Are you thinking about setting up a company in Belgium and seizing some exciting new opportunities? Belgium stands out as one of the most vibrant and strategically positioned countries in Europe, perfect for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and international companies seeking a stable legal framework and direct access to European markets.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of setting up a company in Belgium. We’ll help you choose the legal structure that suits your needs best—whether it’s an SRL/BV, SA/NV, SC/CV, or something else. We’ll also cover everything from the official registration of your company to the notarial and administrative steps involved, tax obligations, incorporation costs, timelines, how to open a professional bank account, and the specific requirements for both residents and non-residents.
Whether you’re looking to launch a new venture in Belgium or expand your existing business within the European Union, this guide will provide you with all the steps you need to take to do it safely and correctly.
Legal form of the company in Belgium
When you’re looking to setting up a company in Belgium a company in Belgium, picking the right legal structure is your first step. The form you choose will shape everything from your liability and capital needs to how you manage the business. Belgium has a variety of company structures, each tailored to different types of businesses. Here are the most common ones:
- Private Limited Company (SRL/BV): This option is popular among entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) because it offers limited liability for shareholders, meaning they’re only responsible for the amount they’ve invested. Their personal assets are safe from business debts.
- Public Limited Company (SA/NV): Typically favored by larger companies, this structure requires a higher share capital and is designed for more complex operations. It’s a great way to attract investors and issue shares, making it ideal for big projects.
- Cooperative Company (SC/CV): This structure is perfect for collaborative ventures, allowing members to join or leave without disrupting the company’s existence. It’s designed for partnerships that may evolve over time.
- Sole Proprietorship (EI): The simplest option, this structure doesn’t create a separate legal entity. It’s great for freelancers or independent professionals, but keep in mind it comes with unlimited personal liability.
The legal structure you select can significantly influence your business’s growth in Belgium. If you want to dive deeper into the most popular choice, check out our detailed guide on the Private Limited Company (SRL/BV), where we cover its features, specifics, and benefits.
Essential documents for the constitution of the company
If you’re planning to incorporate a company in Belgium, it’s important to be well-prepared. Before you can officially register, you’ll need to gather some essential documents to ensure that your incorporation is legal and that your business can run smoothly. The following list of documents is necessary whether you’re setting up your company as a resident or from abroad.
Articles of association
The articles of association detail the rights and duties of shareholders, the structure of management bodies, the rules for meetings, voting processes, and how shareholders can join or exit the company, along with how profits are distributed. They may also include provisions regarding share transfers, company dissolution, or the appointment of directors.
In Belgium, the Articles allow for a significant amount of flexibility—especially in the case of SRL/BV companies—where shareholders can customize internal rules (like limiting the entry of new shareholders or modifying voting majorities). Additionally, it’s wise to verify the availability of your company name in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (BCE), as identical or confusingly similar names cannot coexist.
💡 Tip: Personalize the Articles to match your company’s identity. For instance, if you’re launching a family business, consider adding restrictions on
Financial plan
One of the essential documents for setting up a company in Belgium is the financial plan. This plan needs to demonstrate that the company has enough financial backing to operate for the first two years, as outlined in Article 5:4 of the Belgian Companies Code. It should cover projected income and expenses, a balance sheet forecast, a cash flow plan, and a clear explanation of how you plan to achieve your business goals. The notary will review this plan to ensure everything makes sense before giving the green light for the incorporation deed.
💡 Tip: Make sure your financial plan is realistic. Avoid inflating your revenue estimates or downplaying your expenses. A solidly structured plan will show authorities and other stakeholders that your business is viable and can help protect you from personal liability.
Deed of incorporation
The deed of incorporation is the official document that establishes your company. For Private Limited Companies (SRL/BV) and Public Limited Companies (SA/NV), this document must be signed in front of a notary. It includes the Articles of Association, details about the shareholders’ contributions (whether cash or assets), the company name, its purpose, registered office, and internal operating rules. Without this notarial deed, your company won’t have legal status or be officially registered in Belgium.
💡 Tip: It’s a good idea to consult with a legal advisor who specializes in Belgian corporate law. They can tailor the language to fit your specific situation—especially if you have multiple shareholders, outside investments, or plans for international growth.
Professional bank account and initial capital contribution
When you’re setting up a company in Belgium, one of the essential steps is opening a professional bank account. This account needs to be in the company’s name and is crucial for handling financial transactions, making and receiving payments, and meeting tax obligations. It’s also where you’ll deposit your share capital before you sign the incorporation deed with a notary. Interestingly, the Belgian Companies Code does allow for the initial capital contribution to be made after the notarial deed, as long as it’s clearly stated in the Articles of Association.
