ODINT--Ai-Logo-white (1)

Belgium Company Registration

This article will provide all the necessary information on Belgium company registration. It will briefly discuss the business structure, steps, criteria, and documents required to register a company in Belgium.

[rank_math_breadcrumb]

GET EXPERT
ASSISTANCE

Table of Contents

Belgium

A heterogeneous country with diversification or division between two language-speaking cultural groups where half of the population speaks French and the other half speaks German, with an independent nature since 1830, the country of Belgium is a constitutional monarch with its capital city of Brussels. 

belgium company registration

Belgium became an integral part of the EU, internationalizing its economy in the year of 1952 when it came to a pact with Luxembourg, BLEU. 

Since the early 1990, Belgium was a major importer and came up as a fabricator and processor of imported raw materials. An almost recession-hit country majorly took steps and subsidized input costs for the international and national companies, post this there was a major depletion in the rate of unemployment, and the state have seen a growth in the rate of investment as well.
The cultural upliftment and modern practices to upgrade the business is one of the primary reasons why this Northwestern European country is an attraction for international businesses.
Culture, subsidized rate of taxes, an appropriate amount of manpower, and a good return on investment is what we will discuss in this article. We will also share why Odint is a better choice to expand your business.

Why should you register a company in Belgium?

  • The country’s geographical location and French, Dutch and German-speaking communities make it a desirable place to try out new products on the European market.
  • It has also been ranked as the 12th biggest exporter and the 14th biggest importer of goods around the world.
  • Strong infrastructure and strong shipping infrastructure make it a desirable location for business thanks to logistics and manufacturing.

Steps for Belgium company registration

steps for belgium company registration

Step 1: Draft the company’s legal documents

Step 2: Register at a commercial court

Step 3: Set up and verify capital

Step 4: The Act, and the notarization for incorporation

Step 5: Find the company’s VAT number and contact details.

Step 6: Join social security to register

Step 7: Arrange workplace insurance

Step 8: Engage payroll agency

Step 9: Set up professional cards and work permit

 

Eligibility criteria for Belgium company registration

eligibility criteria for belgium company registration

The eligibility criteria for company registration in Belgium are as follows:

Directors

One director from any nationality is needed. The Director of a Belgium company registration can be a Belgium citizen or a foreign citizen.

Shareholder

At least one shareholder is all that is needed for company registration in Belgium.

Share Capital

The requirement for minimum capital requirements is replaced by the requirement for shareholders to ensure that the company has enough funds when it is incorporated to be able to carry out its business.

Registered Office

Your business requires an official office in Belgium and must be provided for company registration in Belgium.

Company approvals

It is not a legal obligation for the Belgium business to have an executive secretary.

Documents needed for Belgium company registration

For Belgium company registration, you must need these documents:

  • The Name of the Company
  • The Directors Full name, birth date address, nationality, and full name.
  • Copy of the director’s professional/educational qualification
  • The capital amount and how many shares were purchased by each member.
  • A financial plan will include details on how the initial investment, capital stock, will meet the requirements of the business for the first two years.
  • Name and address of shareholders as well as a copy of ID/passport
  • Proof of Residency and copy of the passport of the Director(s)/Shareholder(s)

Types of business entity for Belgium company registration

6 types of business entity for belgium company registration

These are various types of business structures of company registration in Belgium. 

Private limited company

This kind of structure is used to create small-sized businesses, provided an initial 18550 shares of capital dollars is paid. It is split into shares, and at minimum 20% of each share needs to be paid before incorporation. 

Two shareholders are needed to set the type of organization, regardless of nationality or place of residence. The liability of shareholders is limited to the amount they contributed.

Public limited company

The minimum share capital required for this type of business is at least 61,500 EUR which can be paid by at least two shareholders. The company may be founded either by individuals or legal entities regardless of the place of residence or citizenship they possess. The liability remains restricted for shareholders.

Limited company

Three members at least must agree to create this kind of organization in Belgium and they must have at least 18,500 EUR. A minimum of 6,200 EUR is required to be paid before the incorporation of the Belgian firm, and the remaining is deposited within five years of incorporation. There is a different kind of cooperative that has unlimited liability.

