Establishing a company in Belgium
Belgium is a relatively small country, with a very advanced economy and economic infrastructure, situated in Western Europe. It has borders with France to the south, Holland to the north, Germany and Luxemburg to the east, and to the west is the coast of the North Sea and beyond it Britain. Its population numbers 11 million, but despite its relatively small size, this country is ranked in the 30 strongest economies in the world. Its economy is diverse, with a stable and booming financial sector, geographical proximity to the European markets, no wealth tax, and additional advantages that make Belgium a relevant and suitable destination for companies wishing to establish a business there.
Belgium became an independent state in 1830, after it seceded from the Netherlands. It is one of the founding members of the EU, and plays a vital role in its management. Several of the EU’s central institutions are located in Belgium (including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union). Its currency is, of course, the euro, and its official languages are Dutch (a local dialect called Flemish) and French. Its capital city is Brussels.
- Belgium is comprised of three regions: the Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels Capital Region. The population is also divided into two groups – the Dutch-speaking Flemish, and the French-speaking residents. Although they are united in one country, in recent years there is a growing tension between these two groups, and many in Belgium are striving to split the country into two separate states according to the central regions and languages.
- Chocolate is an important component in Belgian culture, and even in its national economy. Belgian chocolate is famous for its fine quality and diversity of flavors, so a visit to the capital of Brussels or anywhere in the country is not complete without tasting the wealth of chocolate they offer. 172,000 tons of this delicacy are produced in Belgium each year!
- Finished diamonds are a central export contributing to Belgian economy. The diamond district is located in the city of Antwerp in the country’s west, in an area spanning a single square mile. Roughly 84% of the globe’s raw diamonds go through the “Flemish Diamond District”, making it the biggest diamond-trading center in the world.
Belgium has a very modern economy, based on an open model that relies on private entrepreneurship. Enjoying an excellent geographical location, and with advanced infrastructure and transportation systems, Belgium has successfully leveraged these and other advantages to maximize its economic benefits. It is a global economy, based on import, export, and manufacture. It exports primarily to European markets, and maintains extensive trade relations with its neighbor Germany. Being a central commerce hub in the European markets, Belgium is a serious option for those considering establishing a company there. As such, its services sector is developed and convenient. Its work force is considered of high quality, and demonstrates some of the words highest productivity rates.
Belgium has an extensive and varied financial sector, along with an organized infrastructure for conducting business – efficient and expedient for company incorporation.
Mellius offers a range of solutions for establishing a company in Belgium, tailor-made to client needs and type of activity.
General
Type of company |
Private Limited liability Company (SPRL / BVBA) |
Relevant Companies Law |
Belgium Companies Act 1935 |
Offices |
Law requires companies to provide a local office address |
Language of original incorporation documents |
French or German or Dutch |
Finance and Taxation
Currency |
EUR |
Corporate tax rate |
25% |
Standard share capital |
18,550 EUR minimum |
Office Holders
Company Secretary (Secretary) |
|
Obligation to appoint company secretary |
Not required |
Obligation to appoint local secretary |
Not required |
Type of entity that may function as company secretary |
Individual and/or company |
Director |
|
Obligation to appoint company director |
Required |
Obligation to appoint local company director |
Not required |
Minimum number of directors |
1 |
Type of entity that may serve as company director |
Individual and/or company |
Shareholders |
|
Obligation to register shareholders |
Required |
Obligation to register local shareholders |
Not required |
Minimum number of shareholders |
1 |
Type of entity that may register as shareholder |
Individual and/or company |
Type of shares |
Registered shares |
Accessibility of Information
Company registrar |
Information regarding office holders is accessible to the public |
Annual Assembly and Reporting
Obligation to hold annual assembly |
Not required |
Obligation to prepare financial reports |
Required |
Obligation to submit financial reports |
Required |
Accept
