Register a Business in Belgium 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Belgium in 2025 has emerged as one of Europe’s most strategic business hubs, attracting foreign entrepreneurs, startups, and multinational corporations alike. Its central location at the heart of the European Union, excellent connectivity, robust infrastructure, and access to a multilingual and highly skilled workforce make it a preferred destination for international expansion. The country’s supportive regulatory framework and thriving startup ecosystem are further boosted by government initiatives that encourage innovation, foreign investment, and sustainable business growth.

This guide is carefully crafted for global companies, entrepreneurs, and international expansion teams. By reading this article, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to register a company in Belgium, the legal and compliance requirements, the types of business entities available, and strategic alternatives like Employer of Record (EOR) solutions that allow you to operate without setting up a local legal entity.

Table of Contents

• Exploring Your Market Entry Options in Belgium
• Business Structures You Can Choose From
• Comparing Business Structure Options
• How to Choose the Right Business Model for Your Operations
• Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration in Belgium
• Key Documents Required to Register Your Belgian Company
• Post-Incorporation Essentials You Shouldn’t Ignore in Belgium
• Additional Business Licenses and Registrations You Might Need in Belgium
• Timeframe to Set Up a Business in Belgium
• What Does It Cost to Incorporate a Company in Belgium?
• Obstacles Global Founders May Face While Setting Up in Belgium
• Employer of Record: A Simpler Way to Hire in Belgium Without Incorporation
• Why Asanify is the Ideal Partner for Global Companies Entering Belgium
• Summary & Final Takeaways
• FAQs

Exploring Your Market Entry Options in Belgium

Before you begin the company registration process, it is essential to determine the right market entry strategy for Belgium. Businesses generally adopt one of two approaches: either incorporating a local company or leveraging an Employer of Record (EOR) to hire employees without establishing a Belgian entity.

Incorporating a Local Business Entity

Incorporating a company in Belgium is the traditional route to fully establish your presence. It involves registering your business with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE), ensuring complete compliance with Belgian laws, obtaining a VAT number, opening a corporate bank account, and meeting local employment obligations. This method is well-suited for companies with a long-term strategy in Belgium or across the EU because it provides full operational control and strengthens brand credibility. However, it requires careful planning, understanding of the country’s tax and regulatory framework, and ongoing compliance management.

Hiring Through an Employer of Record (EOR)

If your goal is to test the Belgian market quickly or set up a pilot team without heavy investment, partnering with an EOR is often the smarter choice. An EOR acts as the legal employer for your workforce in Belgium while you manage day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. This model is cost-efficient, faster to implement, and minimizes legal risks, as the EOR takes care of employment contracts, payroll processing, tax withholdings, social security contributions, and statutory benefits. It is particularly valuable for businesses looking to explore new European markets without committing to a full-fledged legal entity.

Business Structures You Can Choose From

Belgium offers multiple legal structures, and choosing the right one is critical for operational efficiency, taxation, and liability protection.

A Sole Proprietorship (Entreprise Individuelle / Eenmanszaak) is the simplest option, suitable for freelancers and small traders, though it exposes the owner to unlimited personal liability. Partnerships (SNC/VOF) involve two or more partners sharing both profits and responsibilities, often used for family or small co-owned ventures.

For most foreign companies and startups, the Limited Liability Company (SRL/BV) is the preferred choice. It provides limited liability for shareholders, has flexible capital requirements, and offers a balance between simplicity and credibility. Public Limited Companies (SA/NV) are ideal for large businesses seeking outside investors or those planning to list shares publicly. Belgium also supports Cooperative Companies (SC/CV) for collective initiatives and Branch Offices for foreign companies wishing to operate locally without forming a separate entity.

Comparing Business Structure Options

Structure	Ownership	Liability	Taxation	Compliance	Best For
Sole Proprietorship	1 owner	Unlimited	Personal income tax	Low	Freelancers & small traders
Partnership	2+ partners	Unlimited	Personal income tax	Low	Small co-owned ventures
SRL/BV	1+ shareholders	Limited	Corporate tax	Moderate	Startups & SMEs
SC/CV	3+ members	Limited	Corporate tax	Moderate	Cooperatives or joint ventures
SA/NV	2+ shareholders	Limited	Corporate tax	High	Large corporations & public listing
Branch Office	Parent company	Parent liable	Corporate tax on Belgian revenue	Moderate	Foreign companies testing the market

How to Choose the Right Business Model for Your Operations

Selecting the most suitable business structure in Belgium requires careful evaluation of your operational needs, liability exposure, and long-term goals. Belgium’s legal system offers multiple options, from simple sole proprietorships to complex public limited companies, each catering to a different type of entrepreneur or foreign investor. Below are the key considerations to guide your decision:

1. Business Size and Stage

If you are a solo entrepreneur or freelancer entering the Belgian market with minimal risk, an Entreprise Individuelle (Sole Proprietorship) is the simplest option. However, it does not separate your personal and business liabilities.

