January 26, 2026

Starting a Business in Belgium

UK founders often consider Belgium for its welcoming economy. It offers a stable social and economic environment for foreign investment. This is backed by guidance from July 30, 2025. Starting a business in Belgium can open doors to a connected market, all while avoiding the unknown.

Belgium’s appeal is clear. It has over 620,000 active businesses, with SMEs making up 62.4% of the economy’s value. For UK entrepreneurs, Belgium is more than just friendly; it’s a bustling hub of small businesses that grow through local networks.

Self-employment is also a big part of Belgium’s story. Over a million residents are self-employed, with more foreigners joining. This shows that Belgium is open to international founders who follow the right steps and document everything properly from the start.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps. We’ll cover choosing the right business structure, registering your company, and understanding tax obligations. We’ll also look at banking, employment laws, and VAT. Plus, we’ll discuss digital trade, which reached €10.67 billion in 2018.

For a smooth process, Start Company Formations is here to help. If you need immigration permission, we work with experienced advisers. They’ll guide you through your case, ensuring everything is done on time and in line with the rules.

Introduction to Belgium’s Business Environment

When we help UK founders set up in Belgium, we start with a clear Belgium economy overview. This overview shows the country’s openness to trade and investment. The business culture can feel formal at first.

In many workplaces, teams are flat with fewer middle managers. Rank and title are important, and top-level staff make decisions. We plan for well-prepared meetings, tidy paperwork, and a measured pace.

Overview of the Economy

The Belgium SME market is deep and active, with over 620,000 businesses. SMEs create about 62.4% of economic value. This makes it easy for UK owners to find partnerships and suppliers.

International ownership is common, showing Belgium’s open economy. Foreign-owned firms make up about 28% of the private sector. This is reflected in multilingual teams and global standards in procurement.

Key Industries

The service sector is the largest, with strengths in tourism, finance, and IT. This supports scalable models and regulated services. Belgium is a strong base for regional client delivery.

Industry is also key, with manufacturing GDP at one-sixth of the total. Key areas include petrochemicals, food, and scientific equipment. This keeps demand high for logistics and technical talent.

We also watch Brussels entrepreneurship closely. Brussels and other major cities offer accelerators and networks. These help founders test demand fast. For export goals or scalable offers, we point teams to the European Enterprise Network.

Legislative Framework for Businesses

For UK founders, the rules change from the start. We follow Belgium corporate law for hiring, contracts, and reports. Getting these basics right early helps avoid delays.

Choosing between a subsidiary and a branch is crucial. Each option affects your filings and duties. The location of your registered seat also matters, as it can influence your documents.

Business Registration Requirements

Belgium’s business registration starts with checking if you’re eligible. You must be at least 18, have full rights, and not be banned from self-employment.

Decide on your legal form and clearly state your company’s purpose.
Find an official enterprise seat and open a professional bank account.
Make a business and financial plan for most company types.

Incorporation often goes through a public notary. Electronic signing and power of attorney are common. For an NV/SA, you need to place start capital in a blocked account with a Belgian bank, then get a release certificate from the notary.

After that, register your company with the Enterprise Court and announce it in the Belgian Official Gazette. Then, register with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises to get your CBE registration number. This number is also your VAT and social security identifier once activated.

Transparency in ownership is also important. We consider the UBO register Belgium filing for anti-money laundering and fraud controls.

Taxation Regulations

Taxes are part of the corporate plan. Personal income tax ranges from 25–50%, and corporation tax is 29%. But, there’s a reduced rate of 20% under certain conditions.

VAT is another key area. The standard rate is 21% in many cases. Aligning your details with your CBE registration number helps keep your invoicing, payroll, and filings in line with Belgium’s corporate law.

Choosing the Right Business Structure

Choosing a business structure in Belgium affects your risk, taxes, and growth. It depends on what you want to protect, how you’ll fund your business, and where you’ll operate. For UK founders, it also involves deciding between a branch or subsidiary in Belgium.