The amount of capital you need can vary based on the type of company you choose. For a Private Limited Company (SRL/BV), there’s no set minimum share capital required by Belgian law. However, the Companies and Associations Code does expect shareholders to contribute enough to keep the company running smoothly for its first two years. So, it’s wise to make a sensible initial contribution that aligns with your business’s financial needs. On the flip side, if you’re going for a Public Limited Company (SA/NV), you’ll need a minimum capital of €61,500, which must be fully deposited at the time of incorporation.
💡 Expert insight: While the SRL/BV doesn’t have a legal minimum capital requirement, if the contribution is too low, shareholders could find themselves personally liable if the company lacks the resources to operate.
Once you’ve made the deposit, the bank will provide a certificate confirming that the share capital is blocked. This certificate ensures that the funds are set aside in the company’s name until it’s officially registered. After registration, the funds are released, and the account is ready for all your business transactions.
Deed of incorporation, company registration and VAT
Once the deed of incorporation is signed and the bank account is set up, it’s time to get the company officially registered. This important step, handled by a notary, gives the company its legal identity, not just in Belgium but across the European market. You’ll need to register with the Belgian Companies Register, also known as the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (BCE/KBO). This central hub keeps track of all active companies in Belgium, including their names, registered offices, legal forms, business activities, and directors.
After you complete the registration, the company will receive a unique enterprise number. This number is essential for all commercial, administrative, and tax-related tasks. Think of it as similar to a tax ID number (NIF/CIF) in other countries; you’ll need it to issue invoices, register employees, or file tax returns. Plus, Belgian law requires that the deed of incorporation be published in the Belgian Official Gazette (Moniteur Belge / Belgisch Staatsblad) within 15 days of the notarial signing.
Next up is registering the company for VAT (TVA/BTW), which is a must for any business activity that falls under VAT regulations—like issuing invoices, making intra-EU purchases, or reclaiming VAT. You’ll file this application with the Belgian tax authorities, which allows the company to declare VAT on its transactions.
💡 Practical tip: Keep your company details updated in the BCE, especially if there are changes to your address, directors, or business activities. Any modifications need to be formally reported; otherwise, you might face penalties.
Steps to incorporate a company in Belgium
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Drafting and notarizing the Articles of Association | Companies (SRL/BV or SA/NV) must draft their Articles before a notary, defining the corporate purpose, management structure, and shareholders’ rights. The notarial deed gives the company legal personality. |
| Preparation of the financial plan | A mandatory document demonstrating the financial viability of the project and available resources for at least two years. It is submitted to the notary during incorporation. |
| Opening a professional bank account | Every company must have a business bank account to deposit the share capital and conduct transactions. The bank issues a deposit certificate required by the notary. |
| Registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (BCE/KBO) | Through an accredited business counter (guichet d’entreprises agréé), the company obtains its unique enterprise number, which is essential for operating legally in Belgium. |
| Obtaining a VAT number | Companies providing services or selling goods must register with the Belgian tax authorities (FPS Finance). The standard VAT rate is 21%, with reduced rates for specific sectors. |
| Affiliation with a social security fund | Self-employed individuals and company directors must register with a social security fund (Partena, Acerta, Securex, Xerius) to pay contributions and access healthcare and pension coverage. |
| Compliance with employment regulations | If the company hires employees, it must register with the NSSO (ONSS/RZS), draft employment contracts in line with the Belgian Labour Code, and pay social security contributions (≈25% of gross salary). |
Business licenses and permits in Belgium
When you’re gearing up to launch your business in Belgium, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary licenses and permits in place. Many professions and business activities are regulated by either regional or federal authorities, so you’ll need to pay attention to the specifics. The type of license you require will depend on your industry and the region where your business is based—whether that’s Brussels-Capital, Flanders, or Wallonia. Each of these regions has its own governing bodies and unique requirements. For instance, if you’re in the food industry, you’ll need to get the green light from the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC/AFSCA), which oversees hygiene, storage, and handling of food products meant for human consumption.
💡 Practical tip: Before you officially register your company, take a moment to check the official websites of the Belgian Regions. This will help you confirm if your business activity needs a professional, health, or environmental license, as regulations can differ based on the region and the nature of your business.
Moreover, if your business falls into sectors like education, healthcare, transportation, energy, or financial services, you might need additional approvals from regulatory authorities. Some activities could also require environmental permits or establishment licenses, especially if they involve machinery, hazardous materials, or have any potential environmental impact. For more information, check out our page on Regulatory Law.
