Do business in Belgium. Without the mess.
Brussels is the EU's political and regulatory capital. Belgium's 2019 Companies Code reform made the BV/SRL faster to form, with no minimum share capital and one of Europe's most generous IP income deductions at 85%. Commenda handles formation, Crossroads Bank registration, and ongoing compliance.
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Why Belgium
Why Belgium works for European headquarters and IP structures
Belgium sits at the center of Europe: Brussels hosts the EU institutions, NATO, and the headquarters of some of the world's largest multinationals. The 2019 Belgian Companies Code reform simplified the corporate landscape significantly, making the BV/SRL the standard vehicle with no minimum share capital and incorporation in as few as 3 to 7 business days. For IP-intensive businesses, the Innovation Income Deduction (IID) allows 85% of qualifying IP income to be deducted, effectively reducing the tax rate on that income to 3.75%. The 20% SME corporate tax rate on the first €100,000 of profit adds further efficiency. Commenda sets up your entity and manages every obligation from day one.
See how incorporation works- 25%Standard corporate tax rateBelgium's standard corporate income tax rate, with a reduced 20% rate available to qualifying SMEs on the first €100,000 of taxable profit.
- 85%IP income deductionThe Innovation Income Deduction allows 85% of qualifying IP income to be deducted, reducing the effective tax rate on that income to 3.75%.
- 20%SME corporate tax rateQualifying Belgian SMEs pay a reduced 20% corporate tax rate on the first €100,000 of taxable profit each fiscal year.
- 3-7 daysTypical incorporation timelineBelgian BV/SRL incorporation typically completes within 3 to 7 business days after notarization and Crossroads Bank of Enterprises (CBE) registration.
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Entity types
Choose the right structure for your business
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BV / SRL (Besloten Vennootschap / Société à Responsabilité Limitée)
The BV/SRL is Belgium's standard private limited company following the 2019 Companies Code reform. It has no minimum share capital, is fully accessible to foreign owners and directors, and is the default choice for foreign subsidiaries and IP holding structures.
Benefits
- No minimum share capital requirement since the 2019 reform
- No Belgian residency requirement for directors or shareholders
- Eligible for the 20% reduced corporate tax rate on the first €100,000 of profit for qualifying SMEs
- Full access to the Innovation Income Deduction (85% deduction on qualifying IP income)
- Flexible governance structure with significant freedom in the articles of association
- Access to Belgium's network of 100+ double taxation treaties
Key considerations
- A financial plan demonstrating adequate initial capital must be prepared at formation, even without a statutory minimum
- Notarization by a Belgian notary (Notaire/Notaris) is required for incorporation
- A Belgian registered address is required for CBE registration
- Annual accounts must be filed with the National Bank of Belgium
- 21% VAT applies to most goods and services; VAT registration required once Belgian taxable activity begins
- Directors have statutory liability if the financial plan is shown to be inadequate within three years of formation
How it works
From kickoff to open for business in Belgium
Incorporating in a new country means unfamiliar filings, local requirements, and moving parts across multiple vendors.
We handle all of it so you don't have to.
Day 1
Onboarding
Your details submitted once. Entity name checked, documents collected, filings kicked off. No back-and-forth.
Days 1–3
Entity confirmed
Incorporation done. Formation documents, company number, and registered address live in your Commenda dashboard.
Week 1–2
Tax setup
Tax registrations filed, banking guidance underway. Compliance calendar set for your jurisdiction.
Week 2
Open for business
You're operational in a new market. Without a single trip to a government office.
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Rated by the teams using it
Scores from finance and legal leads handling compliance globally.
Entity Management
#1 Ranked9.6/ 10Set up your entity and keep it in good standing. Filings, records, and renewals tracked in one place.
Corporate Tax & Compliance
Top Rated9.1/ 10Every tax deadline on one calendar. Corporate returns and statutory filings handled without the back-and-forth.
Sales Tax & VAT/GST
Commenda Leads9.4/ 10Register for VAT, GST, and sales tax in every country you operate in, and manage it all in one place.
Belgium resources
Everything you need for your Belgium operations
Detailed guides on tax, compliance, and business structure in Belgium.
- Incorporation
How to Incorporate in Belgium
Guide to Belgian BV/SRL formation: notarization, CBE registration, financial plan requirements, and tax enrollment.
Read guide - Corporate Tax
Belgium Corporate Tax Guide
Belgium's corporate income tax structure: 25% standard rate, 20% SME rate, Innovation Income Deduction, and annual filing deadlines.
Read guide - Indirect Tax
Belgium VAT Guide
Belgian VAT registration, the 21% standard rate, reduced rates, and periodic filing obligations for Belgian entities.
Read guide - Compliance
Belgium Compliance Calendar
Annual filing deadlines for Belgian corporate tax returns, National Bank of Belgium accounts submissions, and VAT returns.
Read guide - Transfer Pricing
Transfer Pricing in Belgium
Belgium's transfer pricing documentation requirements, Country-by-Country Reporting obligations, and OECD alignment for Belgian entities.
Read guide
FAQ
Common questions
No. Since the 2019 Belgian Companies Code reform, there is no statutory minimum share capital for a BV/SRL. However, founders must prepare a detailed financial plan at formation demonstrating that the company has adequate capital to operate for at least two years. Directors carry personal liability if the financial plan is shown to be inadequate and the company becomes insolvent within three years. Commenda coordinates the financial plan preparation as part of the formation process.
The Innovation Income Deduction (IID) allows Belgian companies to deduct 85% of qualifying net income derived from patents, copyrighted software, data exclusivity rights, and similar IP. The effective tax rate on qualifying IP income is therefore reduced from the standard 25% to approximately 3.75%. The IP must generally be developed (at least in part) by the Belgian entity itself. Commenda's tax team can assess whether your IP activities qualify and help you structure correctly.
No. There is no residency requirement for directors or shareholders of a Belgian BV/SRL. Foreign nationals and foreign-incorporated entities can fully own and manage a Belgian company. A registered Belgian address is required for CBE registration and official correspondence.
Brussels hosts the European Commission, Council of the EU, European Parliament, and NATO headquarters. Belgium's central location gives easy access to Amsterdam, Paris, London, and Frankfurt within two hours by train. For companies that interact regularly with EU institutions or require proximity to EU regulatory bodies, a Belgian presence provides direct access. The Innovation Income Deduction and SME tax rate add financial efficiency to the strategic location.
Annual accounts must be filed with the National Bank of Belgium and are publicly accessible. An annual corporate income tax return must be submitted. VAT returns are filed monthly or quarterly depending on turnover. Larger entities may require a statutory audit. Directors must also maintain accurate CBE registration records. Commenda manages all of these obligations through the platform.
The 20% reduced rate applies to qualifying SMEs on the first €100,000 of taxable profit. To qualify, the company must have annual taxable income below certain thresholds and meet conditions including: paying at least one director a minimum remuneration of €45,000 per year (or at least equal to the company's taxable income if lower), not being a subsidiary of a large company, and not distributing more than 13% of paid-in capital as dividends. Many foreign subsidiaries will not qualify due to the parent company exclusion.
Join hundreds of international businesses growing fast with Commenda
Tell us where you're expanding and we'll scope the requirements, handle the filing, and keep your entity compliant, usually within 24 hours of kickoff.