Sole Proprietorship

In Belgium, a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak/entreprise individuelle) means you and the business are one. This means you’re personally responsible for debts, and your personal assets could be at risk if things go wrong.

Profits are taxed as personal income, which can increase quickly. A notarial declaration of unseizability can protect your main home from business debts, offering some risk control.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

For limited liability, SMEs often choose BV SRL Belgium. It can be set up by one or more people or companies, with no minimum capital but a solid financial plan is needed.

That plan is crucial: if bankruptcy happens within three years and the start assets were clearly inadequate, you could be liable. For bigger ventures and investors, NV SA Belgium is used, with a minimum capital of €61,500 and start capital in a blocked account during setup.

For EU-wide scaling, a European Company (SE) is an option, with a €120,000 minimum capital and a structure for multi-country operations, subject to legal conditions.

Partnership

A partnership can be easy to manage, but liability can vary. In partnership VOF SNC CommV SCS, some models have unlimited liability for all partners, while others limit it for certain partners.

This is why we assess risk early, especially if you’ll take on leases, staff, or loans. If you’re expanding from the UK, deciding between a branch or subsidiary in Belgium is part of the partnership decision, as a branch has no separate legal identity and the parent company is liable.

Choose speed and simplicity when the activity is low risk and cash flow is predictable.
Choose BV SRL Belgium when you need limited liability Belgium and a clear framework for reinvestment.
Choose NV SA Belgium when capital raising and governance need a more formal model.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Business

When clients ask us how to start a business in Belgium, we guide them through a clear process. This process ensures a smooth start, avoiding delays and unnecessary back-and-forth with authorities.

Initial Planning

We first check if you’re eligible and decide the best business structure for you. We also help choose your official business address and check your company name to avoid conflicts.

A good financial plan is crucial. It’s mandatory for certain business types and helps in case of bankruptcy within three years.

Funding sources and when the money will arrive
Income projections for 12 and 24 months
A two-year budget with all costs
An opening balance sheet
Assumptions for pricing, margins, and staffing

Filing Necessary Documents

Then, we prepare and file key documents. This includes the articles of association Belgium, outlining your company’s purpose and governance. We also handle notarisation and bank certification for capital.

File with the Enterprise Court and publish in the Belgian Official Gazette
Register with the CBE for an enterprise number and activate VAT
Complete social security registrations at a business counter
Register NACE codes for your activities and update them if needed
Register at least one establishment unit

Obtaining Licences

We then check if your activity requires special permissions. This includes regulated professions Belgium and any needed diplomas or approvals.

If your sector needs a business permit Belgium, we help with the process. There’s a special rule for crafts: you can start at 16 if you meet the trade’s rules.

Business Banking and Financial Considerations

Before you start trading in Belgium, banking is essential. It’s wise to set up a Belgium business bank account early. This keeps your company finances separate and clear.

A professional bank account in Belgium also helps with daily admin. It makes checks with partners and suppliers smoother.

Once you have your account number, put it on invoices, quotes, and other business papers. Add your enterprise number too. This supports clean records and faster payment cycles.

Opening a Business Bank Account

Choosing a bank depends on service, access, and border operations. A Belfius business account is good for local branch support. For international payments, ING Belgium and KBC Brussels are popular choices.

Timing is key when setting up registration, invoices, and first sales. Account setup takes about 2 days. Card delivery is around 7 days, assuming everything goes smoothly.

If your company needs start capital, the process is more formal. For an NV/SA, you must deposit capital in a blocked account. Then, get the notary’s release certificate. Only then can the funds be used for business.

For trade between Belgium and the UK, many teams use Wise Business. It’s for sending and receiving money at the mid-market rate. It has transparent, low fees, which is great for managing money across borders.

Funding Options for Start-ups

Funding should match your business model, cashflow, and hiring plan. Belgian banks offer start-up guidance. Regional support and subsidies might be available if your activity meets local criteria.

