Register a BV/SRL, NV/SA, or other legal entity in Belgium with full legal support — from document preparation to CBE registration and VAT activation. Our team handles every step.
Belgium offers one of the most accessible company registration frameworks in Europe. Whether you are a local entrepreneur, an international investor, or a foreign company looking to establish a presence in the EU, registering a company in Belgium provides access to a market of over 450 million consumers, a multilingual workforce, and the headquarters of the European Union. LawSupport guides international clients through the entire Belgian company formation process — from selecting the right legal structure to obtaining your CBE/KBO number and activating your VAT registration.
Why Register a Company in Belgium?
Belgium consistently ranks among the top destinations for international business formation. The country's central location, EU membership, and transparent regulatory framework make it an ideal base for companies serving the European market.
EU Gateway: Direct access to the EU single market from the heart of Europe
Low Entry Barrier:BV/SRL formation requires no minimum capital since the 2019 CSA reform
Competitive Tax Regime: 25% standard corporate tax rate, with 20% reduced rate on first €100,000 for SMEs
Innovation Incentives: Patent income deduction up to 85%, R&D tax credits
Multilingual Environment: Business conducted in English, French, Dutch, and German
Double Tax Treaties: Belgium has tax treaties with over 95 countries
Stable Legal System: Based on the reformed Code of Companies and Associations (CSA/WVV, 2019)
Types of Companies in Belgium
Belgian corporate law offers several legal forms. The two most common for international entrepreneurs are the BV/SRL and NV/SA.
For most international entrepreneurs, the BV/SRL is the recommended choice — it offers maximum flexibility with limited liability and no minimum capital requirement. The NV/SA is typically chosen for larger operations or when the company plans to issue shares publicly.
We assess your business goals, recommend the appropriate company type (BV/SRL or NV/SA), and outline the specific requirements and documents needed for your situation. For foreign entrepreneurs, we also advise on residency and work permit implications.
Step 2 — Document Preparation
Our legal team drafts the articles of association (statuten/statuts), prepares the mandatory financial plan covering at least two years, and collects all required identification documents from shareholders and directors.
Step 3 — Notarial Deed
All Belgian company incorporations require a notarial deed (acte authentique). The notary verifies the articles of association, reviews the financial plan, confirms shareholder identity, and publishes an extract in the Belgian Official Gazette (Moniteur Belge/Belgisch Staatsblad).
Step 4 — CBE Registration
After the notarial deed, the company is registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO/BCE) through an approved enterprise counter (ondernemingsloket/guichet d'entreprises). Your company receives a unique 10-digit enterprise number (format: 0XXX.XXX.XXX).
Belgium places no nationality restrictions on company ownership. Both EU and non-EU citizens can register a company in Belgium as a foreigner. However, non-EU founders who plan to actively manage the business from Belgium may need to obtain a Belgian residence permit or professional card.
Key considerations for foreign founders:
No local director requirement for a BV/SRL
Remote incorporation is possible with power of attorney
Documents from abroad may require apostille or legalization
EU citizens have automatic right to establish a business in Belgium
Non-EU citizens may need a residence permit for day-to-day management
Sophie Mertens
Managing Partner — Company Formation & Corporate Structuring
The cost varies depending on the company type. For a BV/SRL, you can expect notary fees of €750–€1,500, plus CBE registration of approximately €90. Professional fees for legal assistance typically range from €1,500 to €3,500. Total startup costs usually fall between €2,500 and €5,000.
The process involves five steps: initial consultation and structure selection, drafting articles of association, notary deed execution, registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO/BCE), and VAT registration with the SPF Finances. A Belgian notary is legally required for incorporation.
Since the 2019 reform of the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations (CSA), there is no minimum capital requirement for a BV/SRL. However, founders must ensure the company has sufficient initial equity through a financial plan assessed by a notary. In practice, starting capital of €1 is legally possible.
Yes. There are no nationality restrictions for company formation in Belgium. Both EU and non-EU citizens can register a BV/SRL or NV/SA. Non-EU founders may need additional documentation and may also require a residence permit or professional card depending on their involvement.
With all documents ready, a Belgian company can be registered within 5–10 business days. This includes the notary appointment, CBE registration, and VAT activation. Preparation of documents (articles of association, financial plan) typically adds 1–2 weeks.
The most common types are the BV/SRL (private limited company, equivalent to an LLC) and the NV/SA (public limited company). Other options include the VOF/SNC (general partnership), CommV/SComm (limited partnership), and CV/SC (cooperative). The BV/SRL is by far the most popular for SMEs and foreign entrepreneurs.
Yes. Every Belgian company must have a registered office address in Belgium. This address is published in the official gazette (Moniteur Belge). You can use a physical office, a co-working space, or a registered office service. The address must be a real, accessible location — PO boxes are not accepted.
The CBE/KBO (Crossroads Bank for Enterprises) number is a unique 10-digit identification number (format: 0XXX.XXX.XXX) assigned to every registered entity in Belgium. It functions as your company registration number, VAT number (with BE prefix), and enterprise number. Registration is handled by the SPF Economy.
Yes. Belgian law requires founders of a BV/SRL to prepare a financial plan covering at least the first two years of operation. The plan must demonstrate that the company's initial equity is sufficient for its planned activities. The notary reviews this plan during incorporation but does not need to approve it.
The standard corporate tax rate in Belgium is 25%. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) qualifying under specific criteria benefit from a reduced rate of 20% on the first €100,000 of taxable income. Belgium also offers various tax incentives including the innovation income deduction (up to 85%) and the notional interest deduction.
Yes. The incorporation of a BV/SRL or NV/SA in Belgium requires a notarial deed (acte authentique). The notary verifies the articles of association, the financial plan, and the identity of the founders. The notary also handles the publication of the company's formation in the Belgian Official Gazette.
For an NV/SA, you must deposit the minimum share capital (€61,500) into a blocked bank account before incorporation. For a BV/SRL, no capital deposit is required before registration. After incorporation, you can open a corporate bank account with your CBE number and notarial deed.
Start Your Belgian Company Today
Our team handles the entire registration process — from consultation to CBE number. Schedule your free assessment.
