroepsubsidie) is a financial contribution that municipalities provide to local broadcasters for the production of radio and television programs. The subsidy supports local journalism and ensures that residents have access to news and information about their municipality, local politics, and community events.To qualify, your broadcasting organization must be recognized as a local public broadcaster under the Media Act 2008 (Mediawet 2008) and meet the requirements of the Commissariaat voor de Media. The municipality sets the subsidy amount based on available budget and the broadcaster's program plan. You must submit an annual plan and financial report. The subsidy covers operating costs such as studio facilities, equipment, and personnel, but not commercial activities.

Issued by: Municipality

The museum subsidy is a financial support scheme for museums, cultural institutions, and heritage organizations. Municipalities provide these subsidies to stimulate cultural activities, exhibitions, educational programs, and collection management that align with local cultural policy. Both established museums and smaller heritage initiatives may be eligible.Applications are submitted to the municipality, which evaluates proposals against its cultural policy framework. Eligible activities may include temporary exhibitions, public engagement programs, digitization of collections, and educational outreach. The subsidy amount and conditions depend on the municipality's budget and cultural priorities. Multi-year funding agreements are sometimes available for institutions with a structural cultural function.

Issued by: Municipality

If you want to place advertising displays, such as billboards, banners, illuminated signs or other forms of outdoor advertising, you often need an environmental permit (omgevingsvergunning) for the activity 'advertising'. This permit regulates where and how advertising may be placed to protect public space and the streetscape.The permit is intended to prevent proliferation of advertising displays and to ensure that advertising fits within the character of the environment. Municipalities set their own rules regarding size, location, lighting intensity and duration of billboards.

Issued by: Municipality

Performing arts subsidy (podiumkunstensubsidie) is financial support from municipalities and provinces for theater companies, dance groups, music ensembles, and other performing arts organizations. The subsidy helps fund productions, performances, tours, and audience development activities.You can apply for this subsidy if your organization creates or presents performing arts for a public audience. Municipalities set their own criteria in the local subsidy regulation, which typically cover artistic quality, audience reach, financial management, and cultural diversity. Subsidy periods usually run for one to four years. Both professional companies and semi-professional groups with a structured program can apply, depending on the municipality.

Issued by: Municipality

An operating license for sex establishments is required to operate businesses such as brothels, escort agencies, swingers clubs, and erotic massage salons. This license is issued by the municipality and is necessary before you can start or take over a sex establishment.If alcohol is also served at the sex establishment, you will need a hospitality license in addition to the operating license. When ceasing operations or transferring the business to another owner, notification must be made to the municipality, and the new operator must apply for a new license.

Issued by: Municipality

A flea market permit (snuffelmarktvergunning) is required to organize a publicly accessible market where secondhand goods, antiques, or collectibles are offered for sale. This applies to both indoor and outdoor markets organized by individuals, associations, or commercial organizers. The permit is issued by the municipality under the local general municipal ordinance (APV).The application must include details about the location, date, expected number of stalls, and safety provisions. The municipality assesses the impact on public order, traffic flow, and the surrounding area. Conditions may address maximum stall numbers, opening hours, waste management, and emergency access. Regular organizers may need to apply for each event separately or obtain a recurring permit.

Issued by: Municipality

The social-cultural work subsidy (sociaal-cultureel werksubsidie) is municipal funding for organizations that organize arts, culture, and community activities. The subsidy supports projects that enrich cultural life in the municipality, such as community theater, music workshops, art exhibitions, cultural festivals, and neighborhood creative programs.Cultural organizations, community centers, foundations, and citizen initiatives can apply based on the municipal subsidy regulation. Criteria typically include the expected number of participants, artistic or social value, accessibility, and financial planning. Subsidy amounts and application deadlines vary by municipality. Multi-year subsidies may be available for established organizations with a proven track record.

