As a budding entrepreneur, you're eager to hit the ground running. However, launching a business involves a comprehensive start-up process, often underestimated. Numerous challenges await, but with our experts by your side, you'll receive personalised guidance from A to well beyond Z.
Step 1: sole proprietorship or company?
Your first crucial decision is choosing between a sole proprietorship and a company. Each business structure has its advantages and disadvantages:
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Sole proprietorship
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1. Low start-up costs
2. No initial capital required
3. Simplified accounting
4. Quick decision-making
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1. Unlimited liability
2. Higher financial risks
3. Personal income tax on total profits
4. Investments rely solely on personal funds
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Company
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1. Potential for tax optimisation
2. Often limited liability
3. Ability to attract co-investors
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1. More expensive and complex start-up process
2. Increased legal obligations
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While the choice may seem straightforward, it's essential not to rush. This fundamental decision shapes the rest of your start-up journey.
Start smoothly as a sole proprietor with PIA Go!
If you've decided to launch as a sole proprietor, we introduce you to PIA Go!—our accounting environment tailored for start-ups and sole traders. Recognising the challenges many self-employed individuals face in finding a reliable accountant, we launched PIA Go! in 2024.
With personalised support from our PIA accountants, a user-friendly dashboard, and a handy mobile app, managing your accounts becomes significantly more manageable. Every sole proprietor deserves a quality accountant who thinks alongside them.
Step 2: financial plan, notary, and Belgian Official Gazette
Opting to establish a company? In many cases, drafting a financial plan is mandatory. Depending on the chosen company type, you'll also need to visit a notary to prepare your deed of incorporation and statutes. This deed must then be published in the Belgian Official Gazette.
PIA Group: your company, our expertise
Looking to scale up by forming a company? PIA Group is here to assist! We'll connect you with one of our over 60 PIA offices across Belgium to find the perfect accountant for your needs.
From there, the real work begins. You'll need a current account to start your business. We'll handle your registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and enrol you with a social insurance fund. We'll also ensure your VAT registration is completed and assist with any necessary permits. Additionally, we'll coordinate with a notary to draft tailored statutes and help develop your financial plan. And that's just the beginning
Are you curious about which PIA office you can contact?
Step 3: register with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE)
Whether you choose a sole proprietorship or a company, every self-employed individual must register with the CBE through a recognised enterprise counter. This registration provides you with a company number and allows the government to access your business's core information easily.
Step 4: register with the VAT administration
If you're subject to VAT, beyond registering with the CBE, you must activate your VAT number. Although your VAT number closely resembles your company number, activation isn't automatic through the CBE.
Step 5: join a social insurance fund
Whether you're self-employed full-time or part-time, joining a social insurance fund is mandatory. By paying your social contributions, you gain access to various social rights, such as family allowances, building your pension, medical reimbursements, and receiving benefits when necessary.
Important: Do you have a company? Then you must register not only yourself, but also your company with a social insurance fund within three months.
Step 6: applying for permits
As a new self-employed professional, applying for certain permits is sometimes mandatory. Here are a few examples:
A building permit is required if you plan to construct or renovate a physical shop or office.
A hospitality permit is needed to open a restaurant, café, or bar.
An environmental permit is necessary if your business activities may impact the environment.
A health permit is required for businesses that prepare or sell food, such as a catering company.
In many municipalities, a general business licence is also necessary simply to operate your business legally.
Let’s be clear: starting your own business comes with its fair share of administrative hassle and back-and-forth. That’s why it’s wise to rely on our specialised experts. They offer a complete and personalised start-up service so you can focus on what you love most: running your business. And even after the launch, they’ll be happy to support and guide you whenever needed.
