Are you keen to broaden your business horizons andemploy staff in Belgium?
If yes, you’ve come to the right place! House of Companies Belgium will walk you through the process of becoming an employer in Belgium, even if your company is based overseas. We will also delve into how you can start a Belgium recruitment business, register your branch, and even how to start a business in Belgium. So, let’s not waste any more time and dive right in!
1. Introduction to the Belgium Business Landscape
Belgium, a multilingual and multicultural country in the heart of Europe, serves as an attractive hub for foreign businesses. Its strategic location, coupled with its dynamic economy, makes it a lucrative choice for entrepreneurs who wish tobecome an employer in Belgium.
2. Why Choose Belgium?
Belgium boasts an open and highly interconnected economy. Its central location in Europe, combined with its robust infrastructure and high-quality workforce, makes it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand overseas. Additionally, it offers a favorable business environment, with numerous incentives for foreign investors, including allowances for R&D, reduced tax rates, and grants for employment creation.
3. Legal Requirements for Foreign Businesses
Foreign businesses looking tostart a business in Belgium need to adhere to specific legal requirements. These include registering with the National Social Security Office (NSSO) and the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). Additionally, businesses may need to demonstrate their knowledge of business management and their professional competence, depending on their sector of activity.
4. Registering as an Employer with NSSO
The NSSO is the primary point of contact for foreign companies wishing toemploy staff in Belgium. Registration is typically done using the online service WIDE. Following successful registration, company representatives can modify entries or unregister the company as an employer.
Sidebar: As an employer, you should primarily use the secured version of WIDE. If this is not possible, you can resort to the non-secured version. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use this online service. You can find more information on WIDE on the Social security enterprise portal.
5. Appointing a Mandatory Using Mahis
To manage your workforce, complete declarations, or carry out other administrative duties, you can mandate an accredited social secretariat or service provider using the Mahis online service. This service is also available on the Social security enterprise portal.
Tip: Consult the House of Companies manual for a step-by-step guide on how to appoint mandataries.
6. Starting a Company in Belgium
If you’re planning to start a company in Belgium with a registered office or address in Belgium, your company will be treated as a Belgian company. However, depending on the region, you may need to prove your knowledge of business management and professional competence if you’re starting a trading company.
7. Acquiring a Professional Card
If you’re not a European Union national, you may need a foreigners’ professional card to carry out independent activities. You can apply for this card at the Belgian diplomatic post or consulate in your country of residence. If you’re already legally resident in Belgium, you can apply through Liantis’ one-stop shop.
8. Costs Associated with Starting a Business in Belgium
Starting a business in Belgium involves certain costs, such as opening a current account and incorporating your company. Liantis’ one-stop shop offers a comprehensive breakdown of these costs.
9. How Long Does it Take to Start a Business in Belgium?
The time it takes to start a business in Belgium depends on the requirements you need to fulfill. While getting a professional card or incorporating a company may take over a month, other processes like registering at the CBE can be completed much more quickly.
10. Setting up a Company in Belgium
If you’re setting up a company in Belgium, you’ll need a current account. Most types of companies require you to go to a notary to officially incorporate them. Then, you can complete the required formalities via House of Companies’ one-stop shop.
11. House of Companies: Your Partner in Business
If the process of setting up a business in Belgium sounds daunting, House of Companies is here to help. They offer a self-governance portal that allows you to employ staff in Belgium, without setting up a local entity, at a fixed yearly fee.
Quote: “Our vision of ‘Globalisation as a Service’ involves making legal processes more understandable and actionable, disrupting traditional consultancy practices.” – Dennis Vermeulen, Founder of House of Companies
12. Conclusion
Belgium presents an attractive opportunity for businesses looking to expand overseas. With its open economy, strategic location, and favorable business environment, it’s no surprise that many foreign companies choose tobecome an employer in Belgium. Whether you’re looking to register your branch, start a recruitment business, or even establish a new company, this guide should serve as a comprehensive resource to help you navigate the process.