How many founders are needed to set up a cooperative in Belgium?

At least 3 founders are required to set up a Belgian cooperative (SC). This is a Code of Companies and Associations (CSA) requirement, tied to the democratic governance principle specific to this form.

How much does setting up a cooperative in Belgium cost?

Our Essential pack is 1.400 € excl. VAT: drafting the bylaws, financial plan, Belgian Gazette publication, BCE registration and our full support. Notary fees, regulated by royal decree, are billed separately at cost. The Complete pack (2.247,31 € excl. VAT) adds VAT activation, bank account opening support, one year of domiciliation and YouInv Starter billing free of charge.

What is the minimum capital to set up an SC?

Since the 2019 reform, there is no legal minimum capital for the SC. As with the SRL, founders must plan sufficient starting equity, justified in a financial plan. The capital is variable: it grows or shrinks as members join or leave.

What is CNC accreditation and how do you obtain it?

Accreditation by the National Cooperation Council (CNC) certifies that your cooperative meets the cooperative principles (voluntary membership, democratic governance, economic participation). It unlocks tax advantages, notably the withholding-tax exemption on the first €200 of dividends per member.

What's the difference between a cooperative and an SRL?

The main difference is governance: in an SC, every member has one vote (democratic principle), whereas in an SRL power is proportional to shares. The SC also lets members join or leave without amending the bylaws, thanks to variable capital.

Do you need a notary to set up an SC?

Yes, like the SRL, forming a cooperative requires a notarial deed. Our notary network guarantees a quick appointment. Signing can happen in person or remotely via ITSME.

How long does setting up a cooperative take?

With our support, expect about a week between the first discussion and receiving your BCE enterprise number. The process is similar to the SRL.

Can a cooperative have a social purpose?

Yes, the SC can adopt the 'social cooperative' purpose if it pursues a clearly defined social goal in its bylaws. It can also obtain social-enterprise accreditation, boosting its credibility and unlocking specific funding.

Set up a cooperative in Belgium: do business differently

The cooperative (SC) is the ideal corporate form for collective projects and the social economy. Democratic governance, variable capital, possible CNC accreditation. We handle everything: bylaws, financial plan, notary and filings.

Founders min.

1 vote

Per member

~1 week

Setup time

Book a free appointment Estimate the cost

500+

Companies created

4.8/5

Google Reviews

10+

Years of experience

15+

Partner notaries

Understand the cooperative

What is a cooperative in Belgium?

The cooperative (SC) is a legal form based on the cooperation principle: members join forces to meet a common need, with democratic governance (one person = one vote).

Since the 2019 CSA reform, the SC is the only legal form reserved for genuine cooperative projects. It differs from the SRL through its variable capital and equal governance.

The SC requires at least 3 founders and allows members to join or leave without amending the bylaws. It is especially suited to social economy projects, worker cooperatives and short supply chains.

Benefits

Why set up a cooperative in Belgium?

The SC combines entrepreneurship and collective values. Here's why more and more founders are choosing it.

Democratic governance

Every member has one vote at the general meeting, regardless of their contribution. Decisions are made collectively.

Limited liability

Like the SRL, the SC protects members' personal assets. Their liability is limited to their contribution.

Recognised social impact

The cooperative puts people at the centre of the economic project. It is a key player in Belgium's social economy.

CNC accreditation available

Accreditation by the National Cooperation Council unlocks tax advantages (withholding tax exemption on dividends).

Variable capital

Members can join or leave freely without amending the bylaws. The capital flexes with the number of members.

Flexible entries and exits

Welcoming new members or allowing withdrawal requires no notary step or amendment of the bylaws.

Process

Set up your cooperative in 4 simple steps

From your first call to receiving your company number, we support you at every step.

Day 1

Let's talk about your project

By phone, video call or in person in Brussels, we discuss your cooperative project and confirm that the SC is the right form.

Days 2-3

We prepare your documents

CSA-compliant bylaws, financial plan, internal rules and every document your notary needs.

Days 4-5

Notary appointment

We coordinate the meeting and guide you through it. Sign in person or remotely via ITSME.

48h

Your cooperative is live

Your company officially exists. You receive your BCE enterprise number within 48 hours.

Start my cooperative setup

Who it's for

The cooperative is for you if...

Social economy, collective projects or short supply chains: the SC is designed for those who want to do business differently.

Social economy

You're building a company that puts social and environmental impact at the heart of its business model.

Collective projects

Several people want to run a business together, with equal governance and shared decision-making.

Worker cooperatives

Employees become members and take part in the company's strategic decisions.

Short supply chains and food

Producers, consumers and citizens join forces to develop local, sustainable food systems.

Transparent pricing

How much does setting up a cooperative cost?

One all-inclusive price, no surprises. You know exactly what you pay before we start.

Essential

1.400 € excl. VAT

For simple cooperatives (3-5 founders)

Personalised consultation and advice
Drafting of articles
Financial plan
Publication in the Belgian Official Gazette
Company number issuance

Choose Essential

Popular

Complete

2.247,31 € excl. VAT

Everything included to start smoothly

Everything in the Essentiel pack
VAT activation + BCE registration
Bank account opening assistance
Registered office / company address 1 year -10% + 3 months of free mail scanning*
YouInv invoicing — Starter pack 6 months free*
Internal rules
CNC accreditation assistance

Choose Complete

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about setting up a cooperative

Ready to set up your cooperative?

Don't let admin slow your collective project down. Book a free appointment, no strings attached.

Free appointment, no strings attachedReply within 24hAn expert guides you from A to Z