Where to start to create your business in Belgium?

~ 6 MIN · 7 STEPS

You have the idea. Now comes the order of things: validate, model, structure, launch. Here is the sequence that avoids 80% of the mistakes first-time Belgian entrepreneurs make.

1. 01

   Validate the idea with real customers

   10 discovery interviews before any investment. Look for signals: are they ready to pay? How much?

2. 02

   Model your business

   Business Model Canvas + a simple 3-year forecast. How much do you need to sell to make a living from it?

3. 03

   Choose the legal form

   Sole trader to test the waters, SRL/BV as soon as liability or tax makes it worthwhile.

4. 04

   Register with the CBE

   Through an enterprise counter (Liantis, Partena, Securex, UCM, Acerta). €90–105.

5. 05

   Join a social insurance fund + health insurance fund + VAT

   Within 90 days of starting. Optional but recommended: an accountant.

6. 06

   Launch an MVP, not a finished product

   A website, an offer, a clear promise. Sell before you build everything.

7. 07

   Track your KPIs from day 1

   Revenue, margin, cash, customer satisfaction. No more than 5 indicators.

Going further

Details of the status formalities in our guide becoming self-employed in Belgium. Full budget to plan: how much it costs to start. Support available in your region: start-up support.