Small or medium-sized businesses, especially foreign companies setting up local operations, often choose an SRL/BV (Private Limited Company) because it provides limited liability and is flexible with capital requirements.

Larger enterprises or those planning European expansion and significant local hiring may consider an SA/NV (Public Limited Company), which is suitable for scaling operations and raising capital from multiple investors.

2. Nature of Operations

The type of work your business performs significantly influences your structure choice:

• Professional services, consultancies, or joint ventures often work well as a Partnership (SNC/VOF) or a Cooperative Company (SC/CV) where decision-making is shared.
• Product-based startups or technology ventures that expect to seek investment usually favor SRL/BV, which supports shareholding flexibility and offers credibility for clients and investors.
• Manufacturing, trading, or large-scale commercial operations that plan to work with multiple stakeholders often select SA/NV for long-term scalability and investor appeal.

3. Liability Appetite

Assess how much personal risk you are willing to take. In Belgium:

• Sole Proprietorships and general Partnerships (SNC/VOF) have unlimited personal liability, which means your personal assets could be at risk in the event of business debts.
• SRL/BV, SC/CV, and SA/NV provide limited liability protection, shielding owners and shareholders from personal financial exposure beyond their invested capital.
• Foreign companies operating as a Branch Office also enjoy limited liability, as obligations typically rest with the parent entity.

If your goal is to protect personal assets while expanding in the EU, SRL/BV is the most secure and versatile option.

4. Investment and Fundraising Requirements

If you plan to raise capital or attract investors, your structure plays a crucial role:

• SRL/BV is ideal for early-stage or growth-stage ventures as it can issue shares and attract venture capital or angel investment.
• SA/NV is the best choice for large-scale fundraising or a future IPO, as it allows public shareholding and multiple classes of shares.
• SNC/VOF and Sole Proprietorships are limited in fundraising capabilities because they cannot issue equity shares.
• Cooperative Companies (SC/CV) may suit joint ventures or projects involving multiple stakeholders but have specific member-based rules for profit distribution.

For foreign founders seeking institutional or cross-border investment, forming an SRL/BV or SA/NV ensures credibility and smoother funding opportunities.

5. Long-Term Growth Strategies

Your future growth and exit plans should heavily influence your decision:

• If your objective is to build a scalable, investor-ready company that can expand across Europe, an SRL/BV is the most practical starting point.
• Businesses aiming for public listing or attracting major European institutional investors should target an SA/NV, which is designed for long-term, large-scale growth.
• If your goal is a stable, low-compliance business with limited expansion needs, a Partnership or Cooperative Company may suffice.
• Foreign companies wanting to test the Belgian market first often start with a Branch Office or hire through an EOR before committing to full incorporation.

Suggested Read: Employer of Record Belgium: A Comprehensive Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration in Belgium

After deciding on your business structure, the next step is to complete the official company registration process in Belgium. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the legal and compliance requirements.

1. Define Your Company Type

Select the legal structure that best matches your business goals. This can be a Sole Proprietorship (Entreprise Individuelle / Eenmanszaak), Partnership (SNC/VOF), SRL/BV (Private Limited Company), SA/NV (Public Limited Company), SC/CV (Cooperative), or a Branch Office of a foreign company.
The choice of entity will determine your ownership rules, initial capital requirements, compliance obligations, and the registration steps you need to follow.

2. Choose a Unique Company Name

Pick a company name that reflects your brand and meets Belgian naming rules.
Verify that the name is available through the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE/KBO) database before moving forward to avoid delays.

3. Prepare Incorporation Documents

Gather the necessary incorporation documents such as:

• Articles of Association (Statutes) detailing company objectives, governance, and shareholding
• Identification documents of shareholders and directors
• Proof of the registered office address, such as a lease agreement or property ownership certificate
  For companies like SRL/BV and SA/NV, these documents must be signed in front of a Belgian notary.

4. Deposit Initial Capital (If Applicable)

Certain company types, such as an SA/NV, require you to deposit the minimum capital into a Belgian bank account before incorporation.
The bank will issue a certificate of deposit, which is a required document for registration.

