Checklist for starting a bed and breakfast
What do you have to deal with if you want to start a bed & breakfast (B&B) in the Netherlands? For example, you must ensure that your premises are fireproof and you must apply for an environment and planning permit. The rules may vary per municipality. With this step-by-step plan, you can find out which rules apply to you.
On this page
- 1. Check whether you meet the requirements for staying in the Netherlands
- 2. Check the environment plan for the location of your B&B
- 3. Apply for a permit to build or renovate
- 4. Comply with the rules for fireproofing your premises
- 5. Submit a notification of environmental management
- 6. Draw up an HACCP plan or comply with a hygiene code
- 7. Maintain a visitor register
- 8. Take measures to prevent high legionella levels
- 9 Consider insurance for certain business risks
- 10. Register with the Dutch Business Register and the Tax Administration
- 11. Apply for an alcohol licence
- 12. Apply for music performance licences
1. Check whether you meet the requirements for staying in the Netherlands
Entrepreneurs who intend to stay in the Netherlands must meet several requirements. You may need a residence permit, depending on your country of origin. Check out which requirements apply to you.
Also read about the general first steps when setting up a business in the Netherlands.
2. Check the environment plan for the location of your B&B
Check with your municipality. Your bed & breakfast must fit into your municipality's environment plan. You can discuss this with your municipality. You usually also need to apply for an environment and planning permit. Do the permit check (in Dutch) and arrange your permit application via the online service counter Omgevingsloket (in Dutch).
3. Apply for a permit to build or renovate
Are you going to build, rebuild, or renovate? If so, you usually need a building permit from your municipality. Are you going to demolish? Then you need to submit a demolition notification. If your building is a monument, different rules apply.
4. Comply with the rules for fireproofing your premises
You must take measures to prevent fire in your premises. Such as installing fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Are more than 10 people sleeping in your B&B for the first time? Then you must submit a notification of occupancy. You do this via the Omgevingsloket (in Dutch). Do this at least 4 weeks before your guests come to stay.
5. Submit a notification of environmental management
When you start a B&B, you have to deal with various environmental requirements. You often only need to report your business to the municipality. In some cases, you will need an environment and planning permit.
6. Draw up an HACCP plan or comply with a hygiene code
If you prepare food and drink, you must have an HACCP plan in place or comply with a certified hygiene code.
7. Maintain a visitor register
Every business that offers overnight accommodation must maintain a running visitor register. Based on this record, the local municipality levies tourist tax. Tourist tax applies to visitors from outside the municipality.
8. Take measures to prevent high legionella levels
You must take measures to prevent high levels of legionella. Businesses with a higher risk of legionella, such as B&Bs, must take mandatory measures (in Dutch).
9 Consider insurance for certain business risks
You can insure your business for various risks:
Business liability insurance insures you against the risk of liability if you, your employees, or your products cause damage to others.
With business interruption insurance, you are insured against loss of turnover if your business operations come to a standstill. For example, due to water damage or theft.
With inventory insurance, you are insured against damage to your business assets. Equipment includes for example computers and furniture.
With buildings insurance you are insured for damage to your business premises. For example after fire or vandalism.
Are you hiring staff? With absenteeism insurance you are insured for the costs if your employees fall ill. The insurance pays the wages and reintegration costs.
With business legal expenses insurance, you are insured for legal assistance in the event of a conflict. For example, if your customer does not pay.
10. Register with the Dutch Business Register and the Tax Administration
New businesses must register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. The KVK will pass on your details to the Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). You do not need to register your company separately with the Netherlands Tax Administration. When they regard you as an entrepreneur for VAT purposes, you will be given your VAT tax number and your VAT identification number (VAT ID). You need these for your VAT return.
11. Apply for an alcohol licence
If alcoholic beverages are provided for payment and consumed at your B&B, you must possess an alcohol licence.
12. Apply for music performance licences
You need permission to play music in a public place. Buma and Sena regulate this permission by issuing licences.
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Questions relating to this article?
Please contact the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, KVK