How to register a company in Belgium: A guide for employers

Grow your business in Belgium: A strategic hub at the heart of Europe.

Belgium, with its strategic location in the heart of Europe, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly environment, is an attractive destination for companies that want to expand their operations. However, registering a company in Belgium is easier said than done and involves navigating a series of legal, administrative, and financial steps. 

This guide will walk you through the company registration process in Belgium, highlighting key considerations for employers and comparing the traditional registration process with the Employer of Record (EOR) model.

Why choose Belgium for your business?

Before diving into the registration process, it’s important to understand why Belgium is a prime location for business expansion:

• Strategic location: Belgium sits at the crossroads of Western Europe, providing easy access to major markets like Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
• Multilingual workforce: The country’s multilingual population (Dutch, French, and German) makes it easier to communicate with clients and partners across Europe.
• Business-friendly policies: Belgium offers tax incentives, grants, and subsidies to attract foreign investment.
• Strong infrastructure: The country boasts world-class transportation networks, including the Port of Antwerp, one of the largest ports in Europe.

Whether you are a startup or an established enterprise, Belgium offers a conducive environment for growth. However, the process of setting up a business can be complex, especially for foreign employers.

How an EOR can simplify business expansion in Belgium

Belgium has a time-intensive registration and labor compliance process. An EOR is an attractive option for companies that want to reduce administrative burdens or enter the market quickly.

An EOR acts as the legal employer of your workforce in Belgium, handling compliance, payroll, and HR management on your behalf.

Benefits of using an EOR

1. No setup costs: You can avoid registration, reducing your upfront costs (legal incorporation, share capital).
2. Quick market entry: With an EOR, you can begin hiring employees and start operations within days.
3. Compliance assurance: In Belgium, setting up social security, labor insurance, and navigating collective labor agreements (CLAs) is complex. An EOR handles it all for you.
4. Cost predictability: EOR services are more cost-effective, typically charging a flat monthly fee.

By using an EOR, you can quickly hire local talent, establish a presence, and gauge market demand without the risks of a full-scale investment. It helps you test a new market while keeping operations light and agile.

Choosing between EOR and Company registration

Using an EOR is a smart way to enter Belgium quickly and compliantly—but it’s not the right fit for every business.

A local entity is better suited if you:

• Plan long-term operations with a physical presence or office.
• Want full control over employment contracts, benefits, and operations.
• Need to invoice clients locally in Belgium.
• Have IP, revenue, or assets that require local protection and ownership under Belgian law.
• Need access to public tenders or government grants (often requires a local entity).

Your ideal route depends on your long-term goals, headcount, and how deeply you want to establish operations. Before deciding what is best for your business, let’s explore the registration process in Belgium.

Steps to register your company in Belgium

1. Choose your business structure

The first step is to decide on the legal structure of your company. The most common options for foreign investors include:

• BV/SRL (Private limited company): Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. This has no minimum capital requirement, however, your ability to transfer shares is more limited.
• NV/SA (Public limited company): Suitable for larger enterprises. Requires a minimum share capital of €61,500.
• Branch office: A foreign company can establish a branch in Belgium, which is not a separate legal entity but an extension of the parent company.
• Representative office: Used for non-commercial activities like market research or promotion.

Each structure has its own legal and tax implications, so it’s advisable to consult a legal expert before deciding.

2. Reserve a company name

Your company name must be unique and comply with Belgian naming conventions. You can check the availability of your desired name through the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). Once approved, the name is reserved for one month.

3. Draft the articles of association

The Articles of Association outline the internal rules and governance structure of your company. You must draft this document in Dutch, French, or German and notarize it by a Belgian notary. The notary will also handle the incorporation deed.

4. Deposit share capital

For a BV/SRL or NV/SA, you must deposit the minimum share capital (€61,500) into a blocked bank account. The bank will issue a certificate confirming the deposit—you will need this for incorporation.

If you want to grow your team in Belgium, you can save the cost of share capital deposits by using an EOR to hire, manage, and pay your team there on your behalf.

5. Register with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE)

All companies in Belgium must register with the CBE. This process includes:

• Submitting the incorporation deed and articles of association.
• Providing details about the company’s activities, shareholders, and directors.
• Obtaining a company registration number.

6. Register for VAT and social security

If your company engages in commercial activities, you must register for VAT with the Belgian tax authorities. Additionally, employers must register with the National Social Security Office (NSSO) to comply with labor laws and social security contributions.

7. Open a corporate bank account

A Belgian bank account is a must for handling company finances and employee payroll. To open one, you must provide the incorporation deed, articles of association, and company registration number.

A global payroll system is another way to pay your employees in Belgium. It ensures accurate and timely payments and compliance with local laws.

8. Obtain necessary licenses and permits

Depending on your industry, you may need specific licenses or permits to operate legally in Belgium. For example, food businesses require a hygiene permit, while financial services firms need approval from the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA).

The real cost of registering a company in Belgium

Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved in the standard registration process:

Expense	Estimated Cost
Notary Fees	1,350-1,650
Share Capital Deposit	Free for BV/SRL and €61,500 for NV/SA
Legal and Consulting Fees	Variable
Social Security Registration	Variable
Estimated Initial Costs	€1350–€63,150

Ongoing costs include accounting, tax filing, payroll management, and compliance, which can vary largely depending on the size of your business. There may also be additional costs for trade-specific permits as well.

Standard registration vs. EOR: A cost comparison

The single fee of EORs, compared to the multiple payments required for standard registration, often makes it the best approach for businesses looking to enter a new market.

Let’s look at an estimated cost breakdown:

Category	Standard registration	EOR
Setup Costs	€1350–€63,150	Bundled monthly fee
Ongoing Costs	Highly variable	Included in one fee by the EOR
Time to Market	4–8 weeks	A few days
Compliance Burden	High (employer’s responsibility)	Handled by the EOR
Flexibility	Full control over operations	The EOR will work according to your needs

Registering your company in Belgium will add significant administrative burdens and expenses including notary fees, frequent consultation with legal and financial experts to ensure compliance.

In contrast, an EOR like Multiplier handles everything from tax filings to employment contracts with a single predictable fee. You can focus on your core business activities while the EOR ensures that you meet all regulatory requirements, making it a simple, hassle-free choice for your entry into Belgium.

Take the stress out of your Belgium expansion with Multiplier

Multiplier is a leading Employer of Record (EOR) that helps businesses hire and manage global talent with ease.

Businesses trust Multiplier for seamless workforce management in Belgium because we:

• Understand the nuances of Belgium’s labor laws and help you quickly generate legally sound employment contracts tailored to local standards. 
• Manage the entire onboarding process and simplify and automate many HR tasks like expense tracking and time-off management. We provide a centralized system for managing your remote or international workforce.
• Take the burden of payroll administration off your plate, handling everything from calculating wages and deductions to filing taxes and social security contributions, accurately and compliantly.
• Help you design benefits packages that meet local employee expectations. These include standard perks like a 13th-month salary, transport reimbursements, and bonuses, as well as tailored benefits such as hospitalization insurance, meal and eco vouchers, group pensions, and enhanced paid leave.

Let Multiplier be your trusted partner in navigating the business landscape in Belgium. We’re committed to providing the support and expertise you need to succeed. Eliminate the stress of international expansion and unlock your company’s potential. Book your demo today and see how we can make your expansion to Belgium a success!