5. Register with a Belgian Notary

Companies such as SRL/BV and SA/NV must be officially incorporated through a Belgian notary.
The notary will validate your Articles of Association, confirm the capital deposit, and submit your company details to the Belgian authorities.

6. File for Official Registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises

Once notarized, your company must be registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE/KBO) to obtain your enterprise number.
This step makes your company legally recognized and allows it to start operations in Belgium.

7. Activate Your VAT Number

Apply for a VAT number through the Federal Public Service Finance portal.
This is essential if your business will issue invoices, conduct commercial activities, or engage in intra-EU trade.

8. Open a Corporate Bank Account

After registration, open a corporate bank account for all business transactions.
This account will be used to handle operational payments, payroll, and any future capital requirements.

Once these steps are completed, your company is officially registered and legally able to operate in Belgium.

Key Documents Required to Register Your Belgian Company

Before officially registering your company in Belgium, it is important to prepare and organize all the required documentation. These documents are submitted to the Belgian notary and relevant authorities such as the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE/KBO). They serve to confirm the identity, residential status, and business intent of all involved stakeholders, including directors, shareholders, and the company itself.

The following is the list of essential documents you will need:

Identity Proof of Shareholders and Directors

All proposed directors and shareholders must provide valid proof of identity. For Belgian citizens and EU residents, a national identity card or passport is accepted. For non-EU or foreign nationals, a passport is mandatory. If the document is in a foreign language, it must be translated into French, Dutch, or German and may need to be notarized or apostilled to ensure its validity in Belgium.

Proof of Residential Address

Every shareholder and director is required to submit a document verifying their residential address. Acceptable documents include a bank statement, recent utility bill, or an official government-issued address certificate dated within the last 60 days. The document must clearly display the individual’s full name and complete residential address.

Passport-Size Photographs

Directors are required to submit recent passport-sized photographs, either digital or physical, depending on the notary’s requirements. These photographs are used in company records, filings, and identity verification processes. Ensure that the photographs meet official standards with a clear image and a neutral background.

Registered Office Address Documentation

Your company must have a registered office address in Belgium at the time of incorporation. To prove this, you will need to provide a lease agreement or property ownership document, along with a recent utility bill such as electricity, water, or gas. If the property is rented, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or landlord’s consent may also be required. All submitted documents must reflect the same address mentioned in your incorporation forms and should be dated within the last two months.

Standard Declarations and Consents

Certain legal declarations are mandatory during company registration in Belgium. These include a declaration of the company’s beneficial owners (UBO declaration), shareholder or subscriber statements, and director consents. These documents confirm the legitimacy of the business, the willingness of the directors to serve, and compliance with Belgian and EU regulatory requirements.

Having these documents ready in advance will ensure a smooth and timely registration process without unnecessary delays or rejections.

Post-Incorporation Essentials You Shouldn’t Ignore

Once your company has been successfully registered in Belgium, there are several post-incorporation steps you must take to ensure your business becomes fully operational and compliant with local regulations. Completing these activities early helps you manage taxation, finance, payroll, and legal obligations smoothly from the start.

Obtain Your Enterprise Number and VAT Registration

After registration, your company receives a unique enterprise number from the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE/KBO). This number identifies your company for all legal and administrative purposes in Belgium.
If your company will engage in commercial activities such as issuing invoices, selling goods or services, or conducting EU trade, you must also activate a VAT number with the Federal Public Service Finance. This allows you to collect and remit Value Added Tax and ensures compliance with Belgian and European Union tax regulations.

Register with Social Security

If you plan to hire employees, your company must register with the Belgian National Social Security Office (NSSO/RSZ-ONSS). Social security registration is mandatory to contribute to employee benefits like health insurance, pensions, and unemployment coverage. Employers are responsible for timely deductions and remittances to remain compliant.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

A corporate bank account in the company’s name is essential for managing finances, paying salaries, receiving payments, and maintaining clear financial records. Belgian banks typically require your enterprise number, notarized incorporation documents, and proof of registered office to open a business account.

Set Up Payroll and Employee Withholding

Companies that hire staff in Belgium must establish a payroll system to manage employee salaries, social security contributions, and income tax withholding. Engaging with a local payroll provider or using an Employer of Record (EOR) platform can simplify this process and help avoid non-compliance penalties.

File the UBO Declaration

Belgium requires all companies to declare their Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) within 30 days of incorporation. A UBO is any individual who owns or controls at least 25% of the company. Filing this declaration ensures compliance with EU anti-money laundering directives.