Partnership

The company is founded by at least two founders who are the sole owners of the business and both are responsible for the obligations and debts of the company. There is no minimum amount of deposit required upon incorporation, and management is backed with the help of shareholders. 

It is crucial to remember that in a general partnership, the responsibility of the shareholders is not limited. When a partnership is limited the general partner is the person who is accountable for the business and who will take care of the management, while the limited partners will contribute the financial resources but will not be able to participate directly in managing the company.

Sole trader

This is the simplest form of type of business and is also the one that carries full responsibility, just like in the case of a general partnership. The business is operated by a single person and there isn’t any separation between his property and the assets of the company. It is a good choice for consultancy work or offering other services.

Branch

 The branch of the parent firm is engaged in similar business activities in Belgium. In tax matters, it is treated the identical way as a resident entity and must adhere to the local rules of management. The branch must also be certified by the Crossroads Bank of Enterprises before it can begin business operations.

Advantages of company registration in Belgium

  • A simpler process to incorporate this jurisdiction.
  • Attractive local and strategic Central access into Europe.
  • Complete foreign ownership.
  • Favorable tax regime.
  • Minimum share capital is low.
  • Created an infrastructural system.
  • No foreign exchange restrictions.
  • Double taxation treaties have been signed with more than 80 countries.
  • It is recognized as the capital city of Europe.

Cost to register a company in Belgium

  • The notary fees are calculated by the share capital of the company and will be greater in the case of an SPRL when compared with an SA.
  • The publication fee will be charged to the time that they are paid when the Articles of Association are published in the Belgian Official Journal; around 250 euros.
  • The registration fee for a company is due at the time of registration at the Crossroad Bank, with an average fee of around 70 euros.
  • The VAT registration fee typically ranges from 50 to 50 euros for tax registration for the business.

Taxation of companies in Belgium

  • Businesses in Belgium must adhere to the regulations of the Income Tax Code and the additional laws and decrees that are appropriate. The tax authorities of Belgium are created at the local, regional, and federal levels.
  • The taxes that companies pay include taxes for companies include corporation income tax, pay tax for payrolls, transfer tax, insurance premium tax, value-added tax, and the value-added. The amount of corporate income tax is an effective rate of 25 percent. The
  • Tax on branches has the same value however when it comes to withholding taxes on dividends foreign companies operating in Belgium are affected by a reduced rate or total exemption by an agreement on double taxation.

Company Setup

Book free end-to-end experts consultation with Odint company formation experts

GET EXPERT
ASSISTANCE

Conclusion

Belgium has an ideal business environment as well as an excellent connection to markets around. The five qualities of the country include a very high quality of life and an incredibly welcoming, multicultural, and welcoming business climate. The investors who register a company in Belgium are also able to have access to a highly skilled collection of both foreign and national employees as well as numerous tax advantages.

If you still have a question regarding Belgium company registration. Consult Odint Consultancy. We are here to help you.

FAQ’s

A minimum capital share is contingent on the type of business The minimum share capital can be 18,550 EUR for a private limited company, and a minimum of 61,500 for an open limited company.

The bank account of the company is crucial to facilitate future transactions and also to deposit the capital of the shares. Banks in Belgium generally need documents of incorporation as well as information about the founders to create an account of a corporate bank.

Yes. Permits and licenses are required for many business operations like the sale or storage of food items as well as exporting and importing various items, and many more.

Belgium has an income tax on corporate earnings of 25 percent. Real property taxes, payroll taxes, tax, and social security taxes as well as transfer taxes are included in the tax burdens for businesses in Belgium.

It could take just 4 days to start a business within Belgium.

Foreign investors are attracted to create Belgian businesses due to its central-European area, the diverse atmosphere, the skilled workforce, and the open economy.

Looking for an Expert Guidance?

Get 30 minutes of free consultation with our company formation experts!

Will help you to setup your company anywhere in the world

Get Dedicated company formation consultant

End-to-end management and consulting

GET EXPERT
ASSISTANCE