Missions spéciales (special engagements) for accountants, particularly within European professional frameworks like in Belgium, refer to specific, often non-recurring, legal or contractual assignments that go beyond routine accounting and tax compliance.

These services are performed by certified accountants or chartered accountants (Expert-Comptable) and often require specialized reports for third parties or for compliance with corporate law.

Brief definitions

Corporate Landscape in Belgium

In Belgium, the entrepreneurial landscape is dynamic and constantly growing.

According to the latest official data from Statbel (the Belgian statistical office) updated to November 2025, the total number of VAT-registered businesses in Belgium has exceeded 1.2 million, specifically reaching 1,216,014 units.

This number includes both natural persons (self-employed/sole proprietorships) and legal entities (companies).

Types of Companies in Belgium

Following the reform of the Code of Companies and Associations (CSA) that came fully into force in recent years, corporate forms have been simplified.

Here are the main types and their prevalence:

1. SRL / BV (Limited Liability Company)

The most common and flexible form, ideal for SMEs and startups.

• Characteristics: No minimum legal share capital is required (though founders must prove they have sufficient resources for the activity via a financial plan). Shareholder liability is limited to contributions.
• Prevalence: Represents the vast majority of new companies formed each year.

2. SA / NV (Public Limited Company)

Typically used for large enterprises or companies planning to go public.

• Characteristics: Minimum capital of €61,500. Governance structure is more rigid than the SRL.
• Prevalence: Less numerous than the SRL but of great economic weight.

3. SC / CV (Cooperative Company)

Reserved for businesses following real cooperative principles.

• Characteristics: The main purpose must be to meet the needs of the members or develop their economic/social activities.

4. SNC and SComm (Partnerships)

• SNC (General Partnership): Partners have unlimited and joint liability.
• SComm (Limited Partnership): Includes general partners (unlimited liability) and limited partners (limited liability).

Dominant Sectors

The sectors with the highest number of active businesses in Belgium as of early 2026 are:

• Professional, scientific, and technical activities: Over 237,000 businesses (the most dynamic sector).
• Wholesale and retail trade: Approximately 185,000 units.
• Construction: Approximately 163,000 businesses.

Opening a Company in Belgium: Guide to Legal Forms and Market Statistics

Discover the ideal corporate structure for your business in Belgium with analysis from Finest Consult experts.

Belgium confirms its status as one of the nerve centers for business in Europe. With over 1.2 million active businesses, the Belgian economic fabric offers extraordinary opportunities for both small entrepreneurs and large multinationals.

However, the first step to success is choosing the correct legal form. A wrong decision at this stage can influence your personal liability, tax burden, and future growth possibilities.

In this guide, Finest Consult analyzes the Belgian entrepreneurial landscape, providing updated data and a detailed comparison between the different types of companies available.

The Entrepreneurial Landscape in Belgium: Numbers of Success

According to the most recent data, the number of VAT-registered businesses in Belgium has reached a record 1,216,014. This dynamism is driven by three main sectors: professional and scientific activities, trade, and construction.

The distribution of businesses shows a clear prevalence of natural persons (sole proprietorships), representing about 60% of the total, while the remaining 40% consists of legal entities (companies). This distinction is the first major crossroads every entrepreneur must face.

1. Natural Person (Sole Proprietorship)

The simplest form to start an activity in Belgium, very common among freelancers and small traders.

• Advantages: Minimal setup costs, simplified accounting, and direct management.
• Disadvantages: Unlimited liability. There is no distinction between personal and business assets; in case of debt, creditors can claim private assets (home, savings).
• Taxation: Profits are taxed through personal income tax (IPP), with progressive rates that can reach 50%.

2. The SRL (Limited Liability Company) – The Standard Model

The SRL (or BV in Flemish) is the most common corporate form in Belgium after the Code of Companies reform. It is the choice for small and medium-sized enterprises. It includes the one-person company, very popular among professionals and consultants.

• Share Capital: There is no longer a requirement for a minimum capital of €18,550. Today, it is possible to form an SRL with symbolic capital, provided the partners provide a solid financial plan justifying the resources needed for the first two years of activity.
• Liability: Limited to the contributed capital. Partners’ personal assets are protected.
• Access: Requires a notarial deed and registration with the Business Database (BCE/KBO).

