Opening a Professional Bank Account in Belgium: Complete Guide

The Legal Obligation of a Professional Account

In Belgium, every company with legal personality (SRL, SA, SC) is required to have a bank account separate from that of its founders. This obligation stems from the Code of Companies and Associations (CCA) and is linked to the deposit of starting capital at incorporation.

For sole proprietorships (self-employed natural persons), there is no strict legal obligation to have a separate account, but it is strongly recommended for accounting and tax reasons. The Belgian tax administration may indeed require a clear separation between personal and professional finances.

Capital Deposit: A Preliminary Step

For the SRL (Private Limited Company)

Since the CCA of 2019, there is no longer a minimum capital requirement for the SRL. However, founders must demonstrate sufficient starting equity through a financial plan. The amount must be deposited into a blocked account opened with a Belgian bank before signing the deed of incorporation at the notary.

For the SA (Public Limited Company)

The SA requires a minimum capital of EUR 61,500, of which at least one quarter must be paid up at incorporation. This amount must also be deposited into a blocked account.

Main Banks in Belgium

Traditional Banks

• BNP Paribas Fortis: the largest Belgian bank, offers comprehensive professional packages
• KBC/CBC: strong presence in Flanders (KBC) and Wallonia (CBC)
• ING Belgium: good online platform, competitive rates
• Belfius: formerly Dexia, well established in the Belgian market

Fintech Alternatives

• Qonto: French neobank very popular with Belgian SMEs
• Wise Business: ideal for international transactions
• Revolut Business: comprehensive offering with multiple currencies
• Finom: specialised for European freelancers and SMEs

Required Documents

To open a professional account, prepare the following documents:

Banks also carry out a KYC verification (Know Your Customer) as part of their anti-money laundering obligations. This procedure can take from a few days to several weeks.

Fees and Rates

Rates vary considerably from bank to bank:

• Account maintenance fees: from EUR 0 (fintech) to EUR 15-30/month (traditional banks)
• SEPA transfers: generally free or EUR 0.10-0.50 per transaction
• Professional bank card: from EUR 0 to EUR 50/year depending on the bank
• Payment terminal: from EUR 20/month + commission per transaction

Tips to Facilitate the Opening

• Prepare all your documents in advance to avoid back and forth
• Compare offers from several banks before deciding
• Check accounting compatibility: some banks integrate better with Belgian accounting software
• Ask whether the bank accepts companies in the process of incorporation

Conclusion

Setting up a company in Belgium and need help opening your professional bank account? LegalBelgique supports you through all administrative procedures, from incorporating your company to depositing capital. Simplify your procedures with our experts!