Belgium places no nationality restrictions on company ownership. Both EU and non-EU citizens can form a BV/SRL or NV/SA — we guide foreign entrepreneurs through every step.
Belgium is one of the most accessible countries in Europe for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish a business. As part of the company registration in Belgium process, there are no nationality or residency restrictions on company ownership — meaning anyone from any country can register a BV/SRL or NV/SA in Belgium. LawSupport specialises in guiding international clients through the additional requirements that apply to foreign founders.
Can a Foreigner Register a Company in Belgium?
Yes — without restriction. Belgian corporate law allows both EU and non-EU citizens to:
Be a shareholder (any percentage, including 100% ownership)
Serve as a director (no Belgian residency requirement for BV/SRL directors)
Incorporate remotely via power of attorney (no physical presence required)
Own multiple companies in Belgium
The company itself must have a registered office address in Belgium, but the founders and directors can reside anywhere in the world.
Apostille on passport/ID and any official documents (for Hague Convention countries)
Diplomatic legalization for documents from non-Hague countries (via Belgian embassy/consulate)
Certified translations of all documents not in French, Dutch, or German by a sworn translator
Notarised power of attorney if not attending the Belgian notary in person (must also be apostilled/legalised)
Step 2 — Financial Plan & Articles of Association
Identical to local founders. Our team drafts the financial plan (minimum 2-year projection) and articles of association in the required language. See requirements for details.
Step 3 — Notarial Deed (In Person or via Power of Attorney)
If you can travel to Belgium, you attend the notary appointment with your passport. If not, your representative attends with the notarised, apostilled power of attorney. The notary executes the deed and publishes in the Belgian Official Gazette.
If you plan to actively manage your company from Belgium (i.e., live and work in Belgium), additional immigration requirements apply:
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
Automatic right to work and reside in Belgium under EU freedom of establishment
Must register at the local commune (gemeentehuis/maison communale) within 3 months
No professional card or work permit needed
Non-EU Citizens
Professional card (beroepskaart/carte professionnelle) — required for self-employed activities in Belgium. Valid up to 5 years, renewable. Applied for through the regional authorities.
Residence permit — D visa followed by registration at the commune for a Belgian residence card
Investor visa — for those making significant investments in Belgium
You can register and own a Belgian company without a residence permit. The permit is only needed if you want to physically live and work in Belgium as a self-employed person.
Costs for Foreign Founders
Foreign founders should budget for the standard registration costs plus additional expenses:
Yes. Belgium has no nationality or residency restrictions on company ownership. Both EU and non-EU citizens can register a BV/SRL or NV/SA. You do not need to be a Belgian resident to be a shareholder or director.
No, not for ownership alone. You can own shares and be a director without living in Belgium. However, if you plan to actively manage the company from Belgium on a day-to-day basis, non-EU citizens will need a residence permit or professional card.
Yes. You can grant a notarised power of attorney (with apostille for Hague Convention countries, or full legalisation for others) to a representative who attends the notary appointment on your behalf. LawSupport can act as your representative.
A professional card (beroepskaart/carte professionnelle) is required for non-EU nationals who want to exercise self-employed activities in Belgium. It is issued by the regional authorities (Brussels, Flanders, or Wallonia) and is valid for up to 5 years.
No. EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals have the automatic right to establish a business in Belgium under EU freedom of establishment. They only need to register at the local commune within 3 months of arrival.
In addition to the standard requirements (financial plan, articles of association), foreign founders need: apostilled or legalised passport, certified translations of documents not in French/Dutch/German, and potentially a notarised power of attorney if not attending in person.
Yes, but it can be more complex. Belgian banks conduct enhanced KYC/AML checks for non-resident directors. Having all incorporation documents, a clear business plan, and proof of identity ready speeds up the process. LawSupport assists with bank introductions.
Typically 3–6 weeks, compared to 2–4 weeks for local founders. The extra time accounts for document apostille/legalisation, certified translations, and potential power of attorney arrangements. We recommend starting document preparation at least 2 weeks before the target notary date.
Register Your Belgian Company — From Anywhere
Our team handles document legalization, notary coordination, and the full registration process for international founders.
