SRL, SA, ASBL — Which Company Type Needs What Kind of Domiciliation?

The Code of Companies and Associations (CSA), which entered into force on 1 May 2019, fundamentally reformed Belgian company law. All legal forms — commercial companies and non-profit associations alike — are now governed by a unified framework. Among the core obligations is the requirement to maintain a registered office located in Belgium. This address must appear in the entity's articles of association and be published in the Belgian Official Gazette (Moniteur Belge). It determines the jurisdiction of the enterprise court, the applicable tax regime, and the place where corporate documents must be stored. However, while the legal obligation is the same for all legal forms, the practical implications of domiciliation differ significantly depending on whether you are creating an SRL, an SA, or an ASBL. Budget considerations, the image you wish to project, the stability of the address, and the expectations of third parties all vary from one company type to another. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision and avoid administrative or legal complications down the line.

The SRL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée), known in Dutch as the BV (Besloten Vennootschap), is by far the most common legal form in Belgium since the 2019 CSA reform. It replaced the former BVBA/SPRL and is designed primarily for freelancers, sole traders, SMEs, and startups. One of the most significant changes introduced by the CSA is that the SRL no longer requires a minimum share capital, making it highly accessible for entrepreneurs who are just getting started. In terms of domiciliation, the SRL must have a registered office in Belgium. This address is recorded in the company's articles of association and published in the Belgian Official Gazette. It determines the territorial jurisdiction of the enterprise court — meaning that the location of your registered office dictates which court handles any legal disputes involving your company. For many SRLs, domiciliation at a business centre is the most practical and cost-effective solution. It provides a professional address without the expense of renting a permanent office, while creating a clear separation between private and professional life. At Office Factory, SRL domiciliation starts from €79.00/month and includes mail reception, document storage, and comprehensive administrative support. Many SRL founders choose this formula to benefit from a prestigious Brussels address while retaining the flexibility to work from home or on the move. Domiciliation is also a significant advantage when incorporating the company: it streamlines the process at the enterprise counter and ensures a compliant address from day one. Learn more on our dedicated SRL/BV domiciliation page.

The SA (Société Anonyme), known in Dutch as the NV (Naamloze Vennootschap), is the legal form of choice for larger companies, listed corporations, and holding structures. Under the reformed CSA, the SA requires a minimum share capital of €61,500.00, making it a form reserved for projects of a certain financial scale. The legal domiciliation requirements for an SA are identical to those of the SRL: a registered office in Belgium, recorded in the articles of association and published in the Belgian Official Gazette. However, the practical considerations are markedly different. Shareholders, investors, and financial partners of an SA generally expect an address that reflects the seriousness and scale of the company. A registered office at a reputable business centre in Brussels perfectly meets this expectation, offering a professional and prestigious setting. Domiciliation is particularly relevant for SA holding companies, which may not require physical office space on a daily basis but nonetheless need an official address for board meetings and the reception of legal correspondence. It is important to note that the registered office address must appear on all official documents of the SA: invoices, commercial correspondence, notarial deeds, and legal publications. Domiciliation at a centre registered with the SPF Economy ensures that this address is compliant and recognised by Belgian authorities. Board meetings can also be held at the business centre's premises, providing a formal setting suited to the governance requirements of an SA.

The ASBL (Association Sans But Lucratif), known in Dutch as the VZW (Vereniging Zonder Winstoogmerk), is the legal form dedicated to non-profit organisations: cultural, sports, humanitarian, educational, and social associations. The ASBL must have a registered office in Belgium, and its address is published in the Belgian Official Gazette upon incorporation and every time it is subsequently changed. This publication ensures transparency towards third parties and public authorities. Many ASBLs are run by volunteers who use their personal home address as the registered office. While this is perfectly legal, it carries significant drawbacks. First, the home address of the president or board member becomes public information, accessible to anyone. Second, if the board of directors changes — which is common in the non-profit sector — the articles of association must be amended and a new address published each time, generating repeated costs and administrative burden. Domiciliation of an ASBL at a business centre solves both of these problems. The address remains stable regardless of changes in the leadership team, and board members' privacy is protected. Office Factory offers domiciliation specifically tailored to ASBLs, with support that takes into account the particular needs of the non-profit sector. Domiciliation also gives the ASBL a more professional image in the eyes of subsidy providers, donors, and institutional partners — a considerable advantage for associations seeking grants or funding. Learn more on our dedicated ASBL/VZW domiciliation page.

All three legal forms share one fundamental obligation: they must have a registered office in Belgium. All three can use domiciliation at a registered business centre, and the price is the same regardless of company type. The differences lie in the practical considerations. The SRL is the most flexible and accessible form, ideal for freelancers, sole traders, and SMEs looking for a simple, affordable solution. The SA requires an address that inspires confidence in shareholders and investors, making it an excellent candidate for domiciliation at a prestigious business centre — particularly for holding structures. The ASBL needs stability above all: an address that does not change every time the board of directors is renewed, protecting the privacy of its volunteer members. In every case, the critical factor is choosing a domiciliation provider that is registered with the SPF Economy and compliant with all applicable regulations. A registered provider guarantees the legal validity of your registered office and protects you against potential administrative complications. Office Factory, as a registered business centre and member of the Belgian Workspace Association, meets these criteria and supports SRLs, SAs, and ASBLs alike in their domiciliation needs.

Whether you are incorporating an SRL, structuring an SA, or founding an ASBL, domiciliation is a proven solution for establishing a compliant, professional, and stable registered office. It spares you the drawbacks of using a personal address and provides a solid legal foundation from day one. At Office Factory, we support every company type with the same rigour and professionalism, ensuring that your domiciliation meets all Belgian legal requirements.