A practical 7-step guide for local and international entrepreneurs — from choosing the right company type to getting your first invoice out the door.
By Laura WillemsPublished: April 8, 2026Updated: August 21, 202610 min read
Starting a business in Belgium is straightforward if you follow the right steps. The most popular structure — the BV/SRL — requires no minimum capital and can be operational in 3–6 weeks. This guide walks you through the complete process, from your initial decision to your first invoice. For the broader picture, see our doing business in Belgium overview and company registration guide.
Step 1 — Choose Your Business Structure
Belgium offers several options. For most entrepreneurs, the BV/SRL is the best choice:
For a detailed comparison, see our BV vs NV comparison. For foreign founders, all structures are available with no nationality restrictions.
Step 2 — Prepare Your Financial Plan
Belgian law requires a financial plan for BV/SRL and NV/SA formation. This is a 2-year projection demonstrating sufficient starting equity. Our team drafts this for you. See requirements for the full document checklist.
Step 3 — Register Your Company
The registration process involves: drafting articles of association → notarial deed → CBE registration → VAT activation. Total cost: €2,500–€5,000 for a BV/SRL. Timeline: 3–6 weeks. You'll need a registered office address for the CBE filing — a virtual office is an option if you don't have physical premises yet.
If you are a self-employed director, join a social insurance fund (Acerta, Securex, Liantis, etc.) within 90 days. Quarterly contributions: ~20.5% of net income, minimum ~€800/quarter.
Step 7 — Start Operating
Issue your first invoice, begin marketing, and consider hiring. For payroll, use a licensed social secretariat. For international employees, see work permits. For ongoing tax advisory, our team optimises your position.
Yes. No nationality restrictions. EU and non-EU citizens can register a BV/SRL. Non-EU founders managing from Belgium need a professional card. Remote ownership is possible without residence permit.
A financial plan (2-year projections) is legally required. It must demonstrate sufficient starting equity. The notary reviews it. An inadequate plan can trigger founder's liability if bankruptcy occurs within 3 years.
BV/SRL: no minimum capital, 1 shareholder, 1 director, limited liability. Sole proprietorship is simpler but has unlimited liability. BV/SRL recommended for most businesses.
Strongly recommended. Belgian tax/VAT/SS are complex. Only ITAA-registered professionals can sign annual accounts. Most companies engage an accountant from day one.
Yes. Belgium allows 'complementary self-employment' (zelfstandige in bijberoep/indépendant à titre complémentaire) for people who already have a main job (employed at least 50%). Social security contributions are lower (calculated on actual income, no minimum). This is ideal for testing a business idea while keeping your day job. Switch to full-time when revenue is sufficient.
Since 2018, the federal requirement for basic business knowledge (basiskennis bedrijfsbeheer) has been abolished. However, some regulated professions still require specific qualifications or certifications (electricians, plumbers, restaurant operators in Brussels, etc.). Check with the regional enterprise counter whether your activity requires specific access conditions.
Mandatory: workplace accident insurance (if hiring employees), professional liability insurance (for regulated professions). Strongly recommended: fire/property insurance, business liability (BA exploitation/BA uitbating), legal protection, health/disability top-up insurance, and key-person insurance. Some sectors have specific mandatory insurance requirements.
An enterprise counter (ondernemingsloket/guichet d'entreprises) is an accredited private organisation that handles your CBE registration, VAT activation, and social insurance enrollment. Using one is mandatory for company registration. Major providers: Acerta, Securex, Liantis, Partena, Xerius, UCM. They charge a small fee (~€90) and often bundle with social insurance fund membership.
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