Filing Annual Accounts with the NBB: Obligations and Procedure

Introduction

In Belgium, most companies must file their annual accounts with the Central Balance Sheet Office of the National Bank of Belgium (NBB). This obligation aims to ensure the financial transparency of businesses and protect third parties (suppliers, clients, investors).

Who must file annual accounts?

Companies concerned

The following companies are required to file their annual accounts with the NBB:

• Limited liability companies: SRL, SA, SC
• Associations and foundations: ASBL/VZW, AISBL/IVZW, foundations (depending on size)
• Economic interest groupings (EIG)

Exempt entities

The following are exempt from filing:

• Sole proprietorships (self-employed individuals)
• General partnerships (SNC/VOF) and limited partnerships (SComm/CommV) where all unlimited partners are natural persons
• Certain small non-profit associations

Annual accounts formats

Full format

The full format is mandatory for large companies that exceed more than one of the following criteria:

• Annual turnover: EUR 9,000,000
• Total balance sheet: EUR 4,500,000
• Number of employees: 50

It includes a detailed balance sheet, detailed profit and loss account, complete notes, and a management report.

Abbreviated format

Small companies (not exceeding more than one of the above criteria) may use the abbreviated format, which is simplified with fewer required details in the notes.

Micro format

Micro-companies may use the micro format if they do not exceed more than one of the following criteria:

• Annual turnover: EUR 900,000
• Total balance sheet: EUR 450,000
• Number of employees: 10

The micro format is the most simplified, with minimal disclosure obligations.

Filing procedure

Electronic filing via the NBB portal

Filing is done exclusively online via the Central Balance Sheet Office portal of the NBB. Two options exist:

XBRL format

Annual accounts must be filed in XBRL format (eXtensible Business Reporting Language), an international standard for financial data exchange.

Documents to include

The filing comprises:

• The balance sheet
• The profit and loss account
• The notes
• The social balance sheet (employment information)
• The auditor's report (if applicable)
• The management report (for large companies, attached but not published)

Filing deadlines

Legal calendar

Annual accounts must be filed within 30 days of their approval by the general meeting. The general meeting must be held within 6 months of the financial year closing.

Practical example

For a financial year closing on December 31:

• The general meeting must be held by June 30 at the latest
• Filing with the NBB must be done by July 30 at the latest

Absolute maximum deadline

Filing must occur no later than 7 months after the financial year closing date (i.e., July 31 at the latest for a financial year closing on December 31).

Filing costs

Fees (2026)

Filing fees vary according to the format and filing method:

• Full format: approximately EUR 370
• Abbreviated format: approximately EUR 140
• Micro format: approximately EUR 75

Surcharges apply for late filing or corrections.

Penalties for late filing

Administrative fines

Late filing results in a surcharge on filing fees:

• Filing between the 1st and 2nd month of delay: surcharge of EUR 120
• Filing between the 2nd and 3rd month of delay: surcharge of EUR 240
• From the 3rd month of delay: surcharge of EUR 360

Other consequences

• The enterprise court may order the judicial dissolution of the company
• Directors may be held personally liable for damages to third parties
• The contribution charged to companies (contribution to insolvency benefit funding) may be increased
• The company's commercial credit may be affected (annual accounts are public)

Consulting annual accounts

Filed annual accounts are publicly accessible via the NBB website. Anyone can consult any Belgian company's annual accounts free of charge.

Conclusion

Need help filing your annual accounts? LegalBelgique collaborates with accountants and certified bookkeepers to ensure the preparation and timely filing of your annual accounts. Avoid surcharges and protect your company's reputation.