Additional Business Licenses and Registrations You Might Need in Belgium

Depending on your business activities and sector, you may need additional licenses or registrations after incorporation:

1. Municipal Trade License
   Local businesses operating from physical offices, retail outlets, or warehouses must comply with municipal regulations. This ensures your establishment meets safety and labor requirements.
2. Import and Export Registrations (EORI Number)
   If your company is involved in import or export activities within the European Union, you will need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number for customs clearance and compliance.
3. Sector-Specific Authorizations
   Certain industries like finance, healthcare, food services, or education require special permits and inspections. Approval from relevant Belgian or EU authorities is mandatory before operations begin.
4. Environmental or Safety Permits
   Companies involved in manufacturing, logistics, or any activity with environmental impact may require environmental permits from regional authorities.

Importance of Compliance

Completing these post-incorporation tasks on time ensures that your company operates within the framework of Belgian and EU law. Non-compliance can lead to administrative penalties, fines, or restrictions on business activities. By establishing proper tax registration, social security contributions, and necessary licenses from the start, your company will be positioned for smooth operations and sustainable growth in Belgium.

Timeframe to Set Up a Business in Belgium

Setting up a company in Belgium is relatively efficient, especially with online filing and the streamlined processes of the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises. On average, it takes around 10 to 15 business days to complete the incorporation if all documents are ready and notarized. The timeline can extend slightly if translations, capital deposits, or sector-specific approvals are required.

Step	Estimated Duration
Name reservation	1–2 business days
Notary registration & filing	3–5 business days
VAT activation & bank account setup	5–7 business days
Total estimated timeframe	10–15 business days

With complete documentation, most foreign companies can incorporate and become operational within two to three weeks.

What Does It Cost to Incorporate a Company in Belgium?

In Belgium, the cost of incorporation is moderate compared to many Western European countries, though it depends on the business structure, capital requirements, and whether you engage professional assistance. Costs may also vary based on the region and any additional sector-specific registrations.

Here’s a typical breakup of incorporation costs in Belgium:

• Government Registration Fees: The administrative fees for registering with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE/KBO) generally range from €150 to €500, depending on the company type.
• Notary Fees: Companies like SRL/BV or SA/NV require notarization of their Articles of Association, with notary fees usually falling between €500 and €1,500.
• Stamp Duty: Certain company structures, especially those with higher initial capital, may incur additional stamp duty charges that vary by region.
• Professional Service Charges: Engaging a local lawyer, accountant, or incorporation consultancy can cost between €500 and €1,500, depending on the complexity of the setup and any translation requirements.
• Optional Registrations: Additional costs may apply for sector-specific licenses, EORI registration for import/export, or environmental permits.

On average, the total cost to incorporate a company in Belgium ranges from €1,000 to €3,000 or more for larger capital-intensive entities.

Obstacles Global Founders May Face While Setting Up in Belgium

Belgium offers an excellent gateway to the European market, but foreign entrepreneurs can encounter several practical and regulatory challenges while setting up a company. Understanding these hurdles in advance can help you plan your incorporation strategy more effectively.

Document Attestation and Translation

Foreign shareholders and directors are required to provide identity and address documents that are properly legalized or apostilled. Passports, residential proofs, and company documents from abroad often need to be notarized and translated into one of Belgium’s official languages: Dutch, French, or German. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted documents are a common cause of registration delays.

Navigating Multi-Language Compliance

Belgium’s trilingual legal environment can pose challenges for foreign founders. Company statutes, shareholder agreements, and filings must be submitted in the language relevant to the region where the business is registered (Flemish Region, Walloon Region, or Brussels Capital). Errors in translation or inconsistencies across documents can delay incorporation.

Sector-Specific Regulations and Approvals

Certain industries such as finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and logistics require additional approvals before operations can begin. Foreign investors must also verify if their planned activities are compliant with European Union directives and Belgian regional laws. Businesses in food production, environmental services, and e-commerce may require inspections and permits before becoming fully operational.

Ensuring Compliance from Abroad

Managing Belgian regulatory requirements remotely can be challenging. Companies need to submit timely VAT returns, maintain accurate accounting records, and comply with social security contributions if they employ staff. Without local representation or an Employer of Record (EOR), foreign businesses can struggle to meet ongoing compliance obligations.

