To start a company in Belgium is a strategic move for a Beninese investor targeting the European market. The country gives direct access to a single market of about 450 million consumers. Whether you are based in Cotonou or already in Liège, this guide covers the legal forms, the steps and the costs.
Why Belgium for a Beninese investor
Belgium sits at the heart of Europe. Brussels hosts the institutions of the European Union, and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is Europe's second largest port. For a Beninese business, a Belgian company is therefore a natural base to sell, import and distribute in Europe.
Liège and Wallonia add a recognised logistics hub and an active Beninese community. Our guide Doing business in Belgium complements the one on Doing business in Benin.
Choosing the legal form
The 2019 Belgian Code of Companies and Associations offers four main options:
- The private limited company (SRL/BV). This is the most common form. There is no minimum capital, but founders must provide sufficient initial equity and draw up a mandatory financial plan. One founder is enough. The LegalBelgique platform explains how to set up an SRL/BV.
- The public limited company (SA/NV). It requires a minimum capital of 61,500 euros.
- The cooperative company (SC/CV). It requires a genuine cooperative purpose, for example a group of producers or importers.
- The sole proprietorship. You trade as a natural person, with no notarial deed, but with no separation of assets.
To decide, the LegalBelgique tool to compare legal forms gives a first overview. If you represent an established Beninese company, a subsidiary may be a better fit: our article on a subsidiary in Belgium compares these options.
The steps to start a company in Belgium
- Shape the project and the financial plan. It justifies the level of initial equity and is handed to the notary.
- Check whether you need a professional card. As a rule, a Beninese national carrying on a self-employed activity in Belgium needs one, except with certain residence permits. Our guide to the professional card in Belgium explains the procedure.
- Set the registered office and open the blocked account. A registered office service can provide the address. Cash contributions are paid into a blocked bank account in the name of the company being formed, and the bank issues a certificate for the notary.
- Sign the notarial deed. The notary executes the deed of incorporation, which contains the articles of association, and has it published in the Belgian Official Gazette (Moniteur belge). If you cannot travel, a power of attorney can be discussed with the notary.
- Register with the CBE, activate VAT and join a fund. Registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE) goes through an enterprise counter. Then comes VAT activation (standard rate of 21%) and mandatory affiliation to a social insurance fund before starting as self-employed, with quarterly social contributions.
- Obtain a BIS number if needed. A person who is not in the Belgian National Register receives a BIS number, allocated through the Crossroads Bank for Social Security, in order to be registered.
Good news: the "basic management knowledge" requirement has been abolished in all three regions (Flanders in 2019, Brussels on 15 January 2024, Wallonia on 1 October 2025). Professional competence is still required for some regulated professions, such as restaurants, bakers or certain construction trades.
How much does it cost?
- Notary costs for an SRL/BV: indicatively between 1,000 and 2,000 euros all in (fees, registration duty and publication in the Belgian Official Gazette).
- CBE registration: 111.50 euros in 2026, the same amount for a natural person and for a company.
- Professional card: in Wallonia, an application fee of 140 euros, then 90 euros per year of validity when the card is issued.
Ongoing obligations are covered in our article on managing a company in Belgium.
What Honorary Consulate of Benin in Liège does
Beninese documents used in Belgium must be legalised: check the required legalisation chain with the Belgian authorities, and see our document legalisation service. We also issue powers of attorney and attestations for Beninese nationals.
LegalBelgique also offers a dedicated service for the foreign entrepreneur: status analysis, professional card file, registered office, bank, remote incorporation with a notary, CBE, VAT and BIS number.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to live in Belgium to start a company in Belgium?
No. However, if you personally carry on a self-employed activity there, the professional card and residence permit come into play.
How much capital should I plan for an SRL/BV?
The law sets no minimum, but initial equity must be sufficient in light of the financial plan. The notary checks this at incorporation.
Are my Beninese diplomas recognised?
They must be translated where needed and legalised. For regulated professions, professional competence must still be demonstrated, under the rules of the region concerned.
Do Belgium and Benin have agreements useful to entrepreneurs?
Tax situations vary from one project to another. Have your structure validated by a Belgian accountant or tax adviser before you start.
In short, to start a company in Belgium is within reach of a well prepared Beninese investor. For your documents, contact Honorary Consulate of Benin in Liège.
Sources
- FPS Economy: the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (French page)
- Wallonie Emploi: the professional card in Wallonia (in French)
- UCM: enterprise counter fees in 2026 (in French)
- Walloon Region: abolition of the basic management knowledge requirement (in French)
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