Flemish Integrated Retail Location Policy Decree
Retail permit
What you sell and how many square metres you use determine whether you need a permit.
Flemish Integrated Retail Location Policy Decree
Six categories, one legend
What you sell determines the category. A permit applies to a category and a floor area. If you change your product range, it is best to check whether the permit still fits.
An existing permit was automatically assigned to the category of the product range as of 4 March 2024.
Questions
What we hear most often
Short answers. For your situation, we always look at the case itself. Ask your question →
Do I need a permit below 400 m²?
Usually not for the retail activity itself. Building works or a change of use may still require a permit. Stores combined in a retail complex are sometimes counted together.
What is net retail floor area?
The area accessible to customers, including the checkout zone and the space behind the counter. Storage and staff rooms do not count.
My tenant sells something different. Do I need to act?
Possibly. The permit is tied to a category. A switch to another category may require a new application, depending on the floor area.
How long does a permit procedure take?
That depends on the procedure, the advisory opinions and any public inquiry. In the first meeting you get a realistic timeline for your project.
What does an application cost?
After a short conversation you receive a tailored quote. A feasibility analysis can be done separately, as a first step.
Does the permit remain valid after a sale or takeover?
A retail permit belongs to the property and the activity, not to the operator. A new operator should still check that the product range and floor area stay within the permit.