Issued by: Municipality

An amusement arcade exploitation license (speelautomatenhal exploitatievergunning) is required to operate an establishment where gambling machines are the primary attraction. In addition to this license, you need a separate presence permit (aanwezigheidsvergunning) for each individual gaming machine in the arcade.The license is issued by the municipality based on the General Local Regulation (APV). Municipalities set rules on the number of permitted arcades, their locations, opening hours, and addiction prevention measures. The application process includes a background check (Bibob screening) on the operator. Not all municipalities allow amusement arcades, so check local policy before investing in a location.

Issued by: Municipality

An amusement facility exploitation license (speelgelegenheid exploitatievergunning) is required for operating public recreational play facilities such as billiard centers, bowling alleys, go-kart tracks, laser game arenas, escape rooms, and similar entertainment venues. The license ensures safety, prevents nuisance, and maintains public order.The municipality issues this license based on the General Local Regulation (APV). Requirements typically cover opening hours, noise levels, fire safety, minimum age for visitors, and the maximum number of people allowed. You must apply before opening and may need to submit a floor plan, safety protocol, and proof of liability insurance. License conditions vary by municipality.

Issued by: Municipality

If you organize sports activities or events, you can apply for a sports activities subsidy (sportactiviteitensubsidie) from your municipality or province. This funding supports projects that encourage physical activity, including urban sports initiatives, community sports programmes, and innovative sports projects.To apply, you submit a plan describing your activity or project along with a budget. The municipality or province evaluates your application based on their local subsidy regulations. Each municipality has its own criteria and application periods, so check your local government website for details on eligibility and deadlines.

Issued by: Municipality or Province

The accessibility subsidy (toegankelijkheidssubsidie) is municipal funding to make buildings, public spaces, and activities more accessible for people with disabilities. If you operate a shop, restaurant, cultural venue, or sports facility, you may qualify for this subsidy to fund physical adaptations such as ramps, accessible toilets, elevators, automatic doors, or tactile guidance systems.The subsidy can also cover digital accessibility improvements or accessible communication tools. You apply through the municipality based on the local subsidy regulation. Eligibility criteria, maximum amounts, and co-financing requirements vary by municipality. Priority is typically given to projects that serve the widest public benefit and address the most significant barriers to participation.

Issued by: Municipality

The tourism subsidy (toerismesubsidie) is municipal funding for projects that strengthen the local tourism and recreation sector. If you organize events, develop tourist attractions, run marketing campaigns, or create infrastructure that draws visitors to the area, you may qualify for this subsidy.You apply through the municipality based on the local subsidy regulation. Eligible applicants include tourism businesses, event organizers, destination marketing organizations, and foundations. Municipalities set their own priorities, which may focus on seasonal spreading of visitors, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage promotion, or nature-based experiences. Subsidy conditions typically require co-financing and a clear plan for measuring visitor impact.

Issued by: Municipality

In addition to the town hall or city hall, municipalities can designate additional locations where marriages and registered partnerships can be concluded. These so-called free wedding venues offer couples the opportunity to marry at a special or personal location, such as castles, estates, museums, or other atmospheric places.Owners or managers of locations can submit an application to have their location designated as an official wedding venue. The municipality assesses the application based on criteria such as suitability, safety, and public order. The wedding registrar must be able to conduct the ceremony and the legal requirements for a marriage ceremony must be met.

Issued by: Municipality

A fireworks sales permit (vuurwerkverkoopvergunning) is required to sell consumer fireworks (category F1, F2, and F3) to the public. This municipal permit is mandatory for both permanent fireworks shops and temporary sales points that operate during the designated sales period around New Year.The municipality sets requirements for the sales location, including storage capacity, fire safety measures, emergency exits, and distance from residential buildings. You must comply with the Fireworks Decree (Vuurwerkbesluit) and local regulations. Consumer fireworks may only be sold during a short period before New Year (typically December 29-31). Selling fireworks without a valid permit or outside the permitted period is a criminal offense.

