Launching your own business? You need to complete these 3 essential administrative steps before you begin
3 min
Are you planning on starting a business in Belgium? Then there are 3 important administrative steps you need to complete first. These include activating your company number and VAT number, and choosing the right NACEBEL codes for your business. Not sure where to begin? This article will guide you.
What is a company number?
As a new self-employed professional, you will need a company number: a unique 10-digit identifier. It exists to tell your customers, suppliers and the authorities who you are. This means that every time you deal with the government, you’ll need to include your company number.
How to apply for your company number
You can apply directly through the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). Or save yourself the hassle and ask an accredited office to handle it for you. Several recognised offices exist, including our partner Partena Professional. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your company number. In both cases, the legal fee in August 2025 is €109 (excluding VAT).
What is a VAT number?
Whether you are self-employed on a full-time or part-time basis, you’ll need a VAT number. There are some exceptions though: check this official government page for more information.
Your company number and VAT number are nearly identical. The only difference? Your VAT number starts with ‘BE’. It’s a legal requirement to show it on your invoices.
Activating your VAT number
Received your company number? Then you’ll also need to activate your VAT number. Only after that can you begin your activities. If however you’re not subject to VAT, you won’t need a VAT number.
There are two ways to apply for a VAT number:
- Submit Form 604A (request for VAT identification) yourself via an external website.
- Ask a recognised office such as Partena Professional, they’ll take care of everything for you.
Activating your VAT number through an accredited office costs €77.50 (incl. VAT). This fee is fully tax-deductible.
Choosing your VAT scheme
Unfortunately, the Belgian tax system is complex, with multiple VAT schemes in place. The good news? Your enterprise office can usually advise you free of charge.
You can also find an overview of VAT schemes here:
- Standard scheme
- Exemption scheme for small businesses
If your annual turnover is less than €25,000 (excl. VAT) and you opt for this scheme, then you do not need to charge VAT. Most other VAT obligations also no longer apply. - Flat-rate VAT declaration (fixed rate)
A scheme for certain professions, provided you meet specific conditions. - Agricultural scheme
For farms that meet certain criteria. - Margin scheme
A special VAT regime where VAT is only due on the profit margin.
What are your VAT obligations?
As a business owner, your VAT obligations include:
- Filing VAT returns
- Paying the VAT you charge to customers to the tax authorities
- Filing an annual VAT client listing (a list of all your Belgian VAT-liable clients)
- Keeping accounts and issuing VAT-compliant invoices
Sounds complicated? It’s manageable, especially if you use accounting software. Your accountant can also help.
What is a NACEBEL code?
The EU uses a list of codes for all economic activities, both commercial and non-commercial. This list is known as NACE, short for the French term: Nomenclature générale des Activités économiques dans les Communautés Européennes. Belgium uses its own version called the NACEBEL list. Each business activity has its own NACEBEL code.
As a self-employed person, you must select one or more NACEBEL codes when starting your business.
And later you add a new activity, you’ll need to communicate the correct code for that as well.
How to choose the right NACEBEL code for your business
First, describe what your business does in as much detail as possible. Then consult the official NACEBEL code list via this website.
Use search terms or keywords related to your activities to find the right code.
Finally, carefully check the description of the code. It’s the only way to be sure it matches your business activities.
Struggling to find the right codes? That’s perfectly normal. Feel free to get help from an expert, such as your accountant or a social insurance fund. You can also ask Partena Professional for support.
Either way, choosing the right codes is essential. From 28 March 2025 onwards, you’ll only be allowed to register five main activities per business unit. So make the right decisions from the start.
Why NACEBEL codes matter
NACEBEL codes might seem unimportant. And let’s face it, as a new entrepreneur you’ve got other things on your mind. But don’t ignore them.
NACEBEL codes help divide the economy into sectors, which is useful for statistics and economic reporting. But they also matter in practice.
The government checks your codes when you apply for subsidies. You may also qualify for support measures, depending on your registered codes. Choose the wrong ones, and you might miss out.
And there’s more. If your actual business activity does not match your registered codes in the CBE, it can lead to problems. Some codes come with specific legal requirements, like compulsory insurance, recognised professional status or permits.
Need advice or support? Partena Professional can help you:
- apply for your company number
- activate your VAT number
- choose the correct NACEBEL codes