To get a coffee shop (coffeeshop) license in the Netherlands, start with your municipality: licensing is local under the APV, and new permits are often capped or frozen, so the only viable route may be buying an existing operation subject to approval. Expect two core authorizations: an exploitation permit and a gedoogverklaring (tolerance statement), both issued only after a strict Wet Bibob integrity check of owners, UBOs, financing, and suppliers. Choose a compliant location first—zoned for hospitality, typically at least 250 meters from schools, with nuisance controls—and be ready to submit a detailed exploitation plan covering crowd control, ID checks (18+), no alcohol, no advertising, ventilation/odor mitigation, CCTV, cash safes, and complaint handling. You must meet AHOJ-G criteria: no advertising, no hard drugs, no nuisance, no sale to minors, and no large quantities (max 5 g per customer per day; on-site stock usually capped at 500 g). Some cities apply the I-criterion (residents only) and membership lists, especially in border provinces. Register with the KvK, set up VAT (21%), payroll, and AML-compliant banking; expect enhanced due diligence from banks and insurers. Budget for fees and upgrades: permits €1k–€5k, security/fit-out €20k–€100k+. Typical timelines run 6–12 months if a license slot exists.
