In this video, we explain in a few steps how to start your B&B.
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Business.gov.nl
Information for entrepreneurs.
Step-by-step guide for starting a B&B.


Host Claire King:
Are you dreaming of opening your own bed & breakfast?
In this video, I will explain what you need to know and arrange.
Follow the steps and you will soon be opening the doors of your new B&B.


Let's get started, with step 1: prepare
 
Check the environment plan.


Check your municipality's environment plan to see if you are allowed to start a B&B at the location you have chosen.
You often also need an environment and planning permit.


You can see the environment plan at the online service counter known as the ‘Omgevingsloket’.
You can also apply for an environment and planning permit there.


Note that there are also rules for B&Bs in the General Municipal bylaw, or APV in Dutch. 
Local rules for B&Bs can differ, so also check with your municipality what rules apply.


Proceed to step 2: register.


Register with KVK.


First choose your legal structure.
The type of legal structure affects things like your liability and which taxes you must pay.


After registering, KVK passes on your details to the Netherlands Tax Administration. 
You will then receive your VAT tax number and VAT identification number.


Let’s go to the next step: consider rules & regulations.
Ensure fire safety.


You must make sure your building is fire-safe.
Take measures such as installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. 


Are more than 10 guests sleeping in your B&B for the first time?
Then you must make a notification of use.


Do this via the Omgevingsloket at least 4 weeks before the guests arrive.
Ensure food safety.


Are you preparing food and drink for your guests?
Then you must have a food safety plan, also known as an HACCP plan.


You may also follow a certified hygiene code.
Apply for an alcohol license.


If you want to sell or serve alcoholic beverages in your B&B, you will need an alcohol license.
You apply to the municipality for this license.


We move on to step 4: get started.


Apply for a building permit.


If you're going to build, rebuild, or renovate, you usually need a building permit.
You can apply for this permit at the Omgevingsloket.


If you are going to demolish something, you need to submit a demolition notification.
Bear in mind that different rules apply if your building is a listed monument.


Make an environmental management notification.
If you start a B&B, you must deal with environmental regulations.


Often you only need to report your business to the municipality.
In some cases, you need an environment and planning permit.


Keep a visitor register.


You must keep an ongoing visitor register for overnight stays.
In it, you record who stays overnight with you and when.


The municipality uses this register to levy tourist tax.
You pay this tax for visitors from outside the municipality.


Take measures to prevent Legionnaires’ disease.
You must take measures to prevent Legionnaires’ disease.


These include checking water for the Legionella bacteria and having a Legionella management plan.
And then proceed to the next step: arrange safeguards.


Insure your B&B against business risks.
Limit your risks by getting insurance.


With buildings insurance, for instance, you are covered for damage to your premises.
And with business liability insurance, you are protected if you or your staff cause damage to others.


Now let's go to the last step: good to know.


Apply for licences for playing music.


If you want to play music in a public place, you need permission from the artists.
You can apply for these licences to Buma/Stemra and Sena.


Follow these steps and you will be welcoming your first guests in no time.


Want to know more?


Visit Business.gov.nl.


Good luck with your new B&B!


A title appears on screen.
Business.gov.nl 
Information for entrepreneurs.