At EU level, European Investment Fund support can help with funding. It strengthens the finance ecosystem. Plan your next 6 to 12 months of costs first. Then, discuss funding options with your bank once your account is set up.

Prepare a simple budget covering rent, payroll, stock, and VAT timing
Keep personal and company spending separate to protect your audit trail
Align any funding request with contracts, pipeline, and delivery milestones

Understanding Employment Laws

Hiring in Belgium can seem complex, especially if you’re used to UK rules. We make it easier by breaking down Belgium’s employment laws into a simple checklist. This guide helps you from the start.

Before you make an offer, make sure pay, hours, and policies fit your business. Internal work rules in Belgium are key. They affect how employees work, take breaks, and report problems.

Employee Rights and Benefits

The standard working week in Belgium is 38 hours for many jobs. You should track time and create rosters that follow this rule. Remember to include rest time and overtime rules when needed.

Full-time workers get at least 20 days of annual leave each year, plus public holidays. We also focus on keeping workers safe and well. This is closely monitored.

When budgeting, be realistic. Belgian wage taxes are high. Employers usually withhold about 25% for taxes and social security, depending on the situation.

Employers fund social security, which supports benefits like unemployment and incapacity allowances. The process starts with NSSO employer registration and includes ongoing reports.

Submit the DIMONA declaration before the employee starts, to notify the employment.
File the DmfA quarterly declaration to report earnings and benefits accurately.
Look into hiring incentives. The first hire can get capped employer social security of €3,100 per quarter with no time limit. The second can get €13,750 over 13 quarters, and the third €11,250 over 13 quarters.

Contracts and Agreements

Contracts in Belgium depend on the job and worker type. The right template is crucial. Belgium’s laws cover different worker categories, like white-collar and blue-collar staff, sales reps, and students.

Contracts vary by duration and hours. Open-ended agreements are often assumed unless stated otherwise. Fixed-term deals can turn into open-ended if work continues after the agreed time.

While a full-time open-ended agreement can be verbal, we suggest a written contract for clarity. Any changes should be in writing and include specific clauses.

Part-time agreements need careful planning. Schedules and variable hours must be clearly outlined. Many companies use payroll services to handle calculations and ensure compliance with internal work rules Belgium. This is especially important for DIMONA and DmfA declarations.

Navigating the Belgian Tax System

Once you start trading in Belgium, tax becomes a regular part of your week. We guide you through the key tax duties early. This keeps your cash flow steady and ensures you don’t miss any filing deadlines.

Corporate Tax Structure

First, you need to decide how you want to operate. If you’re self-employed, you’ll be taxed through income tax bands. On the other hand, companies pay corporation tax on their profits.

For individuals, income tax in Belgium ranges from 25% to 50% based on earnings. Companies face a headline corporation tax of 29%. However, this can drop to as low as 20% under certain conditions.

When you hire staff, you’ll need to deal with payroll withholding tax in Belgium. This is an advance on personal tax, calculated after social security. You must withhold and pay it for your employees.

25% up to €13,450
Rising through the brackets to 50% above €41,360

These tax rates affect your payslips, budgeting, and reporting. So, we recommend setting a clear process before your first hire.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

If you sell goods or services subject to VAT, you’ll likely need to register. The standard rate is Belgian VAT 21%. This impacts your pricing, invoices, and filing schedule.

VAT registration usually follows CBE registration. Your VAT number in Belgium is often the same as your enterprise number. You can activate it online or at a business counter, often during notarial steps for companies.

Some non-profits might not have to pay VAT and are taxed on legal entities instead. Still, it’s crucial to check your activity details. A small change in invoicing can affect your VAT status.

We make it simple: confirm your status, apply the correct tax rates, and align your payroll withholding tax with your cycle. Also, keep your Belgian VAT 21% and VAT number correct on every invoice.

Market Research and Strategy

Before we invest or start the process, we check demand with market research in Belgium. This research shows how buyers make their choices. We look at the size of the sector, prices, and how long it takes to buy something.

