Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Business registration in Wellin follows the national Belgian framework for creating and operating commercial activities, combined with local municipal rules that can affect permits and zoning. At the national level you register your activity with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises - Banque-Carrefour des Entreprises (BCE/KBO), comply with company law under the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations, register for value added tax when required, and meet social security obligations for employees and for self-employed persons. For company formations requiring notarial deeds - for example limited liability companies - the formal incorporation steps take place with a notary and the company details are entered in the BCE/KBO. At the municipal level the Commune de Wellin controls local matters such as municipal permits, signage, local taxes and certain environmental or planning authorizations.
A lawyer can provide focused legal guidance and representation at different stages of starting, operating or modifying a business. Common situations where legal help is useful include:
- Choosing and structuring the right legal form - sole trader, SRL, SA or cooperative - taking into account liability, tax and governance.
- Drafting and reviewing articles of association, shareholder agreements, partnership contracts and commercial leases.
- Handling complex negotiations - with partners, investors, suppliers or landlords - and drafting binding agreements.
- Navigating employment law - contracts, dismissal procedures, collective agreements and payroll-related disputes.
- Obtaining or contesting permits and local authorizations - zoning, environmental, signage or operating permits from the Wellin municipality.
- Advising on tax and VAT structuring or representing you before tax authorities in disputes.
- Managing corporate governance, insolvency or restructuring procedures, including liquidation or creditor negotiations.
- Supporting cross-border arrangements, EU regulatory compliance or foreign investment matters.
For many routine registration steps you can rely on a guichet d'entreprises or an accountant. But where legal risk is significant - for example investor documents, litigation, or regulatory uncertainty - a lawyer reduces risk and can protect your interests.
Key local and regional legal aspects relevant to business registration in Wellin include:
- BCE/KBO Registration - All businesses must be entered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and obtain a company number - the unique enterprise number used for official interactions.
- Company Forms - The Belgian Code of Companies and Associations defines company types and formalities. Typical options include the sole proprietorship (entreprise individuelle), the private limited company (SRL), the public limited company (SA) and non-profit associations (ASBL). Limited companies generally require notarized deeds and specific capital or governance arrangements.
- VAT and Tax - Businesses that perform taxable supplies above thresholds must register for VAT with the Federal Public Service Finance. Corporate tax, personal tax and municipal taxes can apply depending on activities and profits.
- Social Security - Employers must register with the National Social Security Office - ONSS/RSZ - and with the social insurance for self-employed persons - INASTI - for independent workers. Payroll contributions and reporting obligations are important for companies hiring staff.
- Local Permits and Zoning - The Commune de Wellin enforces local planning and municipal regulations. Some activities may need a municipal business permit, environmental authorization, or building permit from the municipality or regional authorities in Wallonia.
- Environmental and Sectoral Rules - Certain sectors - food, hospitality, construction, waste management - have additional licensing, hygiene and safety rules administered at regional or municipal level.
- Accounting and Filing - Companies must keep statutory books and file annual accounts with the National Bank of Belgium when required. Accountancy obligations vary by company size and form.
- Consumer and Commercial Law - Contracts, warranties, advertising and distance selling are regulated at national and EU level and influence commercial practices.
To start you generally choose your legal form, prepare identity and identification documents, and register with a guichet d'entreprises or online via the BCE/KBO procedures. If you form a company that requires a notarial deed you will sign with a notary who arranges entry in the BCE/KBO. You must also handle VAT registration if applicable and social security registration if you are self-employed or hire staff.
Simple registrations as a sole trader can be completed in a few days through a one-stop business counter. Company incorporations that require a notary often take longer - from several days to a few weeks - depending on document preparation, notary schedule and administrative processing at the BCE/KBO and other agencies.
Typical documents include proof of identity, proof of residence, professional qualifications when required, a business address, a description of activities, and - for companies - the articles of association and details of directors and shareholders. Notarial documents are needed for certain company forms. Specific sectors may require certificates or diplomas.
Not all company forms require a notary. The SRL and other limited liability companies commonly need notarial deeds for incorporation and for certain capital changes. Sole proprietorships and some partnerships can be set up without a notary. It is important to check the formalities for the chosen legal form.
Local permits can include a municipal business permit, building permits for premises, environmental authorizations for activities that affect the environment, and specific sector permits - for example for food service or lodging. Contact the Commune de Wellin early to identify required local authorizations.
You must register for VAT if you perform taxable transactions and exceed the applicable thresholds or if you choose to be subject to VAT voluntarily. VAT registration is done with the federal tax authorities and you must charge, collect and report VAT once registered.
Employers must register with the social security authority (ONSS/RSZ), set up payroll withholdings, comply with employment contracts and collective bargaining rules, provide mandatory insurances and maintain payroll records. Labor law compliance - working time, holidays, dismissals - is essential and complex enough that many businesses work with an accountant or lawyer.
Yes. EU citizens can start businesses under the same rules as Belgian nationals. Non-EU nationals may need a professional card or residence permit with authorization to be self-employed. Cross-border tax, immigration and regulatory issues make legal and administrative advice advisable for non-Belgian founders.
Costs include registration fees at the BCE/KBO, notary fees for company formation when applicable, professional fees for accountants and lawyers, VAT and social security contributions, municipal taxes, and routine accounting and filing costs. Exact amounts vary with company form, activity and service providers chosen.
Closure or transfer procedures depend on the legal form. A sole trader can deregister at the BCE/KBO and settle tax and social obligations. Companies may require shareholder resolutions, notarial acts and publication of dissolution, followed by liquidation or transfer processes. Legal advice is recommended to minimize liabilities and meet filing obligations.
Useful resources and bodies to contact for registration and legal information include:
- The Crossroads Bank for Enterprises - the national register for companies and enterprises.
- The Federal Public Service Finance - for VAT and tax registration.
- The National Social Security Office - ONSS/RSZ - and INASTI for self-employed social insurance matters.
- Guichets d'entreprises - one-stop business counters that assist with administrative registration.
- The Commune de Wellin - municipal office for local permits, zoning and local taxes.
- The Walloon regional administration - for environmental, planning and sectoral regulations applicable in Wallonia.
- Notaries and certified accountants - for company incorporation and ongoing accounting obligations.
- The local bar association - to find lawyers specialized in corporate, commercial and employment law.
If you need legal assistance for business registration in Wellin follow these practical steps:
- Clarify your objectives - decide the activity, business model, expected turnover and whether you will hire employees.
- Choose a legal form - use preliminary advice from an accountant or lawyer to select the form that best balances liability, tax and administrative needs.
- Contact a guichet d'entreprises - they can help with the initial registration process and list the administrative steps and documents needed.
- If forming a limited company or if you face legal complexity - consult a notary and a lawyer to draft statutes and shareholder agreements and to review contracts.
- Register for VAT and social security - ensure you meet tax and payroll registration requirements before starting operations.
- Check municipal requirements with the Commune de Wellin - identify any local permits, zoning rules or environmental authorizations that apply to your location and activities.
- Hire professionals where needed - choose a lawyer with corporate experience, and an accountant familiar with Belgian accounting and filing rules. Ask for a clear fee estimate and an engagement letter.
- Keep organized records - maintain company books, contracts, invoices and payroll documentation to meet legal and fiscal obligations.
Finally, understand that this guide is informational and not a substitute for legal advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your circumstances engage a qualified lawyer or notary who can advise on the specific legal and administrative steps for your business project in Wellin.
