Belgian LLC (BV/SRL) Explained: Benefits, Costs & Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- Helen Uvarenko
- Jan 12
- 6 min read
Definition of Limited Liability Company
The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of Belgium’s leading business structures. This legal form may be used for both small and big companies. In French, this legal form is called SRL, and in Dutch, BV.
Formerly known as the SPRL, it has been modernised and renamed the “Société à responsabilité limitée / besloten vennootschap” (SRL/BV) under Belgian law reforms.
Main Advantages of the Limited Liability Company in Belgium
No Minimum Capital Requirement
The incorporation of an LLC doesn't require a minimum capital. Instead, founders need to create a financial plan as a proof that the company has sufficient resources to operate sustainably.
Limited liability protection
This benefit means that the business is legally separate from its owners. Founders are only responsible for their investment in the business.
This means that if the company becomes insolvent, fails to pay its debts, or faces legal claims, the shareholders’ personal assets ( savings, house, car, etc) — remain protected. Only the company’s assets can be used to settle business obligations.
Highly Flexible Share Structure
Founders are not limited to rigid ownership models, they can fully customise how voting rights, profit distribution, and control are shared between partners and investors.
Can Be Owned by One Shareholder
LLC (SRL/BV) can be owned by just one shareholder, and that shareholder can be either a person or another company.In the past, if a company (a legal entity) was the only owner of an LLC, it could become personally liable for the company’s debts. That rule no longer applies.
Attractive tax benefits
An LLC enables access to a business-friendly tax system designed to support startups and small businesses.
20% lower corporate tax rate on the first €100,000 in profits for small businesses.
Wide deductibility of business expenses, including rent, equipment, marketing, travel, and professional services
A flexible income structure allowing directors to combine salary and dividends for tax optimization
The possibility to retain profits inside the company at corporate tax level instead of paying higher personal income tax
Access to special corporate tax incentives for innovation, R&D, and certain investments
Withdrawal and Exclusion of Shareholders
Belgian law now allows you to include rules in the company bylaws that let a shareholder leave the company or be removed for valid reasons. In such cases, the company must buy back that shareholder’s shares, no matter how large their stake is, as long as the company can afford it. This makes it easier to handle disagreements and changes between shareholders.
How Much Does it Cost to Incorporate an LLC(BV/SRL)?
Before registering a limited liability company in Belgium, it is important to understand the mandatory costs you will face at the incorporation stage. While Belgium no longer requires a fixed minimum share capital, several legal and administrative fees still apply.
Cost category | Typical amount & notes |
Notary fee for the deed of incorporation + articles of association | |
Registration of the incorporation deed / electronic “write access to deeds” (if separately charged) | |
Administrative registration rights at the tax authorities (if separately invoiced) | ~ €50 If charged separately.Sometimes included in the notary’s invoice. |
Publication fee for incorporation (in the Belgian Official Gazette / court filing) | ~ €190–€240 (+ VAT, depending on the publication method and format) |
Registration of the company in the business registry (Crossroads Bank for Enterprises / CBE) | ~ €100 The final fee depends on the enterprise counter used. |
VAT-number activation (if you need VAT) | €0 if registered directly with the tax office ~ €50–€75 (+ VAT) if handled by an accountant or service provider |
Demonstrable “sufficient” initial capital / financial plan | There’s no fixed “minimum capital” required under current law. Instead, founders need to prepare a financial plan that will prove there are enough resources to fund at least the first two years of operations. |
*All prices listed in the table below are valid as of 2025.
Limited liability company incorporation costs range between €1,300 and €1,800 for a simple incorporation. Final costs depend on notary fees, publication method, and whether VAT registration is required.
Step-by-Step Guide to Incorporate a Limited Liability Company
The business registration process in Belgium takes a while. On average, entrepreneurs have to wait 50 days to get incorporated and contact 5 institutions. Below, we outline how to incorporate an LLC step by step, explaining the required actions and the institutions you need to contact at each stage.
1. Prepare your business details
The first step in opening an LLC (SRL/BV) is to clearly define the legal and strategic foundations. At this stage, you:
Select the name
Define your business activities and official NACE codes
Decide on the shareholders, directors, and share structure
Prepare a financial plan
2. Open a Belgian bank account & deposit start capital
Institutions involved: Belgian Bank
Once your business structure and financial plan are defined, the next step is to open a Belgian business bank account in the name of your future LLC. This account will be used to deposit your company’s starting capital.
Although there is no fixed minimum capital requirement for a limited liability company, Belgian law requires that you deposit a “sufficient” amount based on your financial plan and expected activities.
At this stage:
You open a corporate bank account with a Belgian bank
You deposit the starting capital required for your operations
The bank issues a certificate of capital deposit
This bank certificate is a mandatory document that must be presented to the notary in order to proceed with the formal incorporation of your company.
3. Sign the incorporation deed with a notary
Institutions involved: Notary
At this point, the notary will now make the company official and give it legal status.
What does this step include:
The notary prepares the Articles of Association based on the information you provided.
The incorporation deed is written and checked for final approval.
You sign the deed in front of the notary, either in person or through a power of attorney.
The notary verifies the documents and starts the official registrations.
After this step, your SRL/BV officially exists as a company under Belgian law.
4. Official publication & registration
Institutions involved: Belgian Notary, Belgian Official Gazette, Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE)
After signing the incorporation deed, the notary completes the public registration of your company. At this stage:
The deed is submitted electronically
Your SRL/BV is published in the Belgian Official Gazette
Your company is registered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE)
You receive your enterprise number, which becomes your company’s official legal ID
5. Activate the enterprise number
Institutions involved: Accredited Business Counter (Guichet d’Entreprise), Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE)
After registration, your company must be commercially activated via a Business Counter. At this stage:
You register your company at an accredited Business Counter
You pay the activation fee (typically ~€100)
Your enterprise number (CBE) is officially activated for commercial use
Without this activation, your business cannot legally operate.
6. Get VAT number (if needed)
Institutions involved: Belgian Tax Office (FPS Finance), Business Counter (optional)
If your activity is subject to VAT, your company must activate a VAT number. This can be done:
Directly via the tax office (free of charge), or via a Business Counter or accountant.
Once activated, your company can legally invoice clients and reclaim VAT where applicable.
7. Register UBO (ultimate beneficial owners)
Institutions involved: Belgian UBO Register (via FPS Finance portal)
Every Belgian company must declare its ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) through an official online filing.
The filing is completed online and must be submitted within 30 days of incorporation
8. Start operations
Institutions involved: Belgian Social Security (NSSO / ONSS / RSZ)
This is final stage of incorporation, soon your business will be ready to operate.
At this stage, you:
Register with social security if you pay yourself a salary or hire employees
Appoint an accountant for ongoing compliance
At this point, your SRL/BV is fully operational.
Is There an Easier Way to Incorporate an LLC in Belgium?
Yes—and it’s called BelDoc.
BelDoc is an AI-powered business registration platform. It transforms a long, confusing process with paperwork and multiple authorities in one simple digital flow. Instead of visiting different institutions and collecting separate documents, you complete everything in one place, through a single online application.
Simplify limited liability company registration in Belgium with BelDoc:
100% online process — no physical visits required
One application instead of visiting five separate institutions
Transparent fees include everything: legal documents, notary support, VAT registration, and guidance every step of the way.
If you are looking for a guided LLC/SRL/BV incorporation — BelDoc is what you need.
Incorporate an LLC online with BelDoc.
