Managing a company in Belgium means following a precise calendar of accounting, tax and legal obligations once incorporation is complete. Many Beninese entrepreneurs now run a Belgian SRL or subsidiary, sometimes from Cotonou. This guide reviews the deadlines of the year, the changes that must be published and the tools that keep you in control of your company.
After incorporation: setting up the basics
As soon as it is registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE), your company has an enterprise number, which also serves as its VAT number once VAT is activated. You then open the business bank account, organise the bookkeeping and, if needed, complete the VAT activation. If your company is not set up yet, start with our article on starting a company in Belgium.
The calendar for managing a company in Belgium
- Double-entry bookkeeping. Companies keep full accounts, recorded throughout the year. An accountant usually takes care of this.
- VAT returns. They are monthly or quarterly depending on your situation. The standard rate is 21%. LegalBelgique offers follow-up of VAT returns.
- Peppol e-invoicing. Since 1 January 2026, invoices between VAT-registered businesses in Belgium must be structured and sent electronically, in practice through the Peppol network.
- Corporate income tax. A return is filed every year. The standard rate is 25%, with a reduced rate of 20% on the first 100,000 euros of taxable profit for SMEs meeting the conditions.
- General meeting and annual accounts. The accounts are approved by the general meeting within six months of the financial year end, then filed with the Central Balance Sheet Office of the National Bank of Belgium no later than seven months after year end.
- UBO register. The company's beneficial owners must be registered, and any change must be recorded within one month.
- Manager's social contributions. A self-employed manager joins a social insurance fund and pays quarterly contributions.
For year-end steps, LegalBelgique supports the approval of the accounts and the filing of the annual accounts.
Practical tip: note your financial year end as soon as the company is created and work out your six and seven month deadlines, because late filing leads to additional charges.
Changes published in the Belgian Official Gazette
A company evolves: capital increase, new corporate purpose, a new partner, transfer of the registered office or change of manager. These decisions are formalised, then published in the annexes of the Belgian Official Gazette (Moniteur belge), and the CBE is updated. Depending on the case, a notarial deed is required, notably to amend the articles of association. LegalBelgique handles, for example, a change of manager. Remember to update the UBO register as well if the beneficial owners change.
Managing a company in Belgium from Benin
You can perfectly well run your company from Cotonou or Parakou. Three levers make remote management easier:
- A domiciliation service provides an official address in Belgium and receives administrative mail.
- A Belgian accountant keeps the books, prepares the returns and alerts you to deadlines.
- Powers of attorney allow a representative to act on your behalf. For Beninese nationals, the consulate issues the relevant consular acts, and the legalisation of documents makes your Beninese papers usable in Belgium.
If the manager is not a national of an EEA country, also look into the professional card in Belgium.
Everyday tools
Belgian management platforms help keep a clear view. Company Belgium (companybelgium.be), for example, combines Peppol e-invoicing, double-entry accounting, CRM and CBE data. Such a tool complements your accountant's work without replacing it. For a subsidiary, also read our article on the subsidiary in Belgium and the guide Doing business in Belgium. A question? Write to us through the Contact page.
Frequently asked questions
When must the annual accounts be filed?
They are approved by the general meeting within six months of year end, then filed with the National Bank of Belgium no later than seven months after the end of the financial year.
Does Peppol invoicing apply to my company?
Yes, if it is VAT-registered in Belgium and invoices other Belgian VAT-registered businesses. Since 1 January 2026, these invoices must be electronic and structured.
Can I keep managing a company in Belgium while living in Benin?
Yes, with a domiciliation service, an accountant and powers of attorney. Do check whether the manager needs a professional card depending on their role.
What if the UBO register is not up to date?
The company is then failing a legal obligation and faces administrative penalties. Any change must be recorded within one month.
Sources
- National Bank of Belgium: Central Balance Sheet Office
- FPS Finance: e-invoicing
- FPS Finance: UBO register (in Dutch)
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