How to Start a Company in Belgium: Complete Guide
Belgium is one of the most dynamic countries in Europe to start a business: a stable legal framework, a market open to Europe, and a tax system that — despite its reputation — offers real optimization levers for young companies. Setting up a company is, however, still a structured journey with mandatory steps. This guide takes you from idea to BCE registration, with a focus on the strategic choices — especially the registered office.
Before you launch: prepare your project
Before any administrative step, take the time to frame your project. Validate your idea with a few potential clients, put your business model, fixed and variable costs, target market, and commercial strategy on paper. This stage is not a formality: it shapes the choice of legal form, the capital needed, and how quickly you will become profitable. If you are a foreign national, also check your residence status: EU national, professional card for non-EU, spouse, student… each situation has specific rules to carry on a self-employed activity in Belgium.
Choosing the right legal form
In Belgium, there are two main families: operating as a natural person (self-employed) or through a company. The main company forms are: • The SRL (private limited company): the most common form since the Companies Code reform. No imposed minimum capital, but a solid financial plan is required. Suitable for most SMEs, structured freelancers, and startups. • The SA (public limited company): suited to larger projects, with a minimum capital of €61,500. Often used for companies with several investors. • SNC, SComm, SC: rarer forms, reserved for specific cases (family companies, cooperatives). • The non-profit (ASBL): for projects without a profit motive (associations, federations, foundations). The choice depends on your activity, the number of partners, your personal taxation, and the liability you are willing to take on. An accountant or notary can guide you to the most efficient option.
The 7 steps to set up your company
Here is the typical pathway to set up a company in Belgium, step by step.
- 1
1. Draft a financial plan
For companies without a minimum capital (notably the SRL), the law requires a detailed financial plan: revenue forecasts, costs, investments, and equity needs for the first two years. This document is kept by the notary and may be requested in case of bankruptcy: it must be realistic and quantified, not a mere façade.
- 2
2. Open a professional bank account
Before signing the deed of incorporation, you must open a bank account in the name of the company (in formation) and deposit the initial capital there. The bank issues a blocking certificate, indispensable for the notary. This account will then be used for all professional operations.
- 3
3. Choose and set the registered office
Every company must have a registered office in Belgium, that is, an official address listed in the BCE and published in the Belgian Official Gazette. You can use your home, rent an office, or opt for domiciliation with an approved business centre such as Office Factory. Domiciliation is the fastest, most affordable, and most flexible solution to start with, and it protects your privacy.
- 4
4. Visit the notary
For an SRL or SA, the deed of incorporation must be signed before a notary. You provide the financial plan, the bank certificate, the articles of association, and the founders' identity. The notary then publishes the deed in the Belgian Official Gazette and registers the company with the BCE. Expect about €1,200 to €2,000 in notary fees.
- 5
5. Register with the BCE and activate VAT
Once incorporated, the company receives a company number (BCE). You then need to register with an approved business counter to activate your activities, then request VAT identification if your turnover exceeds €25,000 (exemption regime) or if you want to recover VAT from day one.
- 6
6. Affiliate with a social insurance fund
Every self-employed person and company manager must affiliate with a social insurance fund before starting their activity. There you pay your quarterly social contributions, which build up your rights to pension, healthcare, and family allowances.
- 7
7. Take out insurance and hire an accountant
Depending on your activity, certain insurances are mandatory (professional liability, work-accident insurance if you hire staff). Hiring an accountant is not mandatory but strongly recommended for companies: they handle your bookkeeping, VAT returns, corporate income tax, and annual filings with the National Bank.
How much does it cost to start a company in Belgium?
The setup budget depends on the chosen form. For an SRL, expect: • Notary fees: about €1,200 to €2,000 • Publication in the Belgian Official Gazette: about €250 • Registration at the business counter: about €105 • VAT activation: free • Social insurance affiliation and first contributions • Accountant fees: from €80 to €200/month • Domiciliation: from €50 to €80/month In total, count on around €2,000 to €3,000 in initial costs for a classic SRL, excluding working capital and first social contributions. For an SA, costs are higher because of the minimum capital required.
Why the choice of registered office is strategic
The registered office is more than a formality: it determines the municipality where you pay certain local taxes, the image you project to clients, and the privacy of your home address. Many entrepreneurs declare their home at the start... and regret it later, when the address becomes public, mail piles up, or they move. Domiciliation with an approved business centre such as Office Factory solves these issues from day one: a professional address in Uccle, legal compliance (Law of 29 March 2018, AML), mail handling, and the option to add meeting rooms on demand. You clearly separate private and professional life, and avoid having to transfer your registered office later (which involves notary fees and a new publication in the Belgian Official Gazette).
Specific tips for expats
If you are setting up your company from abroad or as a recently arrived expat in Belgium, a few points deserve special attention: • Check that your residence permit allows a self-employed activity (EU / non-EU / professional card). • Choose a neutral and professional registered office, ideally in Brussels, a cosmopolitan and internationally well-known city. • Work with an accountant familiar with international cases, especially for double taxation and income transfer questions. • Anticipate banking timelines: opening a professional account for a company in formation can take several weeks for non-residents. • Prepare an official translation of your identity documents if needed. Office Factory regularly assists international entrepreneurs in setting up their company in Belgium, in coordination with their accountant, notary, and banker.
In summary
Starting a company in Belgium follows a clear path: project preparation, choice of legal form, financial plan, banking, registered office, notary, BCE, VAT, social fund, accountant. Every step counts, and the registered office in particular deserves strategic thought. By relying on specialised partners such as Office Factory for domiciliation and administrative formalities, you save time, gain peace of mind... and start with a fully compliant setup from day one.