Starting a business
How to start a business in Belgium?
The installation procedures vary depending on the legal structure chosen for your project.
1. To create a business as a sole proprietorship (individual business)
The launch is very quick and the initial cost is generally between €200 and €300:
Access to the profession (if applicable): Check if your activity requires a specific diploma or proof of professional skills.
Bank account: Opening a business account is optional but strongly recommended to separate your private and professional transactions.
Registration with the CBE: Go through a business counter to register your activity with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and obtain your company number.
VAT Activation: Register your business with the General Administration of Taxation to activate your VAT number.
Social insurance fund: Join a social insurance fund before starting to pay your quarterly social security contributions.
Notify your health insurance provider: Inform your health insurance provider of your change of status to that of self-employed in order to adapt your health coverage (unless you opt for self-employed status as a supplement).
2. To create a company (e.g., a limited liability company)
The creation requires a more formal legal framework, for a total budget of €2,000 to €3,000:
Access to the profession (if applicable): Check if your activity requires a specific diploma or proof of professional skills.
Financial plan: You must establish a financial plan with your accountant to assess viability and initial capital requirements.
Blocked bank account: Open a professional account in the name of the company being formed to deposit the initial contributions.
Notarial deed: Go to the notary to draft and sign the official articles of association of the company.
Publication in the Belgian Official Gazette: The notary files the deed with the clerk of the business court for publication.
CBE and VAT: The business counter registers the company with the CBE, then we activate its VAT number with the administration.
Affiliations: Affiliate the company with a social insurance fund (annual contribution payable by companies) and ensure the manager's affiliation under the status of self-employed.
Legal registers: Declare the beneficial owners in the UBO register and keep the register of shares (shareholders) up to date.
3. To create a non-profit organization (ASBL)
For a non-profit, non-commercial project involving at least 2 people:
Access to the profession (if applicable): Check if your activity requires a specific diploma or proof of professional skills.
Drafting the statutes: Draft the statutes defining the non-profit purpose, structure and management of the association.
Constituent general meeting: Approve the statutes and officially appoint the directors.
Publication: File the document with the clerk of the Commercial Court for publication in the Belgian Official Gazette and to obtain the company number.
BCE and VAT: Check the BCE registration and determine with your accountant whether the non-profit organization needs to activate a VAT number due to economic activities.
Registrations: Open a bank account in the name of the non-profit association and complete the registration of the directors in the UBO register.
Is it better to create a limited liability company (SRL) or to operate as a sole proprietor?
The choice depends on your short-term and long-term objectives, your income level, and the risks of your business:
1. Natural person (Sole proprietorship)
Benefits :
Simple, very quick and economical creation (between €200 and €300).
No notarized deed or financial plan required.
Less accounting and administrative formalities.
The profits generated belong to you immediately and personally.
Disadvantages:
Unlimited liability: no separation between your private assets and your business (your personal assets remain exposed in case of debts).
Progressive taxation of individuals (IPP) from 25% to 50%.
Fewer options to optimize your income from year to year.
2. Company (SRL and SA)
Benefits :
Protection of personal assets: liability is limited to your contributions. (However, please note: your personal assets remain at risk in the event of gross mismanagement, personal bank guarantee, or liability of the founders if the initial financial plan was clearly insufficient).
Corporate tax (ISOC) fixed at 25% (or 20% under certain conditions for SMEs).
Freedom to structure your compensation (salary, dividends, meal vouchers, benefits in kind) and the possibility of reinvesting profits in the company.
Excellent credibility with partners and banks.
Disadvantages:
Formation costs between €2,000 and €3,000 (notary, financial plan, Belgian Official Gazette, ECB).
More structured double-entry accounting and management (annual accounts, share register, UBO).
Company money is not your private money: all withdrawals must be justified and taxed.
How much does it cost to start a business?
For individuals: Between €200 and €300 including registration with the BCE and activation of the VAT number.
In a company (SRL): Between €2,000 and €3,000 all inclusive (notary fees, financial plan, publication in the Belgian Official Gazette, BCE registration and VAT activation).
What are the preliminary steps (financial plan, notarial deed, BCE registration)?
Establish a financial plan (only for companies): Developed with your accountant, it assesses the profitability of your project and guarantees the initial financing capacity.
Opening a professional bank account: Mandatory for a company or a non-profit organization, optional but strongly recommended for a natural person.
Go to the notary (only for companies): For the drafting and signing of the articles of incorporation.
BCE registration and VAT activation: The business counter registers you with the BCE and we activate your VAT number with the administration.
What steps should I take after setting up my business?
Membership in a social insurance fund: Mandatory to pay your quarterly contributions.
Notify your health insurance provider: To update your file following the change of status (except for self-employed individuals with supplementary insurance).
Registration in the UBO register: Legal declaration of the beneficial owners of the company or non-profit association.
If you hire staff:
Identification as an employer with the NSSO and affiliation with a social secretariat.
Dimona declaration prior to hiring.
Drafting of the contract and mandatory work regulations.
Taking out insurance against work-related accidents and joining occupational health services.
Quarterly management of payslips (DmfA) and professional withholding tax.
Are there any grants, subsidies or financial aid available to help me get started?
Yes. Several measures can reduce the cost of your launch:
Social security contributions "Starter Scheme": Reduction of provisional contributions (approximately €475/quarter instead of approximately €950) for new self-employed individuals with moderate incomes.
Business vouchers and regional aid: Subsidies (in Brussels, Wallonia or Flanders) covering part of your consulting, market research or support costs.
Investment aid: Regional grants for the purchase of equipment, the fitting out of premises or digitization.
Social security reductions for first job: Lifetime exemption from basic employer contributions for your very first employee.
Public financing and guarantees: Access to microcredits, low-interest loans (e.g., MicroStart, Finance&invest.brussels) or state guarantees for your bank loan.
Measures for job seekers: Possibility of retaining part of their benefits ("Tremplin-indépendant") or obtaining a regional transition bonus.
Tax incentives: Investment deduction allowing you to deduct an additional percentage of certain business purchases from your profits.