Register a BV/SRL in Belgium

The BV/SRL (besloten vennootschap / société à responsabilité limitée) is the most common company form chosen by entrepreneurs registering a business in Belgium. As part of the broader company registration in Belgium process, forming a BV/SRL gives you a flexible private limited company with no minimum capital requirement — making it the ideal vehicle for startups, SMEs, and international founders entering the Belgian market.

Since the 2019 reform of the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations (CSA/WVV), the BV/SRL has replaced the old BVBA/SPRL and become even more attractive — with simplified governance, flexible share structures, and the ability to be formed by a single founder.

What Is a BV/SRL?

A BV/SRL is Belgium's private limited company, comparable to a UK Ltd, a German GmbH, or a US LLC. Key characteristics include:

• Limited liability — shareholders' personal assets are protected (liability limited to their contribution)
• No minimum share capital — legally, €1 is sufficient (but a realistic financial plan is mandatory)
• One or more shareholders — individuals or legal entities, any nationality
• One or more directors — no Belgian residency requirement
• Separate legal personality — the company exists independently of its shareholders
• Flexible share transfer — shares are not freely transferable by default (requires consent)

BV/SRL vs NV/SA — Which One to Choose?

Most international entrepreneurs choose the BV/SRL over the NV/SA (public limited company). Here is a quick comparison:

For detailed cost information, see our company registration cost breakdown.

BV/SRL Registration Process

Registering a BV/SRL follows the standard Belgian company registration procedure. Here are the four key stages:

Step 1 — Document Preparation

The most critical document is the financial plan — a mandatory projection covering at least two years of the company's planned activities. This plan must demonstrate that the BV/SRL's initial equity is adequate for its operations. Additionally, our team drafts the articles of association (statuten/statuts), which define the company's name, registered office, purpose, share structure, and governance rules.

Step 2 — Notarial Deed

Belgian law requires all BV/SRL incorporations to take place before a notary (acte authentique). The notary verifies the articles of association, reviews the financial plan, confirms the identity of all founders, and arranges publication in the Belgian Official Gazette (Moniteur Belge/Belgisch Staatsblad). For foreign founders, incorporation can be done via power of attorney.

Step 3 — CBE Registration

After the notarial deed, the company is registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO/BCE) through an approved enterprise counter. Your BV/SRL receives a unique 10-digit enterprise number (format: 0XXX.XXX.XXX) that also serves as the foundation for your VAT number.

Step 4 — VAT Activation & Banking

We activate your Belgian VAT registration with the SPF Finances and assist with opening a corporate bank account. Your VAT number is your enterprise number with the prefix "BE".

Required Documents for BV/SRL Registration

For a complete checklist, see our company registration requirements page. The key documents include:

• Financial plan — covering at least 2 years of projected operations
• Articles of association — in French or Dutch (depending on registered office location)
• Identification — passport or ID card for all shareholders and directors
• Proof of registered office — lease agreement or property deed for a Belgian address
• Bank certificate — proof of capital deposit (if applicable, though not mandatory for BV/SRL)
• Power of attorney — if founders cannot attend the notary in person

BV/SRL Tax Obligations

Once registered, your BV/SRL is subject to Belgian corporate tax:

• Standard rate: 25% corporate tax on worldwide income
• SME reduced rate: 20% on the first €100,000 of taxable income (if the company meets specific criteria)
• VAT: Standard 21%, reduced rates of 12% and 6% for specific goods/services
• Annual accounts: Must be filed with the National Bank of Belgium annually
• Statutory auditor: Required only if 2 of 3 thresholds are exceeded (€9M turnover, €4.5M assets, 50 employees)

For ongoing tax compliance, our accounting and tax services team manages your annual filings, VAT returns, and corporate tax obligations.

Related Services

Frequently Asked Questions