Incorporating as a Foreign-Owned Company: A Special Path

Foreign founders have multiple ways to establish a presence in Belgium, each offering different levels of operational flexibility and regulatory obligations.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (SRL/BV or SA/NV)

This is the most common route for foreign investors. A wholly-owned subsidiary is a separate legal entity with its own rights and liabilities. It allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, subject to EU and Belgian regulatory compliance. It is ideal for companies seeking complete operational control and long-term growth in Europe.

Liaison Office (Representative Office)

A liaison office serves as a communication bridge between the parent company and Belgian stakeholders. It cannot perform commercial or revenue-generating activities. This structure is primarily used for market research, brand promotion, and local coordination without engaging in active trading.

Branch Office

A branch office allows a foreign company to carry out limited commercial operations in Belgium but is considered an extension of the parent entity. It can provide services or perform research but does not have the same legal independence as a subsidiary. A branch office is suitable for businesses testing the Belgian market before committing to full incorporation.

EU and Belgian Foreign Investment Considerations

While Belgium generally allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, certain industries operate under additional scrutiny due to EU directives and national interests. For example:

• Defense and security-related businesses may require prior government approvals.
• Financial services and insurance must comply with the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) and FSMA regulations.
• Strategic industries, such as energy and telecommunications, may involve specific investment reporting obligations under EU screening mechanisms.

As with other jurisdictions, foreign direct investment (FDI) requires careful compliance with Belgian company law, European directives, and anti-money laundering rules.

Global founders often work with incorporation consultants, law firms, or Employer of Record (EOR) providers to navigate these complexities. This ensures a smoother market entry, faster setup, and minimal risk of regulatory non-compliance.

Employer of Record: A Simpler Way to Hire in Belgium Without Incorporation

Entering the Belgian market does not always require setting up a full legal entity. For many foreign businesses, especially those looking to test the market or deploy small teams, an Employer of Record (EOR) provides a fast and fully compliant solution for hiring local talent without the cost and time of incorporation.

From a legal perspective, the EOR becomes the official employer of your Belgian workforce, managing employment contracts, payroll, taxes, and statutory benefits in accordance with Belgian labor laws. Meanwhile, you retain full control over the day-to-day management, responsibilities, and work output of the employees.

This approach is ideal for companies looking to conduct market research, run short-term projects, deploy local sales or support teams, or build pilot operations before committing to a permanent presence in Belgium. An EOR ensures that your employees are legally recognized and that all obligations regarding social security, tax withholdings, and labor law compliance are met without requiring you to navigate the complexities of incorporation.

By using an EOR, foreign companies are freed from the burden of preparing local employment contracts, managing payroll taxes, and handling mandatory employee benefits such as social security, paid leave, and pension contributions. It also protects your company from compliance risks, including misclassification of workers or labor disputes, which can be costly and time-consuming under Belgian law.

In an environment where international businesses need flexibility, reduced risk, and simplified HR operations, the EOR model is a compelling alternative to full incorporation for your Belgian expansion.

Suggested Read: Understanding Labour Laws in Belgium: Contracts, Wages, and Termination Rules

Why Asanify is the Ideal Partner for Global Companies Entering Belgium

If your company is considering expanding to Belgium, Asanify offers an end-to-end solution designed for international businesses. Our expertise covers both strategic expansion and regulatory compliance, helping you overcome the common pain points that global founders face when entering a new European market.

For companies that plan to establish a long-term presence, we assist with the entire incorporation process: choosing the right business structure, preparing and notarizing the Articles of Association, registering with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE), activating VAT, and completing all post-incorporation filings.

If you are not yet ready to incorporate, our Employer of Record solution allows you to hire Belgian employees in just a few days. We handle employment contracts, social security contributions, payroll management, and statutory benefits, allowing you to operate quickly and compliantly without the administrative burden of setting up a local entity.

Asanify has successfully supported global clients from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Whether you are a startup hiring your first local representative or a multinational company building a distributed European team, our local legal expertise, transparent pricing, and integrated HR tools ensure that your Belgian expansion is fast, compliant, and stress-free.

Summary & Final Takeaways

Expanding into Belgium offers significant opportunities, but choosing the right market entry strategy is crucial. Global companies generally have two options: incorporate a local entity or hire through an Employer of Record.

If your goal is to establish a long-term footprint, raise capital, or maintain complete operational control, forming a Belgian company such as an SRL/BV or SA/NV is the most suitable route. However, if you want rapid market entry, need to test operations, or plan to hire a small team without the legal complexities of incorporation, an Employer of Record enables you to start immediately while remaining fully compliant.

FAQs

Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant  or Labour Law  expert for specific guidance.