You want to perform on the streets of Amsterdam?

In this section you can read what we think you need to know if you want to perform your street theatre show in Amsterdam yourself; the legal stuff, as well as the practical stuff.

Street musicians: all in this section is meant for street theatre performers with a socalled circle show. Legally and practically things are different for busking musicians, so check out this page.

NOTE: Things about licenses for EU and non-EU performers are about to change. Read the latest news (updated March 31, 2010).

License-free performing

Since the change of the Amsterdam by-law, one does NOT need a license to perform street theatre in the streets of Amsterdam. This is regardless whether the performer is a EU citizen or not; anybody can perform freely.

However, this is the basic situation, appying only to a very basic show. Without a license, you may perform
A maximum of 30 minutes for that show,
You may NOT use any kind of percussion instruments or amplification (except for voice amplification, see below),
You may not use any dangerous props, like fire torches, machetes, chainsaws, etc.,
You may not perform in the evening after 23.00.

License-free performing using voice amplification

Formally, any kind of amplification is not allowed without a license. However, after the try-out during 2008 and 2009, some amplification is allowed also without a license, within certain boundaries. This is done through a socalled 'gedoogbrief' (letter of allowance) of the Mayor.

The restrictions are:
Only amplification of the performer's voice is allowed; music or singing remains forbidden,
The sound level does not exceed 74 dB(A) at 8 meter from the speaker,
The sound level should not exceed the surrounding noise on the spot,
Amplification is allowed only as long as this is part of a street theatre performance,
Allowance only applies to the center of Amsterdam, except around the red-light district, meaning the area surrounded by Prins Hendrikkade, Geldersekade, Nieuwmarkt, Kloveniersburgwal, Slijkstraat, Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Grimburgwal, Langebrugsteeg, Rokin, Dam Square and Damrak. These mentioned streets themselves are not part of the forbidden area.

The police should have been informed about this new situation. However, performers without a license who want to use voice amplification are advised to carry a printout of this 'gedoogbrief' when performing.

The 'gedoogbrief' can be downloaded here (PDF, 492 kB). The file should open in a new separate window or tab - if not, go back with the browser's back-button to return to this site.

NOTE: It took two years of try-out before the policy was prolonged for undefined time. Apparently there were some complaints in 2008 and also in 2009 the partial city council had doubts and reluctancies. Nevertheless, the 'gedoogbrief' has been extended for undefined time anyway.

But: "undefined time" does not automatically mean "forever". The allowance can be withdrawn at any time. Just like before, all performers are strongly requested to avoid ANY complaints. If there are no complaints, there is no reason for the city council to withdraw the 'gedoogbrief' policy.

Let's all be professional (including you, Mark)!

Licensed performing

Nowadays, most performers use some kind of socalled 'special allowances', like fire, amplification, or juggling machetes, etc.. For these kind of shows one still needs a license. Due to national laws, currently only a EU-performer can obtain such a license. With a EU-performer we mean anybody with a European Union passport, or with a residency or working permit.

To obtain such a license:
Go to the city council, right next to the famous Waterloo Square flee market, on weekdays (Mon-Fri) between 9.00 and 12.00 AM. The license department is on the ground floor, within the area of 'burgerzaken'. Ask the receptionist where you need to be and receive a follow-up number.
Bring your EU passport or residency permit, a passport photograph (two, if this is your first license application), and EUR 45.30 cash (license fee 2011). Take the exact amount of money with you; they cannot give change. Maybe some extra, just in case the fee changed, and/or we forgot to update this page ;-) It is NOT possible to pay by credit card or by 'PIN'.
At the counter of the license department, they will fill out the application form with you on-the-spot. Mention what kind of show you do. Explicitely mention what special allowances you need, such as amplification, fire, etc..
If you want (can read Dutch, and know how to), you can download the application form (PDF, 95kB) and fill it out before you go. Do not fill out the section about location, date and time. This is not applicable to street theatre circle shows. Just write or explain them on the spot what you want to do and it will be fine. Or just use the application form of 2010, (probably) that's okay too.
If you are 'in a hurry', you should be able to get the license issued within 24 hours. If you want this, mention explicitely when applying for the license that you would like to pick up the license the next day.

A license will bring you some more privileges:
You may play two times per day on he same spot,
The maximium allowed time per show is 40 minutes (meaning the total for 'on-and-off pitch')

Further note this:
You may not just perform everywhere. The list of forbidden streets is too extensive and subject to change. The main spots Leidseplein and Dam Square are no problem though. If you want to play other, smaller pitches around town, you'll probably be fine just using common sense.
Fire spitting or fire chain swinging is not allowed. If you use other fire sources, make sure the spot is clean of any kind of fuel after the show.
For amplification the maximum sound level is 74dB(A) at 8 meters distance. Voice amplication can be used throughout the show. Music amplification may be a maximum of 7 minutes in total, possibly divided over several shorter pieces. Amplification is only allowed for socalled circle shows on the main pitches (Leidseplein and Dam Square).
You may not perform in the evening after 23.00.
Liability insurance is not mandatory. But, at all times, the performer remains liable for any damages he causes during the show, to inviduals or the environment. Guarantee the safety of your audience and participants at all times!

On the pitch

The shared pitches are further regulated by the performers themselves. Be social and professional, and things will be fine. If you want to perform on those pitches, look and ask around how things are done practically. Some of it we have written here.