HomepageStep-by-step guide for starting a bed & breakfast
If you intend to start a bed & breakfast (B&B) in the Netherlands, you must contend with various government rules and regulations. In the Netherlands, B&Bs are not (yet) subject to national legislation and regulations. Every municipal authority pursues its own policy with respect to B&Bs.
You can use this step-by-step guide to quickly determine which obligations you generally must fulfil. The plan serves merely as a guideline. Consult your local municipality regarding the order of the steps. It is possible that you will need to fulfil other obligations as well.
Step-by-step guide
1. Be entered in the Trade Register
New businesses must be entered in the Trade Register kept by the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce will pass on your details to the Tax and Customs Administration. You do not need to register separately with the Tax and Customs Administration.
2. Register with the Hotel and Catering Industry Board
If you are going to run a B&B with more than two rooms and sleeping accommodation for four, you are obliged to register with the Hotel and Catering Industry Board.
3. Inspect the zoning plan
The establishment of your B&B must be in line with your municipality’s zoning plan. If this is not the case, however, you can apply for a permit to carry out your plans. You can also ask the municipality to change the zoning plan.
4. Apply for a building permit
If you want to build, make alterations to or renovate a building, you will normally need a building permit (part of the All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects, omgevingsvergunning). You may also need a listed building consent.
5. Submit a notification of occupancy or apply for an occupancy permit
If you offer overnight accommodation for more than 10 people, you need an occupancy permit (part of the All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects, omgevingsvergunning). In other cases, a notification of occupancy will suffice.
6. Submit a notification of environmental management
When you establish a B&B, you must contend with various environmental requirements. In most cases, you need to submit a notification of environmental management to your municipal authority.
7. 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 (e.g. the code of the Hotel and Catering Industry Board).
8. Apply for a liquor and catering licence
If alcoholic beverages are provided for payment and consumed at your B&B, you must possess a licence under the Licensing and Catering Act from your local municipality.
9. Apply for a game-of-chance machine permit
You need a game-of-chance machine permit from your local municipality to install a game-of-chance machine in a B&B.
10. Create a playground equipment logbook
If you intend to install playground equipment, you are obliged to keep a logbook containing the testing or inspection details and information about maintenance and accidents.
11. Maintain a visitor register
Every business that offers overnight accommodation must maintain a running visitor register. The local municipality will base tourist tax on this record.
12. Take measures to prevent legionella
If your premises have a function as lodgings or as residential accommodation and you provide overnight accommodation for more than five people, you are obliged to take measures to prevent legionella.
13. Create your accounts
As you often incur expenses before the official launch of your business, make certain to create your accounts in a timely manner. In the Netherlands, you are legally obliged to maintain accounts and to retain them for 7 years.
