Become self-employed in Belgium: launch your activity in a week
Self-employed sole-trader status is the simplest and fastest way to launch your activity in Belgium. No capital, no notary, no bylaws. We handle every administrative step.
€0
Capital required
1 person
You, that's all
~1 week
Setup time
500+
Companies created
4.8/5
Google Reviews
10+
Years of experience
15+
Partner notaries
Understand the status
What is a sole-trader self-employed status?
A sole-trader self-employed person runs a professional activity as main or complementary work, without setting up a separate company. There is no separate legal personality: you act in your own name.
It is the most common status in Belgium for freelancers, consultants, liberal professions and small traders. Over 1 million self-employed workers are active in the country.
Unlike the SRL, there is no minimum capital, no requirement for notarised bylaws and accounting is simplified. In exchange, your personal assets are not protected in case of professional debts.
Unlimited liability
As a sole-trader self-employed person, your personal assets (house, car, savings) can be seized to cover professional debts. If your income exceeds €40,000 to €50,000 net/year, consider switching to an SRL to protect your assets.
Benefits
Why become self-employed in Belgium?
Self-employed status offers simplicity, speed and flexibility to launch your professional activity.
Quick launch
No bylaws to draft, no notary, no capital to deposit. You can start your activity in just a few days.
Low launch costs
No minimum capital, no notary fees. Costs are limited to the BCE registration and quarterly social contributions.
Simplified management
Simplified accounting below certain thresholds, no general meeting or Belgian Gazette publication.
Full flexibility
You make every decision alone, with no partner or board. You adapt your activity as you see fit.
Compatible with employment
The complementary self-employed status lets you test your activity while keeping your job and social security.
Direct access to income
No split between personal and professional assets: your profits reach you directly, with no distribution formalities.
Process
Become self-employed in 4 simple steps
From the first appointment to your first invoice, we support you at every step.
Let's talk about your project
By phone, video call or in person in Brussels, we discuss your project and confirm that self-employed status is right.
BCE registration
We register your activity with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises via an accredited business counter.
VAT activation and social fund
We activate your VAT number with the FPS Finance and register you with a social insurance fund.
You're self-employed
Your enterprise number is active, your VAT operational. You can invoice and run your activity.
Comparison
Self-employed or SRL?
The right choice depends on your situation. Here are the main differences to help you decide.
| Self-employed | SRL | |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | None | Sufficient capital (no legal minimum) |
| Notary | Not required | Mandatory (authentic deed) |
| Liability | Unlimited (personal assets) | Limited to the contribution |
| Taxation | Personal income tax (25% to 50%) | Corporate tax (20% or 25%) |
| Launch cost | ~€250 to €500 | ~€2,000 to €3,000 |
| Ideal if | Income < €40-50k/year | Income > €40-50k/year |
Not sure which to choose? We advise you free of charge during your first appointment.
Learn more about the SRLWho it's for
Self-employed status is for you if...
Freelancers, liberal professions, complementary activities or traders: the status adapts to your situation.
Freelancers and consultants
Developers, designers, management consultants, translators: launch your independent activity without the constraints of a company.
Liberal professions
Architects, lawyers, physiotherapists, psychologists: practise as a sole trader with the right status for your profession.
Complementary self-employed
Employees, civil servants or teachers who want to run a parallel activity while keeping their main job.
Traders and craftspeople
Bakers, hairdressers, e-merchants, photographers: start your commercial or craft activity quickly.
Obligations
The obligations of a self-employed person in Belgium
Quarterly social contributions
About 20.5% of your net income. At the start of activity, minimum provisional contributions apply (~€840/quarter).
VAT returns
Monthly or quarterly return depending on turnover. VAT exemption possible under €25,000 annual turnover.
Annual tax return
Your professional income is declared under personal income tax, with the Belgian progressive brackets (25% to 50%).
Accounting
Simplified accounting (cash-book) for small businesses, or double-entry above certain thresholds.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about self-employed status
Ready to launch your self-employed activity?
Don't let admin slow your project down. Book a free appointment, no strings attached.