Below you will find the different formalities to be fulfilled for the setting up of an enterprise, which have to be fulfilled in the indicated order. In fact, the elements obtained during one step may be necessary in accomplishing the next.

» Creation of the company (if this is what you choose) :

The creation of a company requires the drafting of articles of incorporation, which need to be enacted before a Belgian notary. The cost of setting up includes registration duties, publication in the Official Gazette, and the fixed notary fees.
For further information do not hesitate to visit the site of the Royal Belgian Notary Association.

1. Open an account with a financial institution

The company will have to open a bank account. This account will be used for all the business transactions and the account number should be printed on all invoices, documents and correspondence. The opening of an account generally does not cost anything.

2. Registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises

Enterprises doing business in Belgium have to register at a corporate database, the so-called Crossroads Bank for Enterprises via a recognized Corporate Office.

In general, the following documents are needed to register a company at the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises:

• a copy of the by-laws of the company
• a copy of the ID-card and residence permit of the director of the company, and persons allowed to represent the company in Belgium, and
• a copy of the diploma (high school, university,...) of the above mentioned persons.

Once the company is registered at the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, it will receive a corporate registration number that has to be printed on the enterprise's correspondence, documents and invoices.

3. Register for VAT

Under certain conditions, enterprises are liable to VAT. You should apply for a VAT number after having obtained your corporate registration number.

4. Social and medical care insurance

A company employing staff in Belgium must register with the National Agency of Social Security. Most of the time the employer will opt for the service of a payroll agency, that will perform all administrative formalities concerning salary payment and social security.
All self-employed persons must register with a social insurance company within 90 days following the start of the business activity. This insurance gives the right to family benefits, retirement pension, as well as some health benefits.