ENCYCLOPEDIA
Belgium, located in the heart of Europe, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Chinese companies entering the European market. As a founding member of the EU, Belgium attracts global investors with its strategic location, open economic policies and highly competitive tax system.
A European gateway with access to the EU market:
Belgium is located in the heart of Europe and is home to the EU headquarters and Europe’s second-largest port. Its logistics network reaches Germany, France and the Netherlands within 24 hours. Registering a company in Belgium gives it the legal status of an EU member state company and free access to the EU single market. It is an ideal gateway for companies planning to expand in Europe.
One of the world’s most open economies:
Belgium has a highly open and trade-oriented economy. According to the 2025 KOF Globalization Index, Belgium ranks third globally. It is the world’s 13th-largest goods exporter and 15th-largest importer, generating 2.2% of global exports and 2.1% of global imports with only 0.15% of the world’s population. The Belgian government welcomes foreign investment. Foreign-invested companies enjoy basically the same rights and obligations as domestic companies, capital flows and profit repatriation are generally unrestricted, and companies can freely open euro or foreign currency accounts.
Well-developed infrastructure and legal protection:
Belgium has a highly developed transport network covering seaports, inland ports, airports and railways. Its international rail and air systems are regarded as among the most attractive in the world. It has a mature legal system, an independent judiciary, strict protection of intellectual property and shareholder rights, and a transparent and predictable business environment. Brussels, as the seat of the EU headquarters, brings together numerous international organizations, multinational companies and professional service firms, offering an excellent business environment.
Close China-Belgium economic and trade cooperation:
China and Belgium established an all-round friendly cooperative partnership in 2014. In recent years, Chinese companies such as Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and COSCO Shipping have established a strong presence in Belgium, with investment focused on high technology, life sciences, logistics and other fields.
The most popular company form in Belgium, suitable for SMEs, start-ups and family businesses. Following the 2019 company law reform, the statutory minimum share capital has been abolished, but a financial plan must be submitted to demonstrate that the company has sufficient initial capital to operate for at least two years. Shareholder liability is limited to capital contributions. The company may be established by a single shareholder, directors are not subject to nationality or residency restrictions, and 100% foreign ownership is permitted.
Suitable for large companies, listed companies or companies planning to raise funds from the public. The minimum share capital is EUR 61,500 and must be fully paid at registration. Shareholder liability is limited to capital contributions, and the company may be established by a single shareholder. Governance requirements are stricter, shares are in principle freely transferable, and annual accounts must be filed with the National Bank of Belgium and made public.
An extension of a foreign parent company established in Belgium. It does not have independent legal personality, and the parent company bears full legal liability. The establishment process is simpler than that of a subsidiary and requires fewer documents. Profits generated in Belgium are subject to Belgian non-resident corporate income tax. It is suitable for companies that wish to conduct market research or provide limited services.
The form with the lowest establishment threshold and the most restricted business scope. A representative office may only engage in non-commercial activities such as market research, information collection and liaison. It may not directly engage in sales or profit-making business. It is suitable for foreign companies exploring the Belgian market at an early stage.
Company name: First, choose a company name and check it in the Belgian Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (Banque Carrefour des Entreprises, BCE) to ensure it has not already been registered.
Shareholders and directors: At least one shareholder, with no nationality restrictions; both natural persons and legal entities are permitted. At least one director, with no nationality or residency restrictions. To facilitate bank account opening and compliant operations, a representative resident in Belgium is recommended.
Share capital: A private limited liability company (BV/SRL) has no minimum share capital requirement, but must submit a financial plan demonstrating that the company has sufficient initial capital to operate for at least two years. A public limited liability company (NV/SA) has a minimum share capital of EUR 61,500, which must be fully paid.
Registered address: The company must have an actual registered office address in Belgium (a PO box is not acceptable).
Articles of association: The company’s business scope, share capital, shareholder rights and other matters must be specified, and the articles must be notarized.
