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Business registration in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - Sint-Pieters-Woluwe follows Belgian federal rules, with regional and communal requirements depending on the activity and location. Every new business must be recorded in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises - Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen, often called the BCE - KBO. Registration is usually handled through a recognized one-stop business counter, known as a guichet d’entreprises - ondernemingsloket, which assigns your enterprise number and updates your business details and NACEBEL activity codes.
Sole traders register directly with a one-stop counter. Companies like the SRL - BV, SA - NV, and SC - CV are incorporated by notarial deed under the Belgian Companies and Associations Code, then published in the Belgian Official Gazette and registered in the BCE - KBO. Most businesses must also handle VAT activation with the tax administration, affiliate with a social insurance fund for the self-employed, and fulfill sectoral licensing where applicable.
Because Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - Sint-Pieters-Woluwe is in the Brussels Capital Region, municipal and regional permits can apply for shops, hospitality, professional offices, and at-home activities. Depending on your activity you may need an environmental permit, a town planning permit for works or signage, food safety registration, or retail establishment authorization. The commune manages many local formalities and is bilingual French - Dutch.
Choosing the right vehicle and structure is a legal decision with long-term consequences. A lawyer can help you compare a sole proprietorship with an SRL - BV, SA - NV, or non-profit association and tailor liability, taxation, governance, and exit strategy to your goals. For an SRL - BV, counsel can draft the articles, shareholder agreements, transfer restrictions, governance rules, and tailor contributions in cash or kind to meet the adequate equity and liquidity tests.
Founders often need legal help to navigate Brussels-specific permits and planning rules, including whether your intended premises are zoned for the activity, if a signage or terrace permit is required, and how to coordinate environmental and urban planning applications. For retail and hospitality, a lawyer can guide you on alcohol, terrace, noise, and opening hours rules that often involve the commune and the region.
Foreign founders may need advice on residence and work options, the professional card for non-EEA self-employed, recognition for regulated professions, and cross-border VAT. If you are hiring staff, a lawyer can assist with employment contracts, GDPR compliance, and mandatory policies. Counsel can also help protect your trade name and brand, verify that your chosen name does not infringe third-party rights, and prepare commercial lease terms under Brussels rules for retail and pop-up leases.
If something goes wrong after registration, a lawyer can assist with disputes between founders, rectifying registration errors, changing NACEBEL codes, transferring a registered office, or dissolving the company according to the Code of Companies and Associations.
Federal framework governs legal forms, BCE - KBO registration, social security, VAT, and the UBO register. In Brussels, including Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, additional layers apply:
Urban planning and use of premises - the Brussels planning code sets rules for permitted uses, works, and signage. Many changes of use, facade works, and signs require a town planning permit obtained via the commune. Start by verifying that your intended activity is compatible with the premises.
Environmental permits - some activities need a Brussels environmental permit, with classes depending on risk and equipment. The commune is the usual point of contact for applications and public inquiries.
Retail establishment rules - large shops and certain retail formats may require authorization under the Brussels ordinance on retail establishments. Check thresholds for surface area and impact before signing a lease.
Food and health - food businesses must register or be approved with the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain. Alcohol sales and terraces are subject to communal rules and taxes.
Language and consumer information - Brussels is bilingual. Administrative dealings with the commune can be done in French or Dutch. Consumer information must be available in a national language accepted for Brussels, typically French or Dutch.
Municipal taxation and notifications - the commune may levy taxes on signs, advertising devices, and terraces. Certain activities like night shops or extended opening hours require prior authorization. Home-based businesses may need a declaration or permit if they change the use of residential premises.
Define your activity and legal form, choose your NACEBEL codes, and check premises compatibility with the commune. Then go to a recognized one-stop business counter to register in the BCE - KBO and obtain your enterprise number. For companies, meet a notary first to incorporate, then the registration follows automatically.
Sole trader registration at a one-stop counter can be completed the same day, with the enterprise number issued immediately. VAT activation often takes a few days. Company incorporation depends on notary availability and document readiness, then publication and registration follow within days.
A notary is required to incorporate an SRL - BV, SA - NV, or SC - CV. Sole proprietors do not need a notary. The notary drafts and authenticates the deed, files it, and arranges publication in the Belgian Official Gazette.
One-stop counter fees for a sole trader are typically around a hundred euros plus any VAT activation service fee. Company incorporation involves notary fees, publication costs, and administrative fees that can reach several hundred to a few thousand euros depending on complexity. Sectoral permits can add further costs.
Yes if the zoning allows it and the activity does not disturb residential use. Some activities require a town planning permit or a simple declaration. Always check with the commune before registering your address to avoid non-compliance.
Most businesses must activate a VAT number with the tax administration and file periodic returns. Self-employed persons must affiliate with a social insurance fund before starting and pay quarterly contributions. Employers must register with the National Social Security Office and declare staff via Dimona.
Often yes. You may need a town planning permit for layout or signage, a terrace authorization, an environmental permit for equipment, and food safety registration for food handling. Alcohol and late opening may require additional municipal licenses.
Administrative steps in the commune and region can be done in French or Dutch. Consumer information and contracts with consumers should be available in a national language accepted in Brussels, typically French or Dutch. Many federal filings are available in French or Dutch.
Companies and certain entities must identify their ultimate beneficial owners in the UBO register within 30 days of registration and keep it updated. Sole proprietors do not file UBO data because they are not separate legal entities.
Non-EEA self-employed usually need a professional card issued by Brussels Economy and Employment. Applications are typically filed through a consulate before arrival, or in Belgium if you already have the right to stay. A lawyer can assess eligibility and timing alongside immigration requirements.
Crossroads Bank for Enterprises - Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen
Federal Public Service Economy - Business one-stop counters recognized by the federal government
Federal Public Service Finance - VAT administration and UBO register
National Social Security Office - ONSS - RSZ
Social insurance funds for the self-employed such as Acerta, Liantis, Partena, Securex, UCM, Xerius
Hub.brussels - Brussels enterprise support agency
Brussels Economy and Employment - professional card and regional economic permits
Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain
Commune de Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - Gemeente Sint-Pieters-Woluwe - urban planning, local taxes, and business-related authorizations
Royal Federation of Belgian Notaries and local notary offices
Clarify your business model, target customers, and where you will operate in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - Sint-Pieters-Woluwe. Decide on the legal form that fits your liability and tax profile. If you plan to incorporate, contact a notary early and prepare a financial plan and proof of funds for an SRL - BV. Ensure your trade name does not conflict with existing names or trademarks.
Check with the commune whether your intended premises and activity are compatible with local planning rules. Identify any permits or declarations for works, signage, terraces, environmental aspects, or retail establishment thresholds. If you plan a home-based activity, ask the commune about any required steps.
Open a dedicated business bank account and gather identification, address, and activity details. Register through a recognized one-stop business counter to obtain your enterprise number and set your NACEBEL codes. Activate VAT if required and affiliate with a social insurance fund. If you will hire staff, register as an employer and set up payroll and Dimona procedures.
Arrange sector-specific registrations such as food safety or alcohol licenses. Put in place core documents like shareholder agreements, commercial lease, general terms and conditions, privacy notices, and staff contracts. For foreign founders, coordinate any professional card or residence steps before the go-live date.
If you need legal assistance, contact a business lawyer who practices in Brussels. Ask for a clear scope, fee estimate, and timelines. Bring your draft lease, intended activity description, and any correspondence with the commune or one-stop counter so your lawyer can provide focused guidance.
