Permits

Are you organizing a cultural project, event, exhibition, or activity? If so, you may need to obtain permits and file notifications. The type of permit you need depends on the scale of your activity, the location, and the specific nature of your event. In this article, we’ll provide a clear overview of the most common permits in the cultural sector.

Why do you need a permit?

A permit is not intended to make plans more difficult. On the contrary, it helps ensure that activities are conducted safely, are feasible, and are well organized. When reviewing an application, for example, the municipality considers safety, noise, traffic, accessibility, and local residents.

Emergency services such as the fire department, police, and medical services can also offer advice. This can sometimes help you identify practical considerations early on that you hadn’t thought of yourself. In addition, a permit provides clarity regarding your responsibilities as an organizer.

What types of permits do you commonly encounter?

Notification of a Small Event or Cultural Activity

For smaller activities, a notification may sometimes be sufficient instead of a full permit. Examples include:

• a small-scale cultural event
• an exhibition
• a neighborhood performance
• a short workshop or presentation

There are often conditions that apply, such as a maximum number of visitors, noise restrictions, and a ban on alcohol sales. For all rules and conditions, visit the page for submitting a small event notification on the Arnhem and/or Nijmegen municipal websites.

Event Permit

Are you organizing a large event in a public space or a building open to the public? If so, you’ll usually need an event permit. For larger events, it’s a good idea to contact the municipality early on. Municipalities often offer advice on safety, accessibility, promotion, and funding opportunities.

To submit an application, you will often need additional documents, such as:

• a safety plan
• a traffic plan
• a map
• a roadmap or action plan

For more information on applying for an event permit, please visit the application page of the municipality of Arnhem and/or Nijmegen.

💡 Tip: Start applying for permits sooner than you think. Processing times can add up quickly, especially for events in public spaces.

Serving Alcohol at an Event

Do you want to serve alcohol temporarily during an event or cultural activity? In that case, you’ll usually need a temporary exemption under Article 35 of the Alcohol Act. Various conditions apply. For example, someone with a Social Hygiene Certificate must often be present. Are you also applying for an event permit? In that case, the application for this exemption is sometimes automatically included. Always check your municipality’s website for the current conditions and procedure. This page is for the municipality of Arnhem, and this page is for the municipality of Nijmegen.

Stand permit

Do you want to sell, distribute, or promote something in a public space from a stall, food truck, or mobile setup? If so, you may need a street vending permit. This also applies, for example, to promotional campaigns or temporary cultural events in the city. The requirements vary by municipality. Therefore, always check the most up-to-date information on the website of the municipality where your activity will take place. For the municipality of Arnhem, visit this page, and for the municipality of Nijmegen, visit this page.

Restaurants, bars, and cultural venues

Do you want to offer food and beverage services on a regular basis at a cultural venue, such as an exhibition space, studio, performance venue, or creative gathering place? If so, you’ll often need to deal with additional permits and regulations related to food and beverage services, fire safety, and operations. The specific permits required vary by situation and municipality. Therefore, always check the current requirements and options on your municipality’s website.

How do you apply for a permit?

Nowadays, you can apply for almost all permits online through the municipality’s website. The information you need to provide varies depending on the application.

People often ask for:

• the organization's contact information
• date, location, and times
• a description of the activity
• safety information
• floor plans or scripts

Start this process early. Larger permit applications, in particular, can take several weeks or months to process.

💡 Tip: Contact the municipality before you submit your application. Staff can often help you plan ahead, which helps you avoid surprises during the process.

What happens after you submit your application?

After you submit your application, the municipality will review it. Emergency services and other agencies may also be involved in this process. When the permit is granted, this is often made public. Neighbors or other affected parties may then still have the opportunity to file an objection. That’s why it’s a good idea to involve local residents or partners in your plans early on, especially for larger events. Once approved, you will officially receive the permit or decision. Keep it in a safe place and ensure that a copy is always available during the event.

Need help?

Are you having trouble figuring it out? If so, contact the municipality where your event is taking place. They can often help you determine what is and isn't required.

Arnhem: Call 0800-1809 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), use the contact form on the website, or email evenementenkalender@arnhem.nl for events.

Nijmegen: Call 14 024 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) or use the contact form on the website. For environmental permits, please contact the Nijmegen Regional Environmental Service at 024-7517700.