Information collection form
Clear color scan of the shareholder’s passport
Shareholder’s proof of address (bank statement or utility bill issued within the past 3 months)
Shareholder’s CV (professional background, English version)
Power of Attorney (POA) (notarized + apostilled)
Statutory financial plan (English draft, final version in French/Dutch, confirming that the company will have sufficient funds for at least 2 years)
Business license (notarized + apostilled + sworn French/Dutch translation)
Articles of association (notarized + apostilled + sworn translation)
Register of shareholders and register of directors (if any) (notarized + apostilled + sworn translation)
Shareholders’ resolution: approving the establishment of a Belgian SRL, authorizing representatives and appointing directors (notarized + apostilled + sworn translation)
Legal representative/authorized director of the company: passport, proof of address, CV (professional background, English version)
Power of Attorney (POA) (notarized + apostilled)
Complete equity structure chart (look-through to UBO)
Statutory financial plan (English draft, final version in French/Dutch, confirming that the company will have sufficient funds for at least 2 years)
Clear color scan of passport
Proof of address (bank statement or utility bill issued within the past 3 months)
CV (professional background, English version)
Complete the information collection form and provide the required documents.
Arrange company name check.
Draft the power of attorney and other documents.
Open a temporary company bank account and inject the minimum paid-in capital; provide a bank deposit certificate. Issue the financial plan.
Notarize/legalize or apostille the power of attorney and other documents.
Submit the company registration application and obtain the registration certificate.
Register for corporate income tax and VAT.
Complete the transfer from the temporary bank account to the company bank account.
The overall registration timeline is approximately 2 to 3 months, excluding document courier and notarization/legalization time. The time required for the above process is based on experience and is for reference only; actual timing depends on the specific circumstances.
Corporate income tax: The standard rate is 25%. Qualifying SMEs may apply a reduced rate of 20% to the first EUR 100,000 of taxable profit, subject to a number of conditions.
Personal income tax: Progressive rates of 25%, 40%, 45% and 50%.
VAT: The standard rate is 21%, with reduced rates of 12% and 6% applicable to specific goods and services. Monthly VAT returns are due by the 20th of the following month; quarterly returns are due by the 25th of the first month of the following quarter.
Withholding tax: Withholding tax applies to payments of dividends, interest, royalties, etc. The standard domestic withholding tax rate in Belgium is 30%. Under the China-Belgium tax treaty, dividend withholding tax may be reduced to 5% or 10% when conditions are met, interest to 10%, and royalties to 7%.
Excise duties: Excise duties are payable on the production and import of certain goods. The EU levies excise duties on mineral oils, alcohol, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Belgium levies domestic excise duties on coffee and non-alcoholic beverages.
Registration duties: These are registration taxes on notarial documents, mainly including: 12.5% (purchase of real estate located in Belgium; rates vary among the three regions); 0.2% (lease of non-residential real estate located in Belgium); 1.3% (mortgage financing for real estate located in Belgium); 0.5% (contribution of cash assets to a company).
Tax filing: Corporate income tax returns must be filed within 7 months after the end of the fiscal year; VAT returns are filed monthly or quarterly; payroll withholding tax returns are filed by the 15th of the following month. Late filing or payment may result in penalties of up to 50% of the tax due.
Annual financial statements: All companies must prepare annual financial statements, which must be approved by the shareholders’ meeting. The shareholders’ meeting must be held within 6 months after the end of the fiscal year. The financial statements must be filed with the National Bank of Belgium within 30 days after approval and no later than 7 months after the end of the fiscal year, and must be made public.
Audit exemption: A company may be exempt from statutory audit if, for two consecutive fiscal years, it meets at least two of the following: fewer than 50 employees, annual turnover not exceeding EUR 9 million, and balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 4.5 million.
UBO registration: Ultimate beneficial owner information must be registered in the Belgian enterprise database and confirmed annually, within 12 months of the most recent registration.
Retention of accounting records: Accounting vouchers, books and other records must be kept for at least 7 years; tax-related records must be kept for 10 years. Records must be kept in Dutch or French. Electronic records must be tamper-proof and traceable.
With its core location in Europe, open investment policies, flexible BV/SRL company form and highly competitive and innovative tax system, Belgium offers opportunities for Chinese companies entering the European market.
If you need Belgium company registration or other local implementation services, you are welcome to contact Chuyuan (Chyield).
If you are planning an investment in Belgium, you are welcome to contact Chuyuan (Chyield).
WeChat: chyieldconsulting
Website: www.chyield.com