Issued by: Municipality

A Sunday rest disruption exemption (zondagsrustverstoring ontheffing) is an exemption based on the Sunday Act (Zondagswet) that you need when you want to organize an event on Sunday. The Sunday Act is part of Dutch legislation regulating Sunday rest.The exemption is intended to allow activities on Sunday that are normally not permitted on special occasions. You can apply for the exemption via the online form for an event permit, or in writing to the municipality if it does not concern an event.

Issued by: Municipality

If you organize an exhibition, show, or event with animals, you must submit an animal exhibition notification (dierententoonstellingsmelding) to the national government. This obligation applies under the Decree on Animal Keepers (Besluit houders van dieren) and covers events such as livestock shows, breed inspections, poultry exhibitions, and educational events featuring live animals.The notification must be submitted before the event takes place and include details about the location, date, types and numbers of animals involved, and the veterinary measures you will take. The rules ensure that animals are housed, transported, and handled properly during the event. Failure to notify can result in the event being stopped and fines being imposed.

Issued by: National Government

A zoo permit (dierentuinvergunning) is a permit required for operating a zoo or a location where multiple wild or rare animals are kept. The permit is required to ensure that animals in zoos are kept and cared for in a responsible manner.The permit is issued by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, RVO) based on the Decree on Animal Keepers (Besluit houders van dieren). Operators of zoos, animal parks, or other institutions that keep multiple wild or rare animal species must apply for this permit.

Issued by: Netherlands Enterprise Agency

Dutch gambling machine regulation involves two distinct permits. The exploitation license (exploitatievergunning) is issued by the Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA) and authorizes a company to operate gaming machines as a business. This is separate from the presence permit (aanwezigheidsvergunning), which is issued by the municipality and authorizes the physical placement of gaming machines at a specific location.Venue owners who want gaming machines in their establishment need the municipal presence permit, while the operator supplying the machines needs the KSA exploitation license. The rules distinguish between high-threshold venues like cafes and bars (where some machines are allowed) and low-threshold venues like snack bars (where stricter limits apply). Both permits must be in order before machines may be placed.

Issued by: Gaming Authority

A swimming pool facility must meet strict hygiene and safety requirements to ensure that everyone can swim and bathe safely. Swimming pool facilities include public swimming pools, semi-public pools (for example in hotels, campsites, saunas, and toddler pools) and medical baths.Since January 1, 2024, the requirements for swimming pool facilities are governed by the Omgevingswet and the Besluit activiteiten leefomgeving, which replaced the former Wet hygiene en veiligheid badinrichtingen en zwemgelegenheden. You must submit a notification to the competent authority before operating a swimming pool facility. The province supervises compliance with the hygiene and safety requirements.

Issued by: Province

Operators of public swimming pools are legally required to conduct risk analyses to prevent Legionella contamination among pool visitors. Legionella is a bacterium that can cause pneumonia and can multiply in warm water, such as whirlpools and hot water pipes in swimming pools.Legionella prevention for swimming pool facilities is now governed by the Besluit activiteiten leefomgeving under the Omgevingswet, which replaced the former Besluit hygiene en veiligheid badinrichtingen en zwemgelegenheden on January 1, 2024. Provinces supervise compliance with this obligation and can take enforcement action in case of violations.

Issued by: Province

In certain cases, an operator of a swimming pool facility can apply for an exemption from specific requirements that apply to swimming pool facilities. An exemption may be granted when strict compliance with certain regulations is unreasonably burdensome, while alternative measures can provide a comparable level of protection.Since January 1, 2024, the requirements for swimming pool facilities are governed by the Omgevingswet and the Besluit activiteiten leefomgeving, which replaced the former Wet hygiene en veiligheid badinrichtingen en zwemgelegenheden. You must submit the exemption application to the province, which assesses whether your proposed alternative measures are sufficient to ensure the hygiene and safety of visitors.

