Operating license for hospitality business
What is it?
If you want to operate a catering business, you will need an operating license from the municipality. This licensing requirement applies to all catering businesses, so even if you do not serve alcoholic beverages, you must apply for this operating license.
If you also serve alcoholic beverages, you will need an alcohol license in addition to your operating license.
What to do.
You apply for the permit from the municipality.
What do I need?
- Social Hygiene Declaration for all persons/managers named on the license.
- A business or entrepreneurial plan containing information about the activities, products, and people your hospitality business is intended for.
- A lease agreement, proof of ownership, or lease agreement for the property.
- A floor plan of the property showing its location, layout, the various rooms, and the boundaries of the site.
- A copy of a valid ID for all salaried managers.
- A copy of the employment contract of all salaried managers.
- A completed Bibob form
Arrange directly
You can use the form below to apply online for a license or notification of change for alcoholic beverages and hospitality, or to apply for a hospitality business operating license.
Privacy
All information you provide to us is handled with care. Personal and/or address details will only be used for the purpose for which you provided them.
What does it cost?
The fee for the year 2025 is €415.85 for processing an application for an operating license.
Additional information
You can only start operating your hospitality business once the mayor has definitively granted the necessary operating license and any alcohol license.
If you serve alcoholic beverages, you must apply for an alcohol license in addition to an operating license.
An alcohol license can be issued to persons aged 21 and older who meet the moral requirements set out in the law and who are in possession of the Social Hygiene Certificate. In addition, the premises in use must comply with the layout requirements set out in the law. The location must be in line with the zoning plan.
Before a building can be used as a catering establishment, the planning requirements must of course be met. Under the Building Decree, a Fire Safety Use notification must also be submitted for safety reasons for spaces that are accessible to more than 50 people. If the premises are intended to provide overnight accommodation for more than 10 people or disabled persons, an environmental permit for Fire Safety Use is required.