3. The SA (Public Limited Company) – For Large Projects

The SA (or NV in Flemish) is intended for large-scale enterprises or those wishing to access capital markets.

• Minimum Capital: A minimum share capital of €61,500 is required, fully subscribed.
• Governance: Offers more sophisticated management structures, suitable for companies with many shareholders.
• Image: Confers a high profile of reliability before banks and international partners.

Quick Comparison between Corporate Forms

Characteristic	Sole Proprietorship	SRL (Company)	SA (Company)
Liability	Unlimited	Limited	Limited
Minimum Capital	€0	Sufficient (Financial Plan)	€61,500
Notarial Deed	No	Yes	Yes
Taxation	Progressive (up to 50%)	Corporate Tax (20% – 25%)	Corporate Tax (25%)

How to Open a Company in Belgium: Key Steps

The formation process requires precision and knowledge of local regulations (Wallonia, Flanders, or Brussels-Capital Region).

Here are the fundamental steps, for which we are happy to assist you with the utmost care and competence:

1. Drafting the Business Plan: Essential for SRLs to demonstrate economic feasibility.
2. Opening a Bank Account: A professional Belgian bank account is necessary for the capital deposit.
3. Articles of Association: Drafted before a Belgian notary.
4. Registration with the BCE: Obtaining the company number and VAT number.
5. Social Security Registration: Mandatory for managers and self-employed workers.

Why Professional Advice is Essential

Navigating Belgian laws on dividend taxation, the expat regime, or tax incentives for innovation requires an expert partner.

Finest Consult does not just register your company; it helps you optimize the tax structure from day one, ensuring you benefit from all deductions provided by Belgian law.

Dividend Taxation and Incentives for Start-ups in Belgium: Guide to Tax Optimization

Maximize your Belgian company’s performance by taking advantage of favorable tax regimes and government support for innovation.

Opening a company in Belgium means not only managing daily accounting but also strategically planning how to withdraw profits and benefit from the numerous incentives the State offers to new businesses.

Standard tax pressure may seem high, but thanks to specific regimes like VVPRbis or the Tax Shelter, Belgium becomes one of the most interesting jurisdictions in Europe for doing business.

1. Dividend Taxation: How to Pay Less Tax on Profits

In Belgium, the standard withholding tax on dividends (Précompte Mobilier) is 30%. However, there are legal strategies to drastically reduce this rate.

The VVPRbis Regime: From 30% to 15%

This is the most important incentive for shareholders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SRL/BV). If your company was formed after July 1, 2013, with new cash contributions, you can benefit from a progressive reduction:

• 30% for dividends paid from the first and second accounting years.
• 20% for dividends paid from the third accounting year.
• 15% for dividends paid starting from the fourth year and onwards.

The Liquidation Reserve

Another option consists of creating a “liquidation reserve” by setting aside profits and paying an advance tax of 10%. If you wait 5 years before distributing them, the final tax on dividends will be reduced to only 5%, bringing the total burden to 15%.

2. Incentives for Start-ups: The Belgian “Tax Shelter”

The Belgian government actively encourages investment in new companies through the Tax Shelter system.

• Tax reduction for investors: Private individuals who invest in the capital of a small start-up can benefit from a personal income tax reduction of 30% or even 45% of the amount invested (up to €100,000 per year).
• Exemption from withholding tax payment: Start-ups can retain a portion (up to 10% or 25%) of the withholding taxes on their employees’ salaries, significantly reducing staff costs in the early years.

3. Research, Development, and Innovation

Belgium is a world leader in incentives for innovation. If your company operates in technological or scientific sectors, you can access:

• Innovation Income Deduction: Allows for the exemption of up to 85% of net profit derived from patents and copyright-protected software.
• R&D Tax Credit: A direct refund or tax deduction for expenses incurred in research and development.

Why Choose Finest Consult?

Our accounting and tax specialists ensure:

• Guaranteed Regulatory Compliance: Membership in the ITAA (Belgian equivalent of the Order of Chartered Accountants), regular monitoring of legislative developments, and continuous quality audit.
• Multilingual Service: We offer full consultation in Italian, French, and English to break down every communication barrier.