We then compare this to your budget and how quickly you need things done.

Identifying Target Markets

We start by finding where money is spent the most. The Belgian service sector is a big player, with strong areas in tourism, finance, and IT.

Manufacturing also plays a big role, making up about one-sixth of the GDP. It’s led by petrochemicals, food, and scientific equipment. This helps us see which products can be sold easily and which need more local support.

We also look at the region, as Brussels is different from Antwerp, Ghent, or Liège. We make sure our plans fit the right NACE codes. These codes are important for registration and permits.

Define the buyer profile and use-case, not just the product label
Compare city-by-city demand signals and costs to serve
Confirm the NACE codes early to reduce rework later

Competitor Analysis

With over 620,000 active businesses, analyzing competitors in Belgium is crucial. We compare direct rivals, substitutes, and the option of doing nothing. This helps us understand what slows down adoption.

The SME sector is key, making up about 62.4% of the economy. We test how our product stands out, its margins, and how it fits into channels like partnerships and public procurement.

We also consider how decisions are made and who signs off on them. This affects how we plan meetings, the depth of documents, and who needs to be there when discussing competitors, tenders, and alliances.

List key rivals by segment, not by broad industry labels
Compare pricing, service levels, and switching friction
Track decision roles and governance to plan outreach

Networking and Support for New Entrepreneurs

Helping UK founders launch in Belgium shows a clear pattern. Progress speeds up once they build the right relationships. A good network brings introductions, feedback, and early leads.

It also helps avoid costly mistakes in setup, staffing, and daily operations.

Local Business Networks

For cross-border growth, start with European Enterprise Network Belgium. It’s perfect for firms with products or services that can travel. It offers partner searches, market entry insight, and introductions.

This support is crucial for understanding local buying habits and procurement routes.

We also advise founders to talk to Belgian banks early. Many offer start-up clinics and guidance. This links account opening with cash-flow planning and payment setup.

When this advice aligns with EU SME support Belgium, it keeps your finances tidy and easier to track.

Trade and cluster events that match your sector and region
Chambers of commerce and export-focused meet-ups
Bank-led start-up sessions for budgeting and payment structure

Government Support Services

Support is not limited to one area. All three regions offer Belgium regional business subsidies for companies that meet specific criteria. We treat these programmes like a checklist: eligibility, timing, and documentation matter as much as the idea itself.

The Federal Public Service Economy, SMEs, Self-Employed and Energy (FPS) is a dependable reference for self-employment and business rules. Much of the material is available in English. Business Belgium, part of the FPS, adds clear set-up guidance and practical notes on hiring, finding staff, and meeting employment requirements.

At EU level, EU SME support Belgium can sit alongside regional help, especially when funding is involved. For European Investment Fund entrepreneurs, the focus is often on finance channels that reach SMEs through intermediaries. This can influence how you plan capital, guarantees, and growth milestones.

Clarify which region your activity falls under before you apply
Prepare a simple evidence pack: budget, timeline, and deliverables
Use official guidance to align hiring plans with local employment rules

Cultural Considerations in Business

When UK founders expand into Belgium, culture can cause delays. Belgium values precision, calm debate, and clear records. Planning for this early makes meetings run better and decisions quicker.

Language and Communication

Choosing a language is crucial for business and law. In Belgium, the location of your registered seat affects language use for important documents. We consider language planning essential, not just a marketing task.

Day-to-day, communication in Belgium is structured and to the point. We suggest short agendas, written summaries, and careful contract versions. This is especially important when many people review documents.

Confirm the working language for board packs, HR policies, and invoices.
Keep emails clear, with actions and deadlines stated in plain terms.
Align document language with the registered seat to reduce rework.

Business Etiquette

Many firms in Belgium are modern and cooperative, yet status is important. The organisational structure is relatively flat, but titles matter. Decisions often rest with top staff, so it’s wise to know who can approve terms before negotiating.