Social security and registration with a social insurance fund
When you set up a company in Belgium, one of the first things you need to do is register with the social security system. By registering, you gain access to social protection and benefits, while also meeting your contribution requirements. If your Belgian company hires employees, you’ll need to get registered with the National Social Security Office (ONSS/RSZ — Office National de Sécurité Sociale / Rijksdienst voor Sociale Zekerheid). This office oversees all social security contributions for employees, covering everything from pensions and healthcare to unemployment insurance and paid leave.
For self-employed individuals and company directors (like those managing an SRL/BV or SA/NV), registering with a social insurance fund (caisse d’assurances sociales / sociaal verzekeringsfonds) is also a must, even if the director isn’t drawing a salary. This fund takes care of quarterly social contributions based on your reported income and gives you access to benefits like healthcare, pensions, maternity/paternity leave, and family allowances. You’ll need to get this done within 90 days of starting your activity. There are several social insurance funds available in Belgium (like Partena, Acerta, Securex, and Xerius), so you can pick the one that suits you best.
If your company has employees, don’t forget that in addition to registering with the ONSS, you also need to make sure each employee is linked to the right organizations, including a health insurance fund (mutuelle / ziekenfonds) and, in some sectors, a specific welfare fund.
💡 Practical tip: Even if your business isn’t making money yet, it’s wise to stay affiliated and pay the minimum contributions. This way, you can ensure you have coverage when you need it.
Setting up a company in Belgium for foreign entrepreneurs
Unlike Belgian nationals, foreigners who wish to set up a company in Belgium must meet additional requirements related to their residence status, professional accreditation, and financial capacity. Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland benefit from freedom of establishment, which means they can carry out economic activities or incorporate a company in Belgium under the same conditions as Belgian nationals.
Professional card (carte professionnelle)
Foreigners who are not part of the European community—that is, nationals of countries outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland—can establish a company in Belgium, but they must obtain prior authorization before starting any professional activity. This authorization takes the form of the professional card (carte professionnelle / beroepskaart), a document that acts both as a work permit and a professional activity permit. The application for the professional card can be filediIn Belgium, through an accredited business counter (guichet d’entreprises agréé), if the applicant already holds a temporary residence permit, or at the Belgian consulate in the applicant’s home country if they do not yet reside in Belgium.
Proof of business management skills
If you’re a non-European entrepreneur looking to get a professional card in Belgium, you’ll need to prove that you have the skills to manage a business. This involves demonstrating your basic business management skills (preuve de compétences de gestion de base). This requirement is important because it ensures that you have a solid understanding of accounting, commercial law, taxation, and the administrative tasks that come with running a company. You can show this proof in a few ways:
- By providing a degree or diploma that’s recognized in Belgium, or a foreign diploma that has been validated by the Belgian diploma recognition service (NARIC).
- Through relevant professional experience, which usually means having at least three years in management or executive positions.
- By passing an official basic management exam organized by the Belgian Ministry of Economy (SPF Économie).
In some cases, if you appoint a manager or partner who lives in Belgium and already meets these requirements, they can fulfill the management skills requirement for you.
💡 Practical tip: A common reason for delays or rejections of carte professionnelle applications is the lack of proof of basic management skills. So, before you send in your application, double-check that your diploma or professional experience is officially recognized in Belgium.
Accounting and tax obligations for companies in Belgium
Once a company is set up in Belgium, it has to follow specific accounting and tax rules. Whether it’s an SRL, SA, or SC, any business registered in Belgium needs to keep accurate financial records and file tax returns on a regular basis.
Accounting and record-keeping
When it comes to accounting and record-keeping, this means documenting every financial transaction, creating annual balance sheets, and profit and loss statements, and keeping all related documents for at least seven years. Additionally, companies must submit their annual accounts to the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) within seven months after the financial year ends. This information is public and can be accessed by others.
💡 Practical tip: Make sure to meet all deadlines and apply VAT and corporate tax rules correctly to steer clear of any penalties.
VAT declaration and payment
When it comes to VAT declaration and payment, businesses that sell products or offer services need to regularly file VAT returns—either every month or every quarter, based on their sales figures—with the Federal Public Service Finance (SPF Finances). In Belgium, the typical VAT rate sits at 21%, but there are some exceptions. Certain sectors, like food, books, and domestic energy, benefit from reduced rates of 12% and 6%.
It’s important to remember that VAT returns should be submitted within the first 20 days of the month after the reporting period. If your business is involved in intra-EU transactions, you’ll also need to file a recapitulative statement (intra-community VAT listing) for your EU customers.
