Starting a Business in Belgium: From Dream to Reality
Becoming your own boss is the ultimate ambition for many. Whether you dream of opening a bustling coffee bar in the city, starting as a freelance consultant, or launching a local renovation firm: freedom calls. But in Belgium, that dream comes with a strict manual. Enthusiasm alone is unfortunately not enough; the administrative foundation must be solid. If you do not respect the order of formalities, you risk fines before you have earned your first euro.
To help you on your way, we guide you through the administrative maze. No dry lists, but a logical narrative from start to finish.
The Legal Foundation
Everything starts with choosing your legal structure. This is the most important decision you will make, as it determines how you are taxed and who is liable. Most starters choose a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) because it is the fastest and cheapest way. The major disadvantage is that you and your business are one: in the event of debts, creditors can seize your private assets. Do you want to protect your private assets? Then a company (such as an SRL/BV) is the safer choice. Here, there is a strict separation between you and the business, but in return, you have higher start-up costs and must visit a notary.
If you choose a company, a financial plan is mandatory. You must file this with the notary before incorporation. This document proves that you have sufficient funds to bridge the first two years. For a sole proprietorship, this is not legally required, but strongly recommended for your own peace of mind.
From Bank to Notary
Before you officially start, you must visit the bank. It is crucial to keep business and private funds strictly separate. For a sole proprietorship, a separate current account in the trade name suffices. If you are setting up a company, the procedure is more formal. You open a so-called blocked account into which you deposit the starting capital. The bank then provides you with a bank certificate. You take this certificate to the notary to sign the deed of incorporation. Starting as a sole proprietorship? Then you can skip the trip to the notary and go straight to the next step.
Official Registration and VAT
Once the foundation is laid, your business must be registered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). You do this via an accredited Enterprise Counter such as Liantis, Xerius, or Acerta. After paying the administrative fee, you receive your unique enterprise number.
Next comes a step where confusion often arises: VAT. Possessing an enterprise number does not automatically mean you can send invoices; you must first have the number activated with the FPS Finance. An important nuance is needed here. You can absolutely already incur costs (such as buying a laptop or renting a property) before your number is active. Have these invoices made out in the name of your business "in formation" so that you can reclaim the VAT later. However, for sending your own sales invoices, it is best to wait until the activation is complete. Mentions such as "VAT pending" are often not accepted for accounting purposes by clients, which can lead to payment problems.
Finally, do not forget to join a Social Insurance Fund. As a self-employed person, your social security is not arranged automatically. You pay a quarterly contribution to build up your social rights. Ensure this affiliation is in order no later than the day you start.
Watch Out for Local Hurdles
Belgium wouldn't be Belgium without regional differences. A first key point is proving basic management knowledge. In Flanders, this requirement was abolished in 2018, allowing anyone to do business there without a specific diploma. However, if your business is located in the Brussels-Capital Region or Wallonia, you must still present a diploma or relevant experience to the Enterprise Counter. Without this proof, you will not receive an enterprise number and cannot start operations.
Furthermore, entrepreneurial spirit is not enough for every sector. For regulated professions such as real estate agents, architects, or accountants, you must possess the correct titles and accreditation. Be aware that in Brussels and Wallonia, many construction trades—such as general contractors or electricians—are still protected. In these regions, you must officially prove your professional competence before you can carry out work, a rule that has largely disappeared in Flanders.
Finally, the scale and nature of your real estate project play a crucial role. For retail properties with a net sales area exceeding 400 m², you generally need a specific integrated environment permit for retail activities. The municipality will assess the impact of your business on mobility and the surrounding area. Are you handling food or starting in the hospitality sector? Do not forget that registration or authorization from the FASFC (Food Safety Agency) is always mandatory to guarantee food safety.
The Real Estate Puzzle: Location, Lease, and Zoning
Finding the right location involves more than just the address and the price per square meter; the legal framework is just as decisive. Retail properties fall under strict commercial lease laws that offer protection but also bind you for the long term, whereas contracts for offices and logistics are typically more flexible. Do not overlook the zoning status of the property either. You cannot simply establish an office in an industrial zone or open a shop in a residential building without applying for the correct environmental permit or change of use with the municipality. Finally, in the commercial market, it is standard practice for the property tax to be passed on to the tenant, a significant annual cost that you must include in your financial plan.
Ready to Start?
Entrepreneurship is an adventure that begins with good paperwork. Once your enterprise number is active and your administration is on point, you are officially 'in business'. Then only one important question remains: where will you locate yourself?
The location of your business is just as important as the legal structure. Are you looking for the ideal office, a strategically located warehouse, or a retail property with high footfall?
