To start a coffee shop in Amsterdam, decide whether you mean an espresso bar or a cannabis coffeeshop—requirements differ. Espresso bar: secure a location with horecabestemming in the bestemmingsplan; negotiate a lease (key money is common), then register your BV/sole proprietorship at the KvK, obtain a Gemeente Amsterdam horeca exploitatievergunning, file a melding brandveilig gebruik, register with NVWA, implement HACCP, and apply for a terrasvergunning if you want seating outside. Renovations may require an omgevingsvergunning; serving alcohol adds a Drank- en Horecavergunning and an SVH Social Hygiene diploma for the manager. Hire under CAO Horeca, set up POS, waste contracts, and insurance; expect 3–6 months lead time. Cannabis coffeeshop: new licenses are effectively closed; the viable route is buying an existing licensed business and applying to continue the exploitatievergunning. Expect a Bibob integrity screening, financial transparency, and strict compliance with AHOJG criteria (no advertising, no hard drugs, no nuisance, no sales to minors, no large-quantity sales >5g per customer), 500g on‑site stock limit, ID checks 18+, no alcohol, and school-distance rules. Prepare a security and neighborhood-nuisance plan, CCTV, cash handling/AML procedures, and staff training. Both models: verify zoning early, budget for key money and fit‑out, and engage a vergunningen specialist.