Corporate Income Tax
If your business is registered or operates in Belgium, you need to file a Corporate Income Tax return (known as impôt des sociétés or vennootschapsbelasting) each year. The standard corporate tax rate sits at 25% on net profits. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can take advantage of a lower rate of 20% on the first €100,000 of profit, as long as they meet certain criteria—like having at least one director who earns a salary. By planning your financial year wisely, you can help lighten your tax load. Strategies like depreciation, professional expenses, and investment deductions can all work to lower your taxable income.
Besides VAT and Corporate Income Tax, businesses have other obligations to meet. For example, they need to withhold payroll tax (précompte professionnel) for their employees, contribute to social security with the ONSS, and often pay municipal or regional taxes based on their location. Belgium also provides various tax incentives for innovative or international companies, such as R&D deductions, tax credits, and exemptions on patent income.
If your company is a subsidiary or branch of a foreign entity, there may be specific accounting and tax regulations to follow. For more in-depth information, check out our specialized guides.
Best practices for maintaining your company
| Best practice | Description & added value |
|---|---|
| Update your accounting monthly | Keep your financial records up to date to detect errors early, monitor expenses, and anticipate tax obligations. |
| Respect tax deadlines | Keep track of VAT and corporate tax filing deadlines — delays lead to automatic surcharges and potential penalties. |
| Keep receipts and digital invoices | Store all accounting documents for at least 7 years. |
| Work with a certified accountant | Partnering with a licensed accountant or tax adviser ensures compliance with Belgian regulations and avoids mistakes in tax filings and financial statements. |
| Plan your annual tax strategy | Assess depreciation options, deductible expenses, and regional tax incentives to reduce your tax burden. |
Ready to setting up your company in Belgium? We help you
Starting a business in Belgium means navigating a few specific legal, financial, and administrative steps. You’ll need to whip up a financial plan, provide some share capital, draft notarized articles of association, register with social security, get your BCE number, and meet your tax obligations, among other things. A single misstep in this process could set you back for weeks or even halt your registration entirely.
At Arthur & Marin, we’re here to guide entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and foreign investors through every stage. Whether it’s picking the right legal structure (like SRL, SA, branch, or subsidiary), opening a business bank account, or filing your first taxes, we take care of it all.
Looking to incorporate your company in Belgium quickly and securely?
Contact us at info@arthurmarin.com or call us at +32 465 345 345
Save time, dodge mistakes, and make sure your company is registered correctly from the get-go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about setting up a company in Belgium
1. How long does it take to set up a company in Belgium?
On average, it takes between 2 to 4 weeks. The process may take longer if the bank delays opening the corporate account or if additional documentation is required to prove the origin of funds (AML compliance).
2. Do I need to be physically in Belgium to create a company?
Not necessarily. The incorporation deed can be signed remotely through a power of attorney. However, for the bank account opening, some banks may require a video call or physical presence to verify your identity.
3. What is the minimum share capital for an SRL (BV)?
Since the corporate law reform, the SRL no longer requires a minimum share capital. However, you must provide a solid financial plan and demonstrate that the capital is sufficient for your activity (usually between €1,500 and €5,000 depending on the business).
4. Is a business bank account mandatory?
Yes. For companies (SRL, SA), a business bank account is mandatory and must be used exclusively for company transactions.
5. What taxes does a company pay in Belgium?
Corporate tax is generally 25%. SMEs may benefit from a reduced rate of 20% on the first €100,000 of profit, if certain conditions are met. You must also consider VAT, social security contributions, and payroll withholding tax if you hire employees.
6. I am a non-EU national. Can I set up a company in Belgium and work in it?
Yes, but you need a residence permit and a work permit linked to your business activity. If you will act as a director, you must obtain a professional card (carte professionnelle / beroepskaart).
7. Do EU citizens need additional permits?
No. EU citizens do not need a work permit to operate as self-employed workers or company directors. They only need to register as residents if they stay longer than 3 months.
8. Can I open a company in Belgium without a local address?
Yes, but you must have a registered office address in Belgium. This can be provided through an accounting firm or a registered office service.
9. Is a financial plan mandatory?
Yes. It is required to assess the company’s viability. The plan must justify the capital, revenue forecasts, expenses, and liquidity for the first 2 years. The notary may refuse incorporation if the plan is insufficient.
10. Can I hire employees from day one?
Yes. Once the company is registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (BCE) and the ONSS number is activated, you can hire employees. You must comply with ONSS registration, social security payments, employment contracts, and payroll requirements under Belgian law
