Company Formation & Tax in Belgium
The de facto capital of the EU — entity types, the corporate tax rate and SME relief, VAT, and the holding and IP regimes that make Belgium work for structuring.
Belgium sits at the centre of the EU — literally, as the seat of the European institutions, and practically, as a base for companies that want EU market access and an extensive treaty network. Its corporate tax rate is mid-table for Europe, but its real appeal for international groups lies in its holding and IP regimes.
Choosing an entity
Since the 2019 Companies and Associations Code, the standard SME vehicle is the BV/SRL (private limited company), which no longer has a fixed minimum capital — though founders must file a financial plan showing the company is adequately funded for its planned activity. Larger and capital-raising businesses use the NV/SA (public limited company), which carries a minimum capital requirement. Foreign nationals (EU and non-EU) can form a Belgian company with no shareholder residency requirement; incorporation is notarised and registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises.
Corporate tax and VAT
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| Corporate income tax (standard) | 25% |
| Reduced SME rate (first €100,000 of profit) | 20% |
| VAT (standard) | 21% |
| VAT (reduced) | 6% / 12% |
The standard corporate income tax rate is 25%. Qualifying SMEs benefit from a reduced 20% rate on their first €100,000 of profit, subject to conditions (including being an SME under the Companies Code and meeting a minimum director-remuneration test). A surcharge applies to the final tax bill if insufficient advance payments are made — for tax year 2026 it is 6.75%, and it is avoided by paying enough in advance. VAT is 21% standard, with reduced 6% and 12% rates and a small-business exemption below €25,000 turnover.
The regimes that matter
Two features make Belgium attractive for structuring. The participation exemption (the "DBI/RDT" regime) can exempt qualifying dividends received from subsidiaries and gains on qualifying shares, which is the backbone of using a Belgian holding company. The Innovation Income Deduction (patent box) can reduce the effective rate on qualifying IP income to the low single digits. Belgium also runs a special expat tax regime for qualifying inbound executives and researchers, and maintains one of the world's broadest double-tax-treaty networks.
Compliance
Companies register with FPS Finance for corporate tax and VAT, keep statutory accounts, and file annual corporate tax returns (calendar-year filers by 30 September of the following year). Employer social-security contributions are significant and should be factored into any cost-of-employment model.
Frequently asked questions
What is the corporate tax rate in Belgium?
25% standard, with a reduced 20% rate on the first €100,000 of profit for qualifying SMEs.
How much capital do I need for a BV/SRL?
There is no fixed legal minimum since the 2019 reform, but you must file a financial plan showing the company is adequately funded.
What is the VAT rate in Belgium?
The standard VAT rate is 21%, with reduced rates of 6% and 12%.
Why use a Belgian holding company?
The participation exemption can exempt qualifying dividends and share gains, making Belgium efficient for holding structures when conditions are met.
Official sources
- FPS Finance (SPF Finances / FOD Financiën)
- FPS Economy — Crossroads Bank for Enterprises
- Company law — the Companies and Associations Code (2019)
This guide is general information prepared by ARM Management and is current as at June 2026. It is not legal or tax advice; reliefs carry conditions and rules change. Confirm against FPS Finance, or with an advisor, before acting.
Build your EU base in Belgium.
ARM Management is headquartered in Brussels and advises international companies on Belgian entity formation, holding structures and tax positioning. Begin with a confidential conversation.