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New business formation law in Visé, Belgium, governs how individuals and groups create, register, and operate new enterprises. The process blends national company law with regional planning and local permitting rules. In practice, you typically combine corporate law with registration at the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO) and, when needed, municipal permits for location and activity.
Since 2019 Belgium has reformed many company structures under the Code des Sociétés et des Associations (CSA). This reform introduced modern corporate forms such as the Société Privée à Responsabilité Limitée (SRL), now commonly known as the SRL, and clarified governance and capital requirements. The changes are designed to simplify formation, increase flexibility, and strengthen creditor protections. Legal counsel can help you choose the right form and navigate changes as you start in Visé.
In Visé and the broader Walloon region, business formation also involves regional planning rules and building permits when your chosen business location requires zoning or construction changes. Local authorities in Visé implement these rules in line with the Walloon planning framework and municipal ordinances. Working with a lawyer who understands both CSA provisions and local permitting processes can reduce timelines and risks.
Government sources emphasize that new company forms and registration requirements are now streamlined under the CSA, with emphasis on clear governance and transparency.
Practical takeaway: the core steps usually include selecting a legal form, securing a unique business name, registering with the BCE/KBO, drafting the incorporation deeds with a notary if required, and addressing any local permits tied to your business activity in Visé.
The Belgian framework for new business formation blends federal company law, national registration systems, and regional/local planning rules. The following are representative statutes and regulations you should consider when forming a business in Visé.
Code des sociétés et des associations (CSA) - This is the central Belgian statute governing company forms, governance, capital, and transparency for companies including SRL. It replaced several older acts and aims to simplify corporate structures while standardizing rules across regions. The CSA became effective in 2019 with ongoing adjustments to implementation. Key effect for Visé startups is faster, clearer formation and governance paths, including the SRL form with flexible capital.
Belgian CSA reforms emphasize simplified governance and notable changes to capital and formation requirements for new entities.
Banque-Carrefour des Entreprises (BCE) / KBO registration - All Belgian enterprises must register with the BCE to receive a KBO number before starting activities. This registration system centralizes data on businesses for regulatory and statistical purposes. In Visé, your BCE entry ties to local taxation and permit eligibility.
The KBO serves as the authoritative registry for business identification and is mandatory for new entities.
Code du développement territorial et permis d’urbanisme (Wallonie) and local planning rules - In Wallonia, regional planning law governs land use, building permits, and development projects. For a new storefront, office, or manufacturing space in Visé, you must comply with zoning and planning requirements set by the Walloon authorities and local Visé municipal regulations. This includes any necessary permits prior to occupancy or construction.
Regional planning codes set the framework for land use and building permits in Wallonia, with local municipalities enforcing specifics for each commune.
Recent trends include greater digitization of corporate filings, stricter emphasis on corporate governance disclosures, and more integrated data collection across BCE and KBO. For Visé entrepreneurs, aligning your formation process with CSA rules, BCE registration, and planning provisions reduces delays and compliance risks. To stay current, consult the federal and regional portals below as you proceed.
The SRL is a modern Belgian corporate form introduced under the CSA as a flexible, founder-friendly structure. It replaces the former SPRL with simpler governance and a lower barrier to entry. Key features include a minimum capital of 1 euro and the possibility of varied governance rules.
Begin by ensuring your business name is available and preparing essential documents. You then submit registration data to the BCE via the official BCE portal and obtain a KBO number. A lawyer or notary can help ensure the submission is complete and compliant.
The KBO number is issued through the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises. You apply by providing corporate details, ownership, and legal form information. After registration, you receive the unique KBO identifier used in all official filings.
Formation usually takes several weeks, depending on the chosen corporate form and the need for notarial deeds. Notary appointments can add time, and any required planning permits may extend the timeline. A careful, lawyer-guided plan helps minimize delays.
Yes, for many SRL formations a notary is required to draft and notarize the incorporation deed. The notary ensures compliance with CSA provisions and proper capitalization and governance arrangements. Some forms or exemptions may reduce notary involvement in specific cases.
Costs vary by form and complexity but typically include government fees for registration, notary fees for the incorporation deed, and possible consulting fees for legal counsel. Budget for fees in the range of a few hundred to several thousand euros depending on the structure.
Most Belgian companies must maintain accounting records, file annual accounts, and submit annual tax returns. The exact requirements depend on the legal form and turnover. A local accountant or tax advisor can tailor a compliance plan for Visé.
Yes, many home-based activities require planning permissions or permits under Walloon regional rules and Visé municipal ordinances. Even small operations may trigger zoning or nuisance considerations, so check early with the city hall.
A sole proprietorship is simpler to set up but offers less liability protection. A BV/SRL provides limited liability to shareholders and structured governance, at the cost of formalities and ongoing compliance. The choice affects taxes, liability, and growth strategies.
Yes, foreign investors may form Belgian companies, subject to the same CSA and BCE registrations as local entrepreneurs. Non-residents may need additional documentation and a fiscal representative in Belgium. Lawyers can help coordinate cross-border filings.
Engaging a lawyer helps ensure compliance with CSA, BCE, and local permit requirements. A lawyer can draft shareholder agreements, prepare incorporation deeds, and manage risk from insolvency or governance disputes. This often saves time and reduces cost of errors.
New requirements apply to newly formed entities starting in 2019, with some transitional provisions for older structures. Existing companies may need to adapt governance and reporting practices over time. Consult a lawyer for a tailored transition plan.
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