Which company form should you choose in Belgium?

Since the Code of Companies and Associations (CSA/WVV) came into force in 2019, the choice is simpler: there are six company forms left. All former SPRLs were automatically converted into SRLs on 1 January 2024. Before choosing, the first question is often: stay self-employed as a sole trader, or set up a company?

The comparison at a glance

Form	Min. founders	Minimum capital	Partners' liability	Notary	Financial plan
SRL (BV)	1	None (sufficient equity)	Limited to the contribution	Yes	Yes
SA (NV)	1	€61,500, fully paid up	Limited to the contribution	Yes	Yes
SC (cooperative)	3	None (sufficient equity)	Limited to the contribution	Yes	Yes
SNC (general partnership)	2	None	Unlimited, joint and several	Not mandatory	No
SComm (limited partnership)	2	None	Unlimited for general partners, limited for limited partners	Not mandatory	No
Société simple (partnership)	2	None	Unlimited	No	No

The SRL: the most common choice

The SRL (private limited company) is the preferred form for self-employed people and SMEs. It can be set up by a single person and no longer requires a minimum capital. In return, the founders must provide sufficient equity for the activity and draw up a financial plan. Note: if the company goes bankrupt within three years and its starting resources were clearly insufficient, the founders can be held personally liable.

The SA: for larger projects

The SA (public limited company) requires €61,500 of fully paid-up capital. It suits businesses that want to attract investors, because shares can in principle be transferred freely. It can be run by a sole director, a board of directors or a two-tier system.

The SC: for a cooperative project

The cooperative company requires at least three founders and must pursue a cooperative purpose, such as meeting its members' needs. It is not designed for an ordinary commercial activity.

SNC, SComm and partnership: simple but risky

These forms are easy to set up, with no notary and no minimum capital, but the partners are liable for debts with their private assets. A simple partnership has no legal personality; it acquires one when it becomes an SNC or SComm. In an SComm, only the general partners, who manage the company, have unlimited liability; limited partners invest without managing.

Tax: what changed in 2026

Corporate income tax: the standard rate is 25%. A small company can benefit from a reduced rate of 20% on the first €100,000 of profit.
Director's remuneration: to keep this reduced rate, at least one director must receive a minimum remuneration. It rises from €45,000 to €51,000 from tax year 2027 (law of 15 July 2026), with exceptions. Flat-rate benefits in kind may no longer exceed 20% of this remuneration.
VVPRbis dividends: the reduced withholding tax on dividends from small companies rises from 15% to 18% for dividends granted since 1 July 2026, from the third financial year after the contribution. The standard rate remains 30%.
Sole traders and simple partnerships: no corporate income tax. Profits are taxed under personal income tax, at progressive rates of up to 50%.

How to choose?

Four questions help you decide:

Risk: could your activity generate large debts? A limited liability company protects your private assets.
Expected profit: above a certain level of profit, corporate income tax generally becomes more advantageous than personal income tax.
Partners: alone, with others, with investors? This points towards the SRL, SA or SC.
Costs: a company involves a notarial deed, double-entry bookkeeping and filing annual accounts.

Some regulated professions must also comply with the rules of their professional body before setting up a company.

Take the test: our free questionnaire guides you in 2 minutes.

Not sure? We work out with you the best form for your activity, prepare the financial plan and support you until CBE registration. Contact us.

This article provides general information and does not replace advice tailored to your situation. Situation as at 28 October 2026.