Options for registering companies in Belgium
As a central European nation and a founding member of the European Union, Belgium is positioned as a logistical hub for international business.
Its location at the intersection of Europe's important markets, including the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands, provides access to a vast consumer base and supports efficient supply chain management.
Belgium offers international companies the following legal structures for establishing a local presence:
Private limited company (Besloten Vennootschap / Société à Responsabilité Limitée - BV/SRL)
- The private limited company in Belgium is the most common and flexible corporate structure, suitable for all enterprises.
- A key advantage is that this entity type does not require any Belgian national or resident to act as a shareholder or director.
- The entity is incorporated by a notarial deed executed before a Belgian public notary.
Branch office of a foreign company (Bijkantoor/Succursale)
- The Belgian branch operates as an extension of the foreign parent company and therefore does not have separate legal personality.
- Registration requires filing the parent company’s foundational documents and the decision to open the branch with the competent Belgian company court.
- The foreign head office retains full legal and financial liability for all the Belgian branch's operations.
Joint stock company (Naamloze Vennootschap/Société Anonyme - NV/SA)
- The Belgian joint stock company, also known as the public limited company is typically used by large organisations or those seeking to raise public capital.
- This entity type requires a significantly higher minimum capital contribution than the BV/SRL.
- The NV/SA is subject to the most stringent corporate governance, disclosure and regulatory standards, particularly if listed on Euronext Brussels.
To help you choose the right structure, we have created an ‘at a glance’ summary table for the common company types that outlines key differences in formation processes, requirements, and timelines. It serves as a valuable resource for foreign companies looking to setup or expand a business in Belgium.
Comparison of the common types of companies in Belgium
Information verified against Investment Agency of Wallonia