Which permit does your food truck need, and how do you apply for it?

Without the right permit you can't set up your food truck anywhere, not even somewhere you've stood before. In this article you'll find which permits you need, where you apply for them, and how long to expect to wait for an answer.

Which permits do you need?

The basics are the same at almost every council: a pitch permit for the spot you're standing on, and a business registration with the Chamber of Commerce. If you work with gas, a fryer or open flame, a separate fire safety check often comes with that. If you're on a third party's land, a festival, business park or event venue, that party usually arranges the permit or sign-up process itself, separate from the council pitch permit. Always check that rather than assuming it's sorted.

Where do you apply for a permit?

A pitch permit, you apply for it with the council where you want to set up, usually through the environment desk (omgevingsloket) or a separate application form on the council's website. If you want to set up in several fixed spots, you need a separate permit per council: a permit from one council doesn't automatically apply in the neighbouring one. If you regularly go to festivals or corporate events, that sign-up usually runs through the organiser itself, as also described in taking your food truck to a festival.

How much time should you plan for?

Allow a few weeks to two months for a council pitch permit, depending on the council and how many other applications are in the queue. Popular spots in big cities sometimes work with a waiting list or an annual draw, so apply well ahead if you want a specific location. For one-off events the turnaround is usually shorter, but the rule still applies: the earlier you apply, the better your chances of a good spot.

Permit sorted: now what?

Once your permit is through, the rest of the preparation follows: getting your hygiene and HACCP requirements in order, and working out what those permit costs mean for your prices. For the latter, including a worked example, read which permit costs to factor into food truck prices.

Frequently asked questions

Does a food truck permit apply across the whole country?

No. A pitch permit only applies to the council that issued it. If you want to set up in several councils, you apply for a separate permit in each one.

Do I also need a council permit for a festival?

Usually not separately: the festival organiser arranges the event permit and the pitches on site themselves. Check with the organiser whether anything is still needed from your side, such as a valid hygiene certificate.

How long does it take to get a permit?

At most councils, usually a few weeks to two months. Apply well ahead, especially for popular spots in big cities, which sometimes work with a waiting list.

What does a food truck permit cost on average?

This varies a lot by council and location. A full worked example, including how to factor those costs into your prices, is in which permit costs to factor into food truck prices.

Can I set up my food truck on private land without a pitch permit?

Permission from the owner is the start, but it's rarely the whole story. Once you're selling to the public from that land, the council can still set requirements. Call the council before you make an arrangement with the landowner, then you know straight away whether your plan is workable.

What happens if you set up your food truck without a permit?

You risk a fine and have to leave the spot immediately, in the middle of a selling day. If it happens a second time, the council will remember that when you apply again. You lose that selling day, and possibly your chance at a good regular spot later.

Setting up in several spots at once this summer? In Catermonkey, every pitch and every event is its own order, with that day's purchasing, planning and staff attached. So in one calendar you see which truck is where, and who's working that day.

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