Choosing to set up a Belgium subsidiary is a big decision for any company. While you’ll benefit from global business relationships, new opportunities, and talented team members, you also have to accept the challenges that come with the incorporation process. Companies looking to establish a subsidiary have to learn a whole new state of tax laws, meet international employment compliance standards, and continue to run a business.
As a global PEO, G-P is well-versed in Belgium subsidiary laws and can help simplify the expansion process. We’ll use our existing subsidiaries around the world to help companies start working in a few days instead of a few months. You won’t have to learn how to set up a Belgium subsidiary, and you can have complete peace of mind knowing that you’ll stay compliant.
How to Set up a Belgium Subsidiary
Before starting the Belgium subsidiary setup process, you should consider certain factors, such as your business goals, desired location, language fluency, and more. Costs, availability, and regulations often vary based on the city or region your office space is in. If you’re not well-versed on the different areas within Belgium, you should work with a consultant who can give you advice on the easiest city for incorporation.
Belgium is unique in that it has two official languages — Dutch and French. Most businesses need contracts in both French and Dutch when working with employees or other local companies. If you do not have someone in your company who is fluent in both languages, you’ll need to hire some additional staff members or a translator.
Your company goals also play a role in how you should set up a Belgium subsidiary. The country permits several different subsidiary structures, including a public limited liability company (PLC), foreign branch company, private limited liability company (PLLC), and starter-private limited liability company (S-PLLC). Every entity allows for a different level of activity and operation in Belgium, so you need to choose the structure that best fits with your goals.
Many companies choose to incorporate as a PLLC. The steps to set up a Belgium subsidiary as a PLLC include:
- Creating an account with a Belgian credit institution
- Depositing at least 20% of your initial capital in your credit institution account
- Obtaining a standard certification confirming that your capital is in a blocked capital account
- Depositing a financial plan with a notary
- Signing the deed of incorporation and by-laws in the presence of a notary
- Notarizing all documents and registering the deed of incorporation
- Registering and obtaining a company number and VAT number
- Registering with the welfare agency for payroll, social security funds, and more
- Arranging workplace insurance
- Obtaining professional visas for staff if necessary
Belgium Subsidiary Laws
Belgium’s subsidiary laws also depend on the entity you decide to use, whether it’s a PLLC, PLC, S-PLLC, or foreign branch company. PLLCs must be set up by two or more people. Shareholders contribute funds for shares in the company, and their liability is limited by the amount they contribute. You need at least two shareholders, as well as a minimum amount of capital of 18,500 EUR. The minimum amount of paid-up capital for PLLCs is 6,200 EUR.
Benefits of Setting Up a Belgium Subsidiary
After you incorporate, you can finally begin hiring employees, adding them to your payroll, and doing business in Belgium. Many companies opt to set up a PLLC because of its limited liability structure. If you do the same, your parent company will not have to worry about litigation from the subsidiary. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to run your subsidiary using a process that works best for Belgium.
G-P overshadows these benefits by offering Belgium subsidiary outsourcing. When you work with us, you won’t have to spend months trying to understand Belgium’s subsidiary laws and figure out the incorporation process. Instead, you can start working in a few days, and we’ll shoulder all compliance.
Other Important Considerations
If you decide to set up your Belgium subsidiary on your own, we recommend planning for everything you’ll need. Try to set aside time for the incorporation process as well as a large budget for the numerous fees involved. It will also help to work with an expert in Belgium subsidiary laws who can help you stay compliant.
Let G-P Help With Your Expansion
G-P wants to help your company expand without all the stress. Contact us today to learn more about Belgium subsidiary outsourcing.