CBE Registration in Belgium: Procedures and Formalities

Introduction

The Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE) is the central register of all businesses and their establishment units in Belgium. CBE registration is a mandatory step for anyone wishing to carry out a commercial or artisanal activity.

What is the CBE?

The CBE, managed by the FPS Economy, centralizes the basic data of all active businesses in Belgium. It assigns each business a unique enterprise number of 10 digits (format 0XXX.XXX.XXX), which also serves as the VAT number (preceded by "BE").

Registered data

The CBE contains notably:

• The name of the business
• The registered office and establishment units
• The legal form (sole proprietor, SRL, SA, etc.)
• The activities carried out (NACE-BEL codes)
• The start date of the activity
• Authorizations and licenses obtained

Accredited enterprise counters

Role of the enterprise counter

CBE registration cannot be done directly with the FPS. You must go through an accredited enterprise counter, which acts as an official intermediary. In Belgium, the accredited counters are:

• Acerta
• Liantis (ex-Zenito)
• Securex
• UCM
• Xerius
• Partena Professional
• Formalis
• Eunomia

How to choose?

The choice of counter is free. Compare the services offered, fees, and geographical proximity. Some counters offer complete online services, while others focus on in-person support.

Required documents for registration

For a self-employed sole proprietor

• Belgian identity card or valid residence permit
• Proof of professional access (if regulated activity)
• Lease agreement or proof of business address
• Professional bank account number (recommended)

For a company

• Articles of incorporation (notarial deed published in the Belgian Official Gazette)
• Company articles of association
• Identity card of the director(s)
• Proof of professional access (if applicable)
• Lease agreement for the registered office

Registration procedure

The steps

Timelines and costs

• Registration is generally effective on the same day or within a few days
• The registration fee is set at EUR 91.50 (2026) for a first registration
• VAT activation is free when requested at the same time as registration
• Each subsequent modification costs approximately EUR 91.50

Establishment units

If you carry out your activity at multiple addresses, each location must be registered as an establishment unit in the CBE. The first registration is included in the initial registration, but each additional unit generates extra fees.

Modifications and deregistrations

Modifying your CBE data

Any change must be reported within one month:

• Change of registered office address
• Modification of activities (addition or removal of NACE codes)
• Change of director or manager
• Change of company name

Deregistering

In case of cessation of activity, you must deregister through your enterprise counter. This also leads to the deactivation of your VAT number.

Conclusion

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