Issued by: Province

Recreation subsidy (recreatiesubsidie) is financial support from provinces for municipalities, organizations, and initiatives that develop or improve recreational facilities. The subsidy covers projects such as accessible beach facilities, hiking and cycling routes, playgrounds, and water recreation infrastructure.You apply through the province where the facility is located, based on the provincial subsidy regulation. Eligible applicants include municipalities, recreation businesses, disability organizations, and foundations. Provinces set priorities that may focus on accessibility for people with disabilities, nature-based recreation, or boosting regional tourism. Subsidy amounts and co-financing requirements vary by province and project type.

Issued by: Province

A quiet area exemption is a permission to carry out activities that disturb the silence in a designated quiet area. In a quiet area, you are in principle not allowed to make disturbing noise. Do you still want to carry out activities that disturb the silence? In most cases, this is only allowed if you have permission for this.This exemption is granted by the province based on the provincial environmental regulation. The quiet area is designated to protect the peace and natural sounds in the area.

Issued by: Province

A fireworks ignition notification (vuurwerk ontbrandingsmelding) is a mandatory filing each time a business intends to ignite fireworks. This applies to professional pyrotechnic companies providing fireworks displays at events, celebrations, or other occasions. The notification must be made to the province or municipality, depending on the type and quantity of fireworks.This requirement is set out in the Fireworks Decree (Vuurwerkbesluit). The notification must include details about the location, date, time, safety distances, and the qualifications of the person responsible for ignition. For larger displays or professional fireworks (category F4), an ignition permit (ontbrandingstoestemming) is required instead of a notification.

Issued by: Province or Municipality

If your business ignites professional fireworks, more than 200 kg of consumer fireworks, or more than 20 kg of theatrical fireworks, you need an ignition permit (ontbrandingstoestemming) from the province. You must apply for this permit for each individual event where fireworks will be set off.The application is submitted to the provincial government. You also need a separate application permit (toepassingsvergunning) to operate as a fireworks ignition company in the first place. For smaller quantities below the thresholds above, a simpler ignition notification (ontbrandingsmelding) is sufficient instead of the full permit.

Issued by: Province or Municipality

The fireworks application permit (vuurwerk toepassingsvergunning) is a permit that companies need to be allowed to ignite fireworks. This permit grants the right to provide fireworks shows as a business and is a prerequisite to operate as a professional fireworks company at all.In addition to this application permit, an ignition notification or ignition permit must also be applied for from the province each time fireworks are ignited, depending on the quantity and type of fireworks. The application permit is issued by the province or the national government.

Issued by: Province

Permission is required for the sale and storage of fireworks. Depending on the nature and scale of the business, this permission is granted by the municipality or the province. Complex businesses with major impact on the environment apply for permission from the province.This obligation applies to both the sale and storage of fireworks and is intended to ensure safety. Companies must comply with strict safety requirements for storage locations and points of sale according to the Activities Decree for the Living Environment (Besluit activiteiten leefomgeving, Bal).

Issued by: Province or Municipality

If you want to organize a race or other event on the public road, you are required to apply for an exemption. This applies to sports competitions such as cycling, running, car races, but also to other events that take place (partially) on the road.If the event takes place within one municipality, you apply for the exemption from that municipality. When the event crosses multiple municipalities, you must apply for the exemption from the Traffic Desk (Verkeersloket) of the province. The exemption ensures that the event can take place safely and that other traffic experiences as little inconvenience as possible.

Issued by: Province or Municipality

For operating a swimming facility, a notification must be submitted under Article 15.50 of the Environmental Activities Decree (Besluit activiteiten leefomgeving). A swimming facility is a location designated or used for swimming, such as a swimming pool, natural pool, or public water designated as bathing water.The notification must be submitted to the competent authority, depending on the type of swimming facility. For commercial swimming pools, this is often the province or national government; for public bathing waters, this may be the municipality or province. The notification is intended to ensure the safety and hygiene of the swimming facility.

Issued by: Competent Authority (Province or National Government)