NACE-BEL Codes: How to Choose the Right Activity Code in Belgium

What is a NACE-BEL code?

The NACE-BEL code is a 5-digit identifier that describes a company's economic activity in Belgium. It is part of the European NACE nomenclature, adapted to the Belgian level (NACE-BEL 2025). Each company declares a main activity and, if needed, one or more secondary activities.

What is the NACE code for?

• It identifies your activity to the CBE and the administration;
• It determines certain obligations (authorizations, access to the profession, VAT regime);
• It conditions access to grants and sector statistics;
• It appears on your public company record.

An inaccurate code can lead to a refused authorization, wrong VAT treatment or ineligibility for a subsidy.

How is a NACE-BEL code structured?

The nomenclature is hierarchical:

• Section (letter, e.g. J – Information and communication)
• Division (2 digits)
• Group (3 digits)
• Class (4 digits)
• NACE-BEL subclass (5 digits) — e.g. 62.010 "Computer programming"

It is this 5-digit code that you declare.

How to choose the right NACE code?

How to declare or change a NACE code?

• At creation, codes are entered via the business counter during CBE registration.
• To add, change or remove a code later, contact your business counter (paid service per establishment unit).
• For VAT, the administration may associate specific NACE codes with your liability.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a code that is too broad or off-topic;
• Forgetting secondary activities actually carried out;
• Confusing the VAT code and the social security code (administrations may use slightly different codes);
• Not updating codes after a change of activity.

Conclusion

Choosing your NACE-BEL codes well from the start avoids administrative and tax blockages. Take the time to map your real main and secondary activities.

Starting your business? LegalBelgique helps you identify the right NACE-BEL codes and declare them correctly to the CBE.