Setting up in Belgium
Belgium puts an Indian company at the centre of Europe: next to the EU institutions in Brussels, close to the port of Antwerp-Bruges and within a few hours of Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne and London. Setting up a private limited company is straightforward once you understand the three regions.
Why Belgium
- At the heart of the EU. Brussels hosts the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament, as well as many trade associations and international organisations.
- A logistics gateway. The port of Antwerp-Bruges and Brussels Airport connect directly to the rest of the single market.
- Multilingual talent. Many professionals work in English alongside French, Dutch or German.
- Close to Paris. The chamber is active in Brussels as well as Paris, and holds business dialogues in both cities.
Which company form
Most foreign companies choose the BV (Dutch) / SRL (French), the Belgian private limited company.
- There is no minimum share capital. The company must instead have capital that is sufficient for its planned activities.
- The founders must prepare a financial plan showing how the company will finance its first two years. The notary keeps it, and a court can ask for it if the company fails within three years.
- A public limited company (NV/SA) still requires starting capital of €61,500 and suits larger operations.
- A branch of the Indian parent is also possible, with simpler set-up but no separate legal personality.
Step by step
- Prepare the financial plan and the articles of association.
- Sign the deed of incorporation before a Belgian notary, appointing at least one director.
- Filing and publication: the notary files the deed with the commercial court registry, the company receives its enterprise number from the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE/KBO), and the deed is published in the Belgian Official Gazette.
- Register at an accredited enterprise counter, which records the company's activities and bank account.
- Activate VAT if your activity is subject to it. The VAT number is "BE" followed by the enterprise number.
- Register the beneficial owners in the UBO register.
- Social security: directors and partners join a social insurance fund within the deadlines that apply.
Three regions, three sets of rules
Belgium's regions handle investment support, economic incentives and work permits:
| Region | Investment support | Work permits |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels-Capital | hub.brussels | Brussels economy and employment administration |
| Flanders | Flanders Investment & Trade | Flemish Department of Work |
| Wallonia | AWEX (Wallonia Export & Investment Agency) | Walloon employment administration |
The region where your staff will work decides the work permit rules and salary thresholds. See Belgium's 2026 thresholds and working in Belgium.
Bringing staff from India
Indian managers and specialists usually come through the single permit for highly qualified workers, the EU Blue Card or an intra-company transfer. Apply early: permits are often the longest step in setting up.
How we can help
From Paris and Brussels, we can help you test Belgium against other European options and introduce you to advisers, notaries and service providers. Write to contact@euicci.com.
Quick answers
Is there a minimum capital for a Belgian BV/SRL?
No. The minimum capital requirement was abolished, but founders must have sufficient capital and file a financial plan covering the first two years with the notary.