When meeting partners or public bodies in Brussels, being punctual and prepared is key. Sales cycles can be long as stakeholders seek consensus. We plan extra time for review while keeping the process moving with clear minutes and next steps.

Open with a brief context, then move to facts, risks, and options.
Use polite formality in meetings, even when the conversation feels friendly.
Respect decision pathways, then follow up in writing to lock in actions.

Digital Development and E-commerce

The Belgium e-commerce market has grown quickly. It’s perfect for brands that can sell across borders easily. In 2018, online sales hit €10.67 billion, and more online-only businesses have joined since. This growth is appealing, but keeping up with rules is still crucial.

When we help clients start an online business in Belgium, we treat the digital shopfront as part of a standard company setup. The same rules for record keeping, invoicing, and commercial identifiers apply. The main difference is the speed: online orders move fast, so admin must keep up.

Setting Up an Online Business

To trade legally, we follow the core steps that underpin Belgian operations. For many founders, the practical workload is in the early registrations, not the website build.

Register the company and complete CBE registration so the business is recognised for trading.
Arrange VAT registration and apply the correct Belgian VAT for e-commerce on invoices and customer receipts.
Join a social insurance fund for self-employed persons, directors, or partners, based on the chosen structure.
Confirm whether a permit applies to your activity, especially in regulated or specialist sectors.

We also encourage a clear audit trail for orders, returns, and refunds. This reduces risk during checks and makes reporting smoother when volumes rise.

Online Payment Solutions

Online trade often means dealing with mixed currencies, overseas suppliers, and customers outside Belgium. Many international businesses use Wise Business Belgium payments to receive and send money using the mid-market exchange rate, with transparent fees. This can lower conversion costs when margins are tight.

For firms that bill in more than one currency, a multi-currency business account Belgium setup can make pricing and cash flow easier to manage. We position this as a practical layer alongside, not instead of, a Belgian professional bank account. It also helps to keep invoice details consistent, with the right company identifiers shown on commercial documents.

Innovation and Start-up Ecosystem

For UK founders, Belgium’s start-up scene is both accessible and practical. It’s at the EU’s heart, making trade, hiring, and operations across borders easy. Planning well from the start helps founders connect with Brussels’ innovation hubs and gain momentum.

The market’s strength lies in its support network. This includes universities, corporates, and public bodies. A well-planned business, financial, and compliance strategy is key. It helps founders access the right networks and avoid costly mistakes.

Prominent Business Incubators

Belgium’s incubators offer practical coaching and access to peers and investors. In cities like Brussels, the focus is on getting products to market and proving success. Founders should pick support that fits their stage and sector.

The European Enterprise Network provides introductions and market entry advice. Regional governments also offer support to ease early operations. For those working with the European Investment Fund, a well-organised structure and reporting are crucial.

Structured mentoring on pricing, go-to-market, and hiring plans
Workshops on tax, employment rules, and corporate governance
Introductions to EU-facing partners for distribution and compliance fit
Preparation for funding discussions, including loan and equity options

Success Stories in Belgium

Belgium’s success is real and tangible. It has 620,000+ active businesses, showing a deep market understanding. This density makes early partnerships more achievable for international teams.

SMEs are crucial, making up 62.4% of value. Foreign-owned firms account for 28% of private-sector value. This shows cross-border operators can scale with the right setup. The ecosystem rewards founders who balance clear goals with solid compliance.

Challenges of Doing Business in Belgium

Starting a business in Belgium might seem easy, but it’s all about the details. We prepare for delays to avoid costly mistakes. This way, we keep up with Belgium’s rules and regulations.

Regulatory Hurdles

Setting up in Belgium involves several steps. You might need to see a public notary, file at the Enterprise Court, and publish in the Belgian Official Gazette. You’ll also need to register with the CBE, activate VAT, and join a social insurance fund.

UBO registration in Belgium requires accuracy and up-to-date information. This is crucial when shareholdings change. Keeping clear records helps when banks, accountants, and authorities ask questions.

Plan evidence for directors, shareholders, and decision-making powers early.
Keep bookkeeping tidy for tax checks and audits, with records retained for seven years.
Match your reporting format to your size, as SME and large-company filings can differ.

Some activities fall under regulated professions in Belgium. This can affect when you can start trading. You might need to show qualifications, experience, or recognition of overseas diplomas. The rules vary by region and sector.

Economic Fluctuations

Operational costs can change quickly. We see forecasting as an ongoing task, not a one-time job. Staffing costs, including Belgium’s wage tax and social security, can be high.

This impacts hiring plans, pricing, and cash flow in the early stages. Even with incentives, many firms use payroll providers. This helps with compliance and keeps things predictable.

Resources and Tools for Entrepreneurs

Expanding from the UK can be smooth with the right tools. Start Company Formations Belgium offers a clear path through the paperwork. This way, your launch is both compliant and stress-free.

Using a Belgium business counter correctly is key. It ensures your registrations are in order from the start. This includes VAT, social insurance, and CBE data, all without the hassle of double-checking documents.

Our support keeps the process predictable, even when time is tight.

Guidance from Start Company Formations

We focus on structure first. It affects tax, liability, and hiring. We guide you through sole proprietorship, BV/SRL, NV/SA, partnership, and more. Then, we create a registration plan you can follow.

Entity and structure selection, matched to your risk profile and growth plan, including branch vs subsidiary and European Company (SE).
Registration workflow support: company name checks, registered seat planning, liaison on notarial steps, plus CBE, VAT, and social insurance preparation via a Belgium business counter.
Compliance-first setup: inputs for a credible business plan and financial plan, with 12- and 24-month projections, key assumptions, and activity alignment to NACE codes to reduce permit delays.
Employment-readiness planning: employer registrations (NSSO/ONSS, DIMONA, DmfA) and the workplace documents often expected during inspections.
Business immigration coordination: we work closely with experienced Immigration advisers to discuss your case and provide Belgium professional card guidance where it applies, including the official fee points often referenced with FPS Economy Belgium (application fee €140, validity 1–5 years, and extension €90 per year).
Specialist licensing pathways: support for regulated sectors through Gaming Licences and FX & Crypto Licensing Companies solutions, with structure and documentation aligned early.

Relevant Online Platforms

Digital services can speed up filings if details match. We prepare the same clean dataset for forms and registrations. This avoids unnecessary follow-up queries.

For UK founders, the Business Belgium platform is a useful reference. It helps check next steps and administrative expectations.

We also show where FPS Economy Belgium guidance fits into the process. This ensures you understand what’s required without getting lost in technical language. With our support, these tools help you manage deadlines, costs, and evidence as your Belgian operation grows.

Conclusion: Making the Leap

Belgium is a great place to grow your business, thanks to its open economy and strong SME base. However, it’s also formal and focuses on following rules. So, it’s wise to prepare well before starting.

Before you start trading, make sure you have the essential steps covered. Pick the right legal structure and understand your liability. Then, create a strong business and financial plan, especially for a BV or NV.

You’ll also need a Belgian professional bank account, a registered office, and CBE registration for your enterprise number. Don’t forget to activate VAT where needed and join a social insurance fund.

If you plan to hire staff, you’ll need to handle employer duties early on. We help with NSSO/ONSS registration, DIMONA declarations, and DmfA reporting. You’ll also need to consider Belgium’s wage tax and social security costs.

Remember to keep records for seven years and issue invoices with the correct legal and VAT details. This will help you stay ready for audits.

For help with setting up a company in Belgium and expanding your business, we’re here for you. We support you from planning to the first filings. We also work with experienced Immigration advisers for business immigration needs.

If you’re ready to move forward, use the Start Company Formations contact details on our site. Share your timeline and sector with us. We’ll guide you on the quickest, most compliant path.