Coffee shop business setup Amsterdam starts with securing an exploitatievergunning horeca from Gemeente Amsterdam, then aligning location, layout, and staffing to the city’s APV and Omgevingsplan rules for lichte horeca. Register your entity at KVK (BV for liability, sole prop if lean), obtain VAT (BTW) and UBO filings, and prepare Bibob and VOGs for owners/managers. Submit floor plans, lease/ownership proof, opening hours, and a terrace plan for a terrasvergunning; expect precariobelasting for public space. Apply online via eHerkenning accounts. Add an Alcoholwet permit only if serving wine/beer; appoint an SVH Social Hygiene certified leidinggevende. Implement the Horeca Hygiënecode (HACCP), allergen disclosure, and NVWA registration, plus a grease trap if cooking. Complete a brandveilig-gebruik notification, evacuation plan, extinguishers, and emergency lighting. Check zoning before signing; Amsterdam favors conversions in streets already designated for horeca—avoid residential-only frontages. Budget realistically: key money/fit-out overnames, 3–6 months rent as bank guarantee, 8–16 weeks permitting. Price with correct VAT (9% food/coffee, 21% alcohol) and do not surcharge EU consumer cards (PSD2). Recruit under CAO Horeca, set rosters, and onboard payroll/wage tax. Water-filter to stable hardness for espresso quality; calibrate grinders daily. Note: cannabis “coffeeshop” licenses are capped; entry requires acquiring an existing, approved permit before purchase.
