Starting a Business in Belgium: The Complete 2026 Guide

Why Start a Business in Belgium?

Belgium offers a favorable environment for entrepreneurs thanks to its central location in Europe, its high-performance logistics network, and numerous tax advantages for new businesses.

Advantages of Belgium for Entrepreneurs

• Strategic location: at the heart of Europe, close to Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt
• Qualified workforce: one of the highest rates of higher education in Europe
• Innovation ecosystem: numerous public grants, incubators, and accelerators
• Multilingual market: direct access to French-speaking, Dutch-speaking, and German-speaking markets

Legal Forms in Belgium

The SRL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée / Private Limited Company)

The SRL is the most popular legal form in Belgium since the reform of the Companies and Associations Code (CSA) in 2019. It replaced the former SPRL.

Key features:

• No mandatory minimum capital (but sufficient starting equity required)
• One or more shareholders
• Limited liability to contributions
• Significant statutory flexibility

Creation cost: between €1,000 and €2,500 (excluding notary fees for contributions in kind)

The SA (Société Anonyme / Public Limited Company)

The SA is suitable for large companies and ambitious projects requiring significant investments.

Key features:

• Minimum capital of €61,500
• One or more shareholders
• Ability to issue bonds
• More formal governance structure

The ASBL (Association Sans But Lucratif / Non-Profit Organization)

The ASBL is ideal for social, cultural, or humanitarian projects.

Key features:

• No minimum capital
• At least two members
• No profit distribution to members
• Disinterested corporate purpose

Steps to Create Your Company

1. Draft a Financial Plan

Since the CSA reform, every company must have a detailed financial plan covering at least two years. This document must demonstrate that starting equity is sufficient for the planned activity.

2. Draft the Articles of Association

The articles of association define your company's operating rules. They must include:

• The name and legal form
• The registered office
• The corporate purpose
• Contributions and share distribution
• Governance rules

3. Visit the Notary

For SRLs and SAs, the deed of incorporation must be drawn up by notarial deed. The notary verifies the compliance of the articles and publishes the deed in the Belgian Official Gazette.

4. Register with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE)

Your company receives a unique enterprise number that serves as an identifier for all administrative procedures.

5. Activate VAT

If your activity is subject to VAT, you must activate your VAT number with the competent VAT control office.

6. Join a Social Insurance Fund

As a self-employed person or company manager, you must join a social insurance fund within 90 days of starting your activity.

7. Take Out Mandatory Insurance

Certain insurance policies are mandatory depending on your sector (professional liability, fire insurance for the registered office, etc.).

Expected Costs

Conclusion

Starting a business in Belgium is a structured process that can be completed in a few weeks with the right guidance. At LegalBelgique, we simplify every step so you can focus on your business.

Need help starting your business? Contact our experts for personalized guidance.