Kingdom of Belgium | |
|---|---|
| Motto: (English: "Unity makes strength") | |
Anthem:
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| Capital | City of Brussels 50°51′N 4°21′E / 50.850°N 4.350°E |
| Largest city | Brussels-Capital Region |
| Official languages | |
| Ethnic groups (2025) | |
| Religion (2021) |
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| Demonym(s) | |
| Government | Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Philippe | |
| Bart De Wever | |
| Legislature | Federal Parliament |
| Senate | |
| Chamber of Representatives | |
| Establishment | |
| 1789–1790 | |
| 1790 | |
| 1814–1815 | |
| 1815–1839 | |
| 25 August 1830 | |
Declared | 4 October 1830 |
| 19 April 1839 | |
| 1970 | |
| Area | |
Total | 30,689 km2 (11,849 sq mi) (136th) |
Water (%) | 0.64 (2022) |
| Population | |
2025 census |  11,825,551 |
Density | 385/km2 (997.1/sq mi) (35th) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2025 estimate |
Total |  $889.833 billion (37th) |
Per capita | $75,187 (20th) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2025 estimate |
Total | $689.364 billion (23rd) |
Per capita | $58,248 (16th) |
| Gini (2022) |  24.9low inequality |
| HDI (2023) | 0.951 very high (10th) |
| Currency | Euro (€) (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Calling code | +32 |
| ISO 3166 code | BE |
| Internet TLD | .be |
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Belgium, a country located in the heart of Europe, has been an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses. It is strategically located between major economic hubs, such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands, making it an ideal gateway to the European market. In this article, we will guide you through the process of registering a business in Belgium.
Table of Contents
Determine the Business Structure
The first step in registering a business in Belgium is to determine the structure of the business. Belgium offers several business structures, including sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and a public limited company (PLC). Each structure has its own legal and tax implications, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Choose a Business Name
Once you have determined the structure of your business, you need to choose a name. The name should be unique and not already registered in Belgium. You can check the availability of a name by conducting a name search on the Belgian Official Journal’s website.
Obtain a Company Number
The next step is to obtain a company number, which is a unique identifier assigned to every registered company in Belgium. You can obtain a company number by registering your business with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). The CBE is a central database that collects and manages the data of all registered companies in Belgium.
Register Your Business
To register your business, you need to file the necessary documents with the CBE. The required documents vary depending on the structure of your business. For example, if you are registering a sole proprietorship, you only need to fill out a declaration of commencement of activity form. On the other hand, if you are registering an LLC or PLC, you need to prepare articles of association, shareholder agreements, and other legal documents.
Register for VAT
If your business exceeds a certain turnover threshold, you need to register for Value Added Tax (VAT). VAT is a tax on goods and services that is charged to the end consumer. You can register for VAT with the Federal Public Service Finance.
Register with Social Security
Finally, you need to register your business with social security. Social security contributions in Belgium are mandatory for all employees and self-employed individuals. You can register with social security by contacting a social insurance fund.
Generis Global, a leading business consultancy firm, can help you navigate the legal and administrative procedures of registering a business in Belgium. Our experienced team of professionals can assist you with everything from choosing the right business structure to registering for VAT and social security. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your business journey in Belgium.
