What is a holding or holding company?

A holding is a company that owns shares in one or more other firms. Instead of conducting your activities directly as a natural person, you set up a separate company – the holding – that acts as a parent company.

A holding can serve several purposes: structuring group companies, protecting profits, facilitating a sale, mitigating risks or building a pension reserve through your business.

You can choose the legal form in which to establish your holding, most commonly a private limited company.

Why opt for a holding?

A holding offers entrepreneurs more flexibility and control over their assets. It allows for a more professional approach that clearly separates your operational activities from your accumulated reserves.

Advantages of a holding structure:

Tax optimisation via the DRD (Dividends Received Deduction) and tax-free dividend flow-through
Asset protection beyond the operational risks
Convenient structure for the sale or transfer of your company
Flexible framework for future investments
Attractive for family planning and asset accumulation

Make an appointment

Who benefits from a holding?

A holding structure is an interesting option for:

Entrepreneurs with multiple companies or activities
Entrepreneurs planning to sell their company in the future
Sole traders seeking to save or invest in a tax-efficient way
Families looking to structure ownership or control across generations

Build your holding with expertise

Setting up a holding is not something you do overnight. Everything depends on your goals: protecting, growing, investing, selling… Our PIA accountants and advisory experts will help you develop a long-term strategy to leverage your structure to